Rockets Motor Past Pistons, 116-107, to Start Road Trip
Not Joshin’ Around. Garry Bird Returns. Changes in House.
Houston evened their season series with the Pistons, defeating them 116-107, in Detroit on Saturday afternoon. The early tip-off time (11:00 AM CT) was the earliest on the Rockets schedule. Despite the unusual start, both teams came out with plenty of energy, but Houston managed to control the game, holding a 20-point lead at one point in the contest. Christian Wood, who loves playing in Detroit, led the Rockets with 21 points and 8 rebound. The Pistons are the first team who gave Wood a chance, then waived him after one season. Wood certainly got his revenge on Saturday, but he wasn’t the only Houston player in on the fun. In his first career NBA start, Josh Christopher continues to grow in front of our eyes. Christopher scored 10 points, grabbed 4 boards, and had 7 assists, including some beautiful dimes. His decision-making and court awareness improved mightily over the last few games, as Christopher’s received more playing time. The starting nod shows coach Stephen Silas is beginning to really trust his 20-year-old rookie. Another rookie, Cade Cunningham, the number one overall pick in the draft, had a solid game for Detroit. The most touted rookie in the draft registered 21 points, 7 assists, and 11 rebounds, and Saddiq Bey led the Pistons with 23 points, but the Rockets were too much for a Detroit team that’s now lost 14 games in a row.
In a move made before the game, Daniel House was waived by Houston. The Rockets simply have too many young players with more potential than House, so the team finally parted ways after a rollercoaster ride with the Houstonian that dates back to the James Harden days. Only Eric Gordon now remains from that group. As a result of waiving House, Garrison Matthews two-way contract was converted into a four-year contract. And Trevelin Queen was called up on a two-way contract from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Houston’s G-League affiliate. After a few sub-par performances from the field, Garry Bird returned to form on Saturday. After shooting a dismal 2-for 17 from beyond the arc over the previous three games, Matthews found his rhythm from deep in Detroit, knicking down 4 of his 9 shots from distance. In total, Garry Bird scored 16 points on 50% shooting overall. He also had a few charges drawn against him, a facet of his game defensively that’s become his signature. As a team, the Rockets had seven players score in double-figures, and Alperen Sengun just missed the mark. After his worst game of the season against the Knicks on Thursday, Sengun bounced back for 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in Detroit. Along with Christopher, KJ Martin is another player who’s seen his minutes slowly increase as the season’s moved along. And he hasn’t disappointed. After scoring a career-high 15 points in Houston’s last game, Martin recorded his first career double-double against the Pistons, registering 10 points and 11 rebounds. Eric Gordon scored 18 points as his consistency (when not dealing with injuries) has been at an all-time high this season. And the Rockets most consistent player all season, and the only guy to start every game, Jae’Sean Tate, chipped in 11 points, and a ton of hustle. David Nwaba once again took advantage of another opportunity in limited time. Nwaba scored 13 points in 17 minutes, and continues to impress coach Silas by getting playing time in key moments. Similar to Daniel Theis, who didn’t play on Saturday, Nwaba had a stretch where he didn’t play at all for six straight games due to coach’s decision. Regardless, Theis and Nwaba have proven they’re the consummate professionals, and will respond when coach calls their number, as inconsistent as that call may be.
The Rockets are now 10-20 through 30 games, and still have a tough stretch of coming up on the schedule. Houston is only 2.5 games behind the 10th seed in the West, the final spot needed to secure a play-in bid. This squad plays too hard and has too many young talented players to tank in the season. These young Rockets have a chance after their historically awful 1-16 start. They’re 9-4 since, but this finishing this month and entering the new year will tell the story of what direction this team is heading. Up next, Houston heads up to Chicago to face the Bulls, where the Rockets will try and sweep the season series over the East’s second seed. Houston beat Chicago earlier in the year for their second win of their seven game winning streak. The Rockets will aim to get their second straight win over the Bulls, this time at the usual evening tip-off on Monday night.