Sinking Ship: Rockets Drop 10th Straight, Lose to Raptors, 122-111, in Tampa Bay
Groundhog Day. Youth Movement. Selling Mode.
Just like the previous nine games, Houston failed to claim a victory on Friday night, falling to the Raptors in Tampa Bay, 122-111, as the skid reaches ten games. The longest losing streak in franchise history in 20 years. And just like many of the games during this streak, Houston fell behind early, tried to mount a comeback, but came up on the short end of the stick. John Wall had 21 points and 12 dimes for the Rockets, and Victor Oladipo was solid with 27 points, but Houston didn’t have enough firepower to match Toronto’s arsenal. Normal Powell had one of his best games of the season, leading the Raptors with 30 points. Fred VanVleet added 25 points, and Kyle Lowry had 20-point triple double. Toronto’s triple-headed backcourt monster simply outplayed Houston’s (Wall, Oladipo, Gordon). The Rockets will have to be better next game against a weaker Grizzlies team.
The youth movement has officially arrived in Houston. It was announced that Kevin Porter Jr. and K.J. Martin and both expected to rejoin the squad after they finish up their time in the G-League. Both have looked spectacular, especially Porter, for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, but they have a ways to go before making a major impact on the NBA-level. Hopefully they can mature sooner than possible. Right now, the Rockets need all the help they can muster.
Friday’s loss drops Houston to 11-20, 14th in the Western Conference, and despite being only 5 games out of a playoff spot, the Rockets are approaching selling mode. Waiving DeMarcus Cousins was the latest sign, and more could come sooner than expected. The P.J. Tucker and Victor Oladipo trade rumors are getting hotter and trendier with each passing day. It’ll be sad to see P.J. go, especially after all he’s done the last 3 and half seasons for the Rockets. Hopefully, they find a way to keep him, but that’s wishful thinking. Tucker’s time in Houston is likely nearing its end. And despite their record, the season’s not over yet for the Rockets. However, all it takes is a few more losses piled onto this streak, and Houston will end their season themselves.