Rockets Rally Past Raptors, 94-87, to Snap Skid
Rough Edges. Green Boys. Late Heat.
It wasn’t pretty, but the Rockets finally ended their losing streak on Super Bowl Sunday. Houston rallied to take control of the game in the fourth quarter, en route to beating the Toronto Raptors, 94-87, at Toyota Center. The victory snaps the squad’s season-high six game skid, as the Rockets finally returned to the win column. Similar to the the first meeting between these teams, Dillon Brooks led Houston’s scoring charge, scoring 19 points to lead the way.
The Rockets also got contributions from both of the Green Boys. Jalen Green scored 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Seasoned veteran Jeff Green scored a season-high 14 points, in his 1200th career NBA game that’s spanned 18 seasons. Even at age 38, Uncle Jeff is still capable of efficient production when given ample playing time. And Jock Landale continues to provide solid play in limited action. In one of his best games of the season, the Aussie registered a double-double, scoring 11 points to go with 10 rebounds.
Houston faced a double-digit deficit in the first quarter, but the Rockets were able to creep back in the game, as the squad found their stroke in the final quarter. Throughout the first three quarters, Houston shot a dismal 3-for-26 from beyond the arc. Thankfully, the squad found their rhythm in the fourth period, as the Rockets shot 7-for-10 from three point land to secure the win. For the first time in awhile, Houston was the better team in the fourth quarter. The final frame has been a struggle, Especially offensively, for this young Rockets team this season. It was nice to see them finally produce in the end, instead of narrowly dodging a comeback, or suffering a collapse.
In unfortunate news, Alperen Sengun left the game early in the first quarter with a lumbar spasm. Looking on the bright side, at least Houston’s All-Star center isn’t expected to be out for a long period of time. With Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr. out of the lineup at least into the All-Star break, the Rockets can’t afford to lose any more rotational players to injury. Houston was one of the healthiest teams during the first third of the season, but the injury bug has come back to bite them as it does to every NBA squad throughout a long, enduring 82 game season.
Up next the Rockets will get a much-needed two days off before they host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. It’s the first of two straight games at Toyota Center (the next being the dreaded nemesis Golden State Warriors) before the All-Star break begins on Friday. And if they want to beat the Suns and Warriors… Houston needs to avoid any sluggish starts this upcoming week.