Rockets Falter Late, Lose to Spurs, 126-122, in OT
Heartbreak Hotel. Opposite Ends. Progression.
In their second game of the season, the Rockets showed improvement, but ultimately fell to the Spurs, 126-122, in an overtime thriller. Turnovers and missed free throws killed Houston’s chances late in the contest, as Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs took advantage in overtime and seized their first win of the season. Wemby had the best game of his young career. The rookie phenom scored 21 points, grabbed 12 boards, 3 steals, and swatted 3 shots on the evening. It’s only a two-game sample size, but Wemby looks like the real deal, and could possibly exceed his unforeseen hype. The Rockets had possession with a chance to score on the final play, but lack of execution resulted in extra time with the score tied at 111. When OT began, San Antonio pounced on Houston, and never gave up the lead en route to dealing the Rockets their second straight loss to start the season.
Despite the loss, Houston played much better, individually and collectively, compared to their opening night performance in Orlando. The Rockets led for most of this contest, and had a 7-point edge entering the final period. Houston’s still developing their chemistry, as was evidenced in the final period and overtime. The missed free throws really hurt the Rockets late in the game. Houston shot an abysmal 10-for-20 from the foul line, good for 50%, which in the NBA, is terrible. The squad desperately needs to work on their foul shooting in practice. Better free throw shooting could’ve potentially prevented OT, and resulted in a W for Houston.
The Rockets have now experienced both ends of the losing spectrum. They suffered a nail biting loss in their most recent contest in the Alamo City, and a blowout loss in their opening night game in Orlando. At least Houston showed vast improvement after their torrid first showing. Jalen Green shot the ball much more efficiently, and was aggressive to start the contest. Green finished with 22 points on 10-of-20 shooting from the field, while adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Alperen Sengun continues to be the Rockets’ best player to start this young season. Sengun finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and a block for the night. Sengun continues to dazzle, as he’s playing at an All-Star level to begin his third career season. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks both had their best games as new Rockets. VanVleet was exceptional, scoring 24 points on 50% shooting, while contributing 12 assists, and 8 boards for Houston. Brooks finished with 17 points on 7-for-13 shooting against the Spurs. Jabari Smith Jr. continues to struggle finding his shot, but nonetheless had a better game than in the opener. Smith Jr. recorded 13 points and 9 rebounds on the evening. And Jeff Green has quietly been excellent in his veteran role as a reserve off the bench. Green finished with 10 points on 4-for-4 shooting, in 21 minutes.
Houston showed progression in their second game, but will need to be better defensively and from the foul line if they want to avoid losses light the Heartbreak Hotel in San Antonio on Friday night. Luckily for the Rockets, up next, they return home for a 7-game home-stand, starting with their home opener on Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors. Hopefully a change of scenery and the friendly confines of Toyota Center will finally push the Rockets towards victory for the first time this season. Houston will face their toughest test, in an experienced Golden State team, and needs to avoid going 0-3… or the Rockets will find themselves in a possibly inescapable hole to start the season.