Rockets Demolished by Spurs, 131-106, in Another Blowout Loss
Texas-Sized Beatdown. Lost in the Third. Not Joshin’ Around.
At halftime, this game didn’t appear headed towards Texas-sized beatdown. But the Spurs outplayed the Rockets in third quarter, seizing control of the game, and dealing Houston a 131-106 loss in the process. The Rockets fought back from double-digits to make it a three-point deficit at the half, but San Antonio outscored Houston by 17 in the critical third period. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 28 points. Jakob Poeltl was a beast in the paint, scoring 21 points. And Dejounte Murray added 19 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds, as San Antonio had too much firepower for the Rockets.
Josh Christopher had his best game as an NBA player. The rookie registered 23 points, 5 boards, 4 assists, and 3 steals in 29 minutes of action. Don’t just peek at his stats, Christopher’s defense and hustle was also impressive. He’s improved lightyears since the beginning of this season, and is way ahead of schedule. Christopher hasn’t been Joshin’ around for the past few games now, and could be a legitimate All-Star down the line in his career. Alperen Sengun also had an impressive scoring night, putting 18 points on the board. Christian Wood had a double-double with 13 points and 11 boards, but the Rockets didn’t play with enough defensive intensity to win this contest.
Since their 7-game win streak, which feels like it was last season, the Rockets have struggled immensely to string two wins together. After an impressive win over the Cavaliers in their previous game, Houston got blown up by the Spurs at Toyota Center. Will this group ever win consecutive games again this season? Only 30 remain now for the Rockets, as we wind down towards the NBA’s final stretch. Houston has a good a chance as any in their next two games, as they face the New Orleans Pelicans twice. Although, the Pelicans have won two straight games… so it may not be as easy for the Rockets as the schedule makes it