Rockets Burn Out Late, Suns Cruise to 123-111 Win
Familiar Pattern. The Dreaded Third. Middle of the Storm.
For the second straight game, Houston held the lead at halftime. But it wasn’t enough in Phoenix, as the dreaded third quarter haunted the Rockets once more. Houston was outscored 37 to 25 in the period, and couldn’t fight back in the fourth. Devin Booker scored 27 to lead the Suns, and DeAndre Ayton contributed 16 points and 11 boards. Houston didn’t play poorly, as the Rockets had a balanced attack of six players scoring in double-figures. The squad improved on their free-throw shooting, making a solid 24 of 28 attempts from the line, by far their bets showing at the foul stripe this season. However, turnovers once again became the Rockets downfall. Houston had less than their average, but still turned the ball over 18 times.
Kevin Porter Jr. led Houston in scoring with 20 points. KPJ also had 3 dimes and only 2 turnovers, a welcome sign given he was leading the team in turnovers before this contest. Christian Wood had another double-double, with 18 points and 15 boards. Jalen Green scored 16 points, but on 3-for-14 shooting, another dismal night from the field for the rookie.
The squad is now halfway through their five-game road trip, but the toughest part is yet to come. Up next, the Rockets have a weekend back-to-back against the Nuggets and Warriors. Hopefully, Denver’s altitude won’t affect Houston’s play as much as the average player. The Rockets are young and athletic, but this group’s never played in the altitude, which always seems to play a factor on Denver’s opponents. It doesn’t get any easier, but Houston doesn’t have a choice. Hopefully they can squeeze out a win this weekend to avoid going 0-5 on their road trip.