Houston Sunset: Rockets Torch Suns, 111-97, in Silas’ Return
Officially Lit. Stay With Us. Missed the Wemban-Memo.
On the day the NBA named the Defensive Player of the Year Award in honor of Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston’s defense remained stout, as they handily beat the Phoenix Suns, 111-97, in Stephen Silas’ return to the sidelines. The win is Houston’s first wire-to-wire win all season, as the Rockets never trailed from the opening tip. Jalen Green scored 26 points again to lead Houston’s offensive attack. The squad was a beast on the boards, putting together a glass-eating feast only caused by a team effort. The Rockets had 67 rebounds on Tuesday night, the most boards they’ve had in a game since 1990. Aleperen Sengun had 16 of those rebounds, to go along with 10 points. The skilled sophomore garnered his 8th double-double of the season. Sengun had eight double-doubles total last year, so he’s on pace to race past that mark this season.
For the first time all season, the Rockets really were completely in control of this game. They scored the first seven points, and led by as many as 23 at one point. The Suns couldn’t find the ocean, shooting only 3-for-25 from the field in the second quarter. So Phoenix’s shooting woes certainly helped the Rockets first “comfortable” win of the season. Houston halted Phoenix’s comeback attempt, allowing them to get within only 8 points early in the fourth quarter. Just like last game, Kevin Porter Jr. scored 18 points once again, and remains a steady hand at the point for the Rockets. And as the squad continues to ride the momentum of their home crowd, stay with us, come to the game, or encourage others around you to do so. This young Rockets team truly feeds off the crowd’s energy.
Houston has now won five straight home games, seemingly out of nowhere. The Rockets are 6-4 in their last 10 games, after starting the season 3-14. This team really has turned the page. Granted, the comfortable confines of the Toyota Center certainly help Houston’s play on the court, it truly seems like this team has turned a new leaf after that ugly start to the season. After looking destined to be a leading candidate in the Victor Wembanyama stakes, it seems Houston missed that memo some time in the last month, as they’ve really turned their play around. Against Phoenix, the Rockets attacked the glass with vicious ferocity on both ends of the floor, grabbing the most rebounds this century in a game for the franchise. Houston also remained aggressive, attacking the basket en route to 34 free throw attempts, making 31 of them. These little aspects of the game make a huge difference when you look at the big picture, especially when dealing with a younger squad.
Up next, the Rockets host the hampered Miami Heat, who are have been playing without star Jimmy Butler for a while. However, Miami is still capable of ending Houston’s home winning streak. If the Rockets want to prevent that, Houston needs to realize the Heat have shooters who probably won’t be as torrid as the Suns were on Tuesday. To keep the streak alive, on Thursday night, the Rockets need to channel their inner-Dream…and prepare to play some tough defense against the Heat.