Clinch City: Rockets Outlast Wolves in OT, 117-111, Advance to NBA Cup’s Knockout Round
Moving On. Complete Gamers. Hot Potato.
What. A. Game. The Rockets survived a thrilling overtime affair in Minnesota, ousting the Timberwolves, 117-111, on Tuesday night. This was arguably Houston’s best win of the season so far. With the victory, the Rockets win West Group A, and advance to the knockout round of the NBA Cup. Houston still has one remaining game in group play at the Sacramento Kings on December 3rd. Regardless of that game’s result, the Rockets will be one of the eight teams who advance to the next round. This young squad should be proud of themselves. Head Coach Ime Udoka even called it the best win of the season in his post-game press conference. And this was one helluva ball game. Besides moving on to the knockout round, this was a great win for a Rockets team that had lost 5 straight games in Minnesota.
Houston led by as many as 18 points in the first half, but Minnesota stormed back to make this a thrilling game in clutch time. The Wolves held a five-point lead, 102-97, late in regulation, but an incredible 5-0 run got the Rockets back in the game. And a missed bunny near the end of regulation just barely rimmed out for Anthony Edwards. Had the shot fallen, Houston would’ve lost. But the Basketball Gods were on the Rockets side in Minneapolis. The Rockets shot 6-for-9 from the field in overtime to squeak by the Wolves for the win.
Fred VanVleet led Houston with 27 points, including a season-high 6 threes and 11 assists.The tough points guard also grabbed 8 rebounds. But FVV wasn’t only one who came to play against these Wolves. This was a complete team effort. Alperen Sengun had a slow first half, but dominated the second half and overtime en route to his third triple-double of the season. Sengun finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. He was a force defensively in the paint once again. And after one of his wizardry tricks to seal the game in overtime, Sengun even gave Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert the “Too Small” sign. A moment that brought delight to teammates and Rocket fans alike. Al-P held Gobert to only 5 points, as his increased improvement on defense remains a pleasant surprise from Sengun to start the season.
Amen Thompson needs to get more credit. As one half of the “Terror Twins”, for some reason he doesn’t seem to be as popular as Tari Eason. But tonight was Thompson’s night. And he had the entire city of Houston praising “Amen” after his game-saving performance. Thompson registered 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks on the night. His defense was incredible all night, including a steal that Thompson turned into a one-man transition layup. He also hit arguably the biggest shot of the game, a three in overtime that tied the game at 105 apiece. After that shot, the Rockets never trailed again.
Dillon Brooks had a tremendous game. DB9 scored 22 points, including some clutch shots from distance in clutch time. Jabari Smith Jr. had one of his best games of the season. Bari produced 19 points on a near perfect 8-for-9 shooting, and grabbed 7 boards. Jalen Green scored only 9 points, and in the fourth quarter was benched for Amen Thompson for the remainder of the game. Thompson was excellent and sparked Houston’s comeback. Green will aim to bounce back tomorrow night in Philly as the Rockets play part 2 of a back-to-back on Wednesday night. Houston dished out 31 assists in their win over Minnesota. If the Rockets continue to move the ball like a game of hot potato, while continuing this trend of a balanced scoring attack alongside tough defense, they should be able to beat the Sixers tomorrow night.