Rockets Outlast Timberwolves, 121-115, to Begin Stretch Run
Back in Action. Green Machine. Finishing Touches.
Houston’s season reboot started on Friday night with an impressive 121-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. After building an early 14 point edge, the Rockets basically led this game by around three points for the majority of the contest. Jalen Green scored 35 points to lead a balanced offensive attack for Houston. Alperen Sengun scored 24 points and grabbed 13 boards, and Amen Thompson added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets. And Houston withstood a 37 point performance from Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, who scored only three points in the fourth quarter against the Rockets’ stiflingly defense. Green went toe-to-toe against Edwards, scoring only two less points, yet on an impressive eight less shot attempts.
After struggling to close games before the All-Star break, Houston managed to put the finishing touches on this matchup, as the Rockets ended the game on a 9-2 run to earn the victory. The win also makrs Houston’s first nationally televised (excluding NBA TV) victory of the season, as the game was also telecast on ESPN. After the squad’s early success, the NBA tweaked the schedule to add a few more national tv games for the Rockets as we march into the playoff-push portion of the season.
In his return from a 22 game absence due to a hand injury, Jabari Smith Jr. contributed an impressive 15 points and 9 rebounds in 38 minutes, whilst coming off the bench for the first time in his entire career. And despite playing as a reserve, Bari played like he didn’t miss a beat. Smith Jr. was an efficient 4-for-6 from beyond the arc and made his presence felt on the defensive boards. With Fred VanVleet still out due to injury, it’s uncertain what Houston’s the starting lineup will look once everyone is healthy. Head Coach Ime Udoka has some tough decisions on his hands. He can either go back to the original starting lineup, and bring Thompson off the bench, or Bari can be the Sixth Man. Regardless, it’s unlikely Green, Senegun, FVV, or Dillon Brooks loses their starting spot, due to the nature of their specific intangibles needed for the Rockets when beginning games.
Up next, Houston will travel to Salt Lake City tomorrow night to battle the Utah Jazz. It’s the first of three matchups this season between these old Western Conference rivals. The Jazz and yo-yoing with the New Orleans Pelicans for last place in the standings out West. Despite it being another back end of a back-to-back, the Rockets have no reasons or excuses to lose in Utah on Saturday night. If Houston can’t win in Salt Lake City, it’s because they didn’t bring the effort and overlooked professionals in the lower tier of their industry. As long as the Rockets come ready to play, they should have a nice two game win streak to start the post All-Star break portion of the season.