Payback Pitch: Rockets Feast on Wolves, 129-107, Avenge Previous Loss
Seven Samurai. Solid Debut. More Like This.
For the first time in seemingly years, the Houston Rockets won in blowout fashion. KPJ and crew flipped the script in Round 2. The squad got revenge in the second half of their Minnesota back-to-back, as the Rockets smashed the Wolves, 129-107, for their 13th win of the season. Houston had an all-around team effort in the victory. Kevin Porter Jr. started hot, and led the team in scoring with 25 points. But it wasn’t only KPJ who added fuel to this fire of burning wolves. Houston had 7 players finish in double-figures. From D.J. Augustin, who scored 20 points, and led the Rockets’ charge during Minnesota’s comeback attempt. John Wall scored 13 points and dished out 12 dimes. And Sterling Brown scored 16 points, as the Rockets won their easiest game of the season. Houston led by 12 after the first period. Minnesota made a late charge near the end of the third period, but Augustin made sure the Wolves wouldn’t get any closer.
In his debut, Kelly Olynyk already looks like a perfect fit for this Rockets team. The newest guy scored 16 points, to go along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Expect Olynyk to fit seamlessly into Houston’s rotation. The other new guy, Avery Bradley, has yet to play is questionable for the Rockets’ next game, on Monday. But Bradley’s a great defender who should help one of the worst defensive teams in basketball. We’ll have to wait to see what exactly Avery brings to the court, but Olynyk showed his versatility in his first game as a Rocket. His ability to play both ends is what this Houston team needs, and his basketball IQ was on full display on the offensive end of the floor.
If only the Rockets could have more games like this. The wins have become rare, let alone blowout victories. Enjoy the rare Rocket-cruises while you can this season. Houston has the toughest remaining schedule in the league, so don’t expect many more games like Saturday night. Up next the Rockets host the Grizzlies, in what could be potentially a trap game. Why? The team’s headed to Brooklyn on Wednesday night. To face a familiar Beard, a guy who used to, seemingly for years, give the Rockets many more nights like this.