He Scoots, He Scores!: KPJ’s Game-Winning Bullet Sends Rockets Past Wizards, 114-111
Capitol Win. Saved by the Yell. Rousing Returns.
Houston needed some magic if they were going to survive in D.C. on Wednesday night. And the Rockets got a late miracle from an unexpected source. With the match tied, Kevin Porter Jr. hit a game-winning three-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining to secure Houston’s 114-111 victory, snapping the team’s eight-game losing streak, and giving the Rockets one of their best wins of the season.
Scoot and Christian Wood were suspended the previous game, but both came out with early fire in the first quarter, combing for Houston’s first 9 points as the Rockets got out to an early 12-point lead. However, overall KPJ struggled from the field. Before his final shot, Porter Jr. missed 10 of his 12 shot attempts although he did have 7 boards and 8 dimes on the night. Stephen Silas put enough confidence in his player to allow Scoot to nail the game-winner, seemingly putting all the controversy in the past. Wood had a dominant performance from the start, and played motivated and hungry from the opening tip. He finished with 22 points, 11 boards, and 3 steals on the night.
Jalen Green continues to flourish since his return from injury. Green scored 22 points to lead the Rockets (along with Wood), and grabbed 6 rebounds. He’s beginning to show flashes of the reason many pundits in the preseason picked Green to be the Rookie of the Year. Green’s already one of the fastest players in the league in transition, and his quick first step and driving ability has improved as the season’s moved along. Garrison Matthews had an off shooting-night, but drew four charges, as he continues to lead the league in that impressive defensive category. Garry Bird is one of the hardest playing guys in the league, and will sacrifice his body on any given play for the betterment of the team. Eric Gordon scored 14 of his 19 points in the second half, as EG continues to quietly have one of the most efficient seasons of his career, leading the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage.
This win for the Rockets was impressive for several reasons. Houston wasn’t sure what performance they would receive with the returns of Porter Jr. and Wood. Both players exceeded fan expectations with their motivated play, and were key elements to the Rockets’ victory. Coming into this game, the Wizards were one of the best teams in the entire league. Washington was 7-1 in games decided by 3 points or less, and 15-3 in clutch games (matchups decided by 5 points or less with 5 minutes or fewer remaining). Houston prevailed against one of the best clutch teams in the league this season.
After leading 86-83 going into the fourth quarter, the Rockets went on an 8-0 run to grab an 11-point lead less than two minutes into the final period. The Wiz countered with their own 10-2 run, turning the game into a nail-biter down the stretch. Fortunately for Houston, Bradley Beal, Washington’s best player, fouled out with 9:10 left in the game. Beal still led the Wizards in scoring with 27 points, but his absence was sorely felt for D.C. in the final 9 minutes of action. This game shouldn’t have even come down to the final seconds, but a pesky Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who scored 26 points for the Wiz led a late rally. The Rockets led by 5 points with only 48 seconds left in the game. KCP hit a 3-pointer to start Washington’s 5-0 run to tie the game at 111 before Scoot’s game-winner.
Houston is now 9-4 when leading after three quarters, proving their achilles heal is falling behind in games. The Rockets now return home where they’ll honor the legendary Bill Worrell on Friday night when they host Dallas. Worrell was the voice of the team for four decades, and is an icon of Houston’s sports broadcasting scene. Hopefully the Rockets carry this magical momentum back home with them for what will be a very special night in H-Town.