Rockets’ rough run rolls on with Timberwolves’ visit
The Houston Rockets initiated a challenging stretch of home games on Thursday with a rematch of their double-overtime thriller against the Oklahoma City Thunder that served as the season opener for both teams on Oct. 21. The result the second time around wasn't as close.
Trailing by two points entering the fourth quarter, the Rockets fell 111-91 in the first contest of a back-to-back that includes a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
The Rockets also will host the San Antonio Spurs, currently tied for second in the West behind the Thunder, on Tuesday.
Houston lost for the fifth time in seven games on Thursday while watching its seven-game homecourt winning streak come to an end. The Thunder's defense dominated throughout, limiting Houston to 33.7% shooting. Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun shot a combined 19 of 53 (35.9%) while totaling 50 points, and Amen Thompson missed 12 of 16 shots en route to 13 points.
"It's just a good test as far as their uniqueness and what they do," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said of the matchup with the Thunder. "Every game matters for us, and we haven't been playing our best, so regardless of record or whatever, we need to continue to focus on what we're doing."
To an extent, the Rockets would prefer to continue leaning into a defensive identity. However, their recent shooting woes, particularly from behind the arc, have been the primary narrative of their current woes. Houston shot only 29.2% (7 of 24) on 3-point attempts against the Thunder, a performance that renders even the stoutest defensive effort moot in terms of securing a victory.
The Thunder showcased how physicality can lead the way. The Rockets need more on both ends.
"The majority of the league doesn't play like that," Udoka said of the Thunder. "We'd like to as well.
"That's what they do, they've been doing that. We welcome that. We've just got to be able to play through it on both ends."
The Timberwolves rolled to a 139-106 road win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday despite the absences of Anthony Edwards (foot) -- seventh in the NBA in scoring at 28.9 points per game -- and Rudy Gobert (suspension), who paces the league in total rebounds with 454.
Minnesota dug deep into its rotation to carve out the win. Bones Hyland scored a season-high 23 points while rookie Joan Beringer added 13 points and five rebounds while logging 30 minutes -- all career-high figures.
A first-round pick (17th overall) out of France last summer, Beringer has spent part of the season in the G League. When opportunity knocked, Beringer responded.
By showcasing what he is capable of, Beringer provided the Timberwolves a glimpse of what is possible should they choose to lengthen their rotation.
"I mean, we can," Minnesota coach Chris Finch said. "People are going to have to sacrifice minutes, but if he plays like this, then we should be benefiting from everybody. We'll step-by-step this.
"Since draft night, we've long believed in this kid, so this is just the beginning."