The Houston Rockets looked much better on Friday night, but they were defeated again, falling 126-122 in overtime to the San Antonio Spurs. Houston had many chances to win the game in regulation, including two missed free throws and a wide open three-point attempt by Jabari Smith Jr. They rapidly fell down in overtime, and with Victor Wembenyama already receiving a penalty whistle, it was the end of the Rockets.
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Alperen Sengun led them with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists on 11-for-18 shooting, but he fouled out in overtime, and the Rockets missed his presence. Fred VanVleet ended with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists while shooting 10-for-20 from the field and 2-for-10 from three.
Jalen Green rounded out Houston’s top scorers, finishing with 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists on 10-for-20 shooting. He played with considerably more vigor and looked like he was in for a big night after scoring 10 points in the first quarter, but Green showed signs of life anyway.
The Rockets are still missing Tari Eason, as they received next to nothing off the bench. Jeff Green had 10 points and Amen Thompson had 4 points and 4 rebounds, but Houston didn’t get much beyond the starting five.
Jabari Smith seemed more energetic as well, although he still struggles with his shot and was clearly unsuccessful in the clutch tonight. He finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds while shooting 5-for-16 from the field. He was also pushed around by Wembenyama, who scored 21 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.
Houston’s Dillon Brooks got 17 points to round out the starters, as the Rockets shot 50% from the field but only 25% from three and 50% from the free throw line. The Rockets’ failure to convert simple free throws was a major cause for their defeat. This has been a problem for this team, and it has to improve.
The Rockets will play their home opener against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. There were some positives to take away from tonight’s game, but the Rockets will need to learn how to close things out. They should have won this game.