Rockets End Seven-Game Homestand with Victory over Bucks
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets closed their seven-game homestand amid a 112-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday night inside the Toyota Center. With the win, the Rockets went 3-4 after seven consecutive games on their home court.
Coach Ime Udoka wanted to see his team play with more effort on both ends following an embarrassing defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves 24 hours earlier.
Udoka's desire led to the Rockets leading 63-43 at the half. The Bucks battled back to cut into Houston's lead. The game became close during the fourth quarter. And with 2:00 left in the period, the Bucks came within six points (105-99).
The Rockets overcame a 48-point performance by two-time MVP winner Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also added 17 rebounds in the loss.
Seven players scored in double figures for the Rockets, with Alperen Şengün leading the way with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Jalen Green added 16 points on 5 of 12 shooting. Jabari Smith Jr. added 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The Rockets received a significant boost from their bench unit by adding 43 points. Jeff Green led the second unit with 16 points, while Cam Whitmore added a dozen.
Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) celebrates with center Alperen Sengun (28) after a play during the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Toyota Center.
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Tari Eason misses third consecutive game:
Tari Eason missed his 12th game of the season due to an ongoing "stress reaction" in his left leg. Although he has been doing well, Coach Ime Udoka said his third consecutive absence against the Bucks was to continue their management of his injury.
Udoka added that Eason and Dillon Brooks will join the team on their six-game road trip. Brooks, who missed his sixth consecutive game due to an oblique strain, will remain week-to-week.
Damian Lillard finally struggled against the Rockets:
The Rockets finally had a solid defensive performance against All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. He came into Houston averaging 55.0 points over his previous two games, which included a 71-point performance as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Nearly a year after putting together the eighth-highest scoring performance in league history, Lillard finished the game with 18 points on 5-14 shooting, 1 of 8 from deep.
