Şengün and Thompson ignite a thrilling comeback, pushing the Rockets to their fourth straight win in a nail-biting clash with the Mavericks.
The Rockets extended their win streak to four on Monday night, but it wasn’t anything like the blowouts they’ve dished the last three games. Houston ultimately won against the Dallas Mavericks 110–102, but the game was closer than analysts and fans had predicted.
That intensity the Rockets brought against Boston and Toronto just wasn’t there in the first quarter, and they started 1-of-8 from three, compared to the over 45-percent the team’s been shooting from deep. As the game went on, Houston tightened rotations and eventually found rhythm, but not enough so that Dallas didn’t have a chance.
Durant did his job stabilizing and guiding the younger players on the floor. Amen Thompson stole the show, posting 20 points before halftime with Alperen Şengün setting him up several dunks. The two eventually found rhythm together and ran the floor like a well-oiled machine. Şengün recorded another double-double, and Thompson posted a season-high 27 points, including the highlight dunk of the game.
At the half, Houston led 66-48, but, even with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford out for injuries, the Mavericks kept their composure, and the score stayed tight up until the final minutes. Houston wasn’t as sharp as they have been. They lost 18 turnovers and gave up 10 easy points at the line.
The energy the Rockets have been bringing was there this time around- just delayed. Still, Houston can’t rely on last-minute runs and rebounds to save them. Off the bench, Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason need to find more reliable consistency. The two both posted single digits on Monday. Udoka’s rotations are working, but it’s clear they still need tweaking.
