Rockets Open Four-Game Homestand In Loss To Pacers
HOUSTON — On the night when the franchise retired Elvin Hayes' No. 44 jersey, the Houston Rockets once held a 20-point lead over the Indiana Pacers inside the Toyota Center.
The massive lead the Rockets held in the first quarter wasn't enough, as Houston sustained a 99-91 loss to the Pacers Friday night.
Eric Gordon led the way for the Rockets with a game-high 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting, while Jalen Green added 16 points in the loss.
Jalen Smith scored the first basket of the night for the Pacers at the 11:38 mark of the first quarter. Following Smith's dunk attempt assisted by Buddy Hield, the Rockets outscored the Pacers 12-2 to open the game.
Behind 12 first-quarter points from Gordon, the Rockets ended the period with a 25-10 lead. The 10 points Houston allowed in the first quarter was the fewest the franchise had given up since January 10, 2014, against the Atlanta Hawks.
The defense the Rockets showcased during the first quarter began to diminish. Houston allowed Indiana to score a combined 61 points over the next two quarters en route to the Pacers leading the Rockets 71-70 entering the fourth quarter.
The Pacers had six players who scored in double figures. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 19 points. Myles Turner added 17 points, seven rebounds and four blocks.
Kevin Porter Jr. missed his first game of the season due to lower back soreness. K.J. Martin started in Porter's absence, where he added 12 points and eight rebounds.
Following the loss, the Rockets will continue their four-game homestand Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors. Tip-off is slated for 6 P.M. CT inside the Toyota Center.
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