Cam Whitmore 'Felt Fine" In Return to Houston Rockets' Lineup

Jonah Kubicek | Apr 1, 2024

Mar 31, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore (7) shoots the ball during a game against the Dallas Mavericks / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets had their 11-game win streak snapped by the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night. Luka Doncic's 47 points were simply too much for Houston, who was led by Jabari Smith Jr.'s 28 points.

Jalen Green fell back to Earth after averaging 30.2 points during the streak. He posted 12 points and missed all five of his three-point shots. It was a brutal loss for Houston, although there was one silver lining: the return of Cam Whitmore.

Mar 31, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives with the ball as Jabari Smith Jr. (10) plays defense / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The rookie was showcasing his talents in the ten games before he was sidelined with injury, averaging 12.6 points off the bench. The Villanova standout was selected 20th overall this summer and was heralded as the steal of the draft. He missed the last nine games due to injury before returning to the lineup in the loss to Dallas.

In Sunday's game, he picked up where he left off, scoring 13 points on five-of-12 shooting. He also added a career-high three steals.

"I believe I felt fine," said Whitmore after the game. "Just trying to get up and down the court. I was just trying to get in game-shape, just trying to get my endurance back. At the end of the day, just trying to get everything back, get everything under control."

If Sunday's game was him testing the waters, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be in trouble when Houston plays them on Tuesday. The Rockets are currently two games behind the Golden State Warriors for the last spot in the Play-In Tournament, so expect Houston to lay it all on the line to finish out the season.