Rockets Continue to be Plagued by Slow Starts vs. Suns

The Houston Rockets fell short of a comeback attempt against the Suns, which was the result of more terrible play during the first quarter.

Time is not on the Houston Rockets' side as they try to salvage the 2023-24 season. The Rockets fell to 25-34 following a 110-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns Thursday night.

With 23 games left, the Play-In Tournament is starting to look like an unrealistic achievement. They are six games behind the Golden State Warriors for the 10th seed in the Western Conference. And barring a significant collapse, the Warriors will not fall outside the Play-In Tournament — a team that has won eight of their previous 10 games.

The Rockets' performance against the Suns showcased that they will not surrender their postseason hopes. However, they must find a way to improve their subpar play during the first quarter.

Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) guards Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half at Footprint Center / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

"We have to start better," Fred VanVleet said. "We played three good quarters. But again, this is the NBA. It is hard. It is hard to win every night. You have to play a complete game.

"I am proud of our effort, togetherness, not quitting and giving up. But to give ourselves a real shot, you cannot spot a team 16 to 17 points and then try to work your way back."

The Rockets found themselves in a significant hole within the first 12 minutes. Behind Devin Booker's 20-point quarter, the Suns took a 33-17 lead over the Rockets entering the second period.

Houston came out shooting 21.7 percent from the field. However, the horrible play during the first quarter against the Suns summarized the struggles that have plagued the Rockets for an entire season.

They have scored the fifth lowest in the first quarter, averaging 27.0 points. The Rockets' struggles during the period have become more of an issue since Jan. 31, where they have dropped 11 of their previous 13 games.

The Rockets began to find their momentum at the start of the second quarter and outscored the Suns by 10 points the rest of the night. VanVleet played a role in the Rockets near comeback attempt.

After scoring just two points during the first quarter, VanVleet finished the night with 21 points while shooting 6 of 16 from the field. He scored 14 points in the second half.

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"It's been a junkie and a bit kinky — whether rhythm, style of play or just making shots," VanVleet said. "I think our process has been better in the last couple of games. We will continue to grow from the break. But other than the game against [the New Orleans Pelicans], I thought our process has been pretty good. But we have to execute at a high clip from the start."

After falling to the Suns, the Rockets current losing streak extended to three. But more importantly, Houston remains one of the league's worst road teams. They have notched a 5-24 record away from the Toyota Center while extending their road losing streak to nine.