Rockets Embark on Third Quarter Eruption for Second Straight Game vs. Nets

Led by Alperen Şengün, the Houston Rockets had another third quarter eruption to take a home victory against the Brooklyn Nets.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets took care of business Wednesday night by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 112-101 inside the Toyota Center. However, during the first 24 minutes, the Rockets played one of their most sloppy halves of the season.

Their subpar production had the Rockets entering halftime down 50-49. Turnovers were Houston's most significant detriment by committing 12, which led to 14 points for the Nets. Nine turnovers came during the second quarter.

But with coach Ime Udoka at the helm of delivering "words of encouragement" at halftime, the Rockets came out during the third period to notch one of the best quarters of the season. 

"He is going to be Coach of the Year once we get done doing what we need to do," Fred VanVleet said. "Coming in at halftime and making adjustments to see what we can do better. Players also communicate as well. We either can flip a switch or change something we are doing."

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks with Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) during the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Toyota Center / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

With Alperen Şengün leading the way by scoring 14 of his 30 points during the third quarter, the Rockets outscored the Nets 38-23. 

The key to the Rockets' third-quarter success stemmed from their ability to take care of the ball. The Rockets committed one turnover in the period, which allowed them to execute their offense efficiently. 

Houston took a game-high 39 shot attempts during the quarter, shooting 48.7 percent from the field, 47.6 percent from behind the arc. 

"We had some uncharacteristic turnovers," VanVleet said. "Offensive rebounds and turnovers, I think that was like probably 14 or 15 of their points in the first half. We were able to get that under control and make a couple more shots. At the clip we were scoring at, we just had to get more shots and we were able to do that in the third [quarter]."

The Rockets' play against the Nets marked the second consecutive game they took control during the third period. They held a four-point lead at the half of Monday's victory against the Detroit Pistons, but in-game adjustments led to the Rockets erupting for 47 third-quarter points.

Over the previous two games, Houston is averaging a league-best 42.5 points during the third. Şengün, who scored 20 third-quarter points against the Pistons, is averaging 17.0 points. 

"We have been a little sloppy the last two halves," Udoka said "Being up by four at the half last game and then blowing it open against Detroit, it didn't feel good. Then [Wednesday] tonight, being down one, you do not go in there flipping over tables, but you do go in there to let them know. We did the simple things in the third quarter to get us back into the game."

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Udoka has been pleased by the resilient play of his team but would prefer to play a complete game for 48 minutes. 

He has challenged the Rockets to improve their play entering Friday's contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who currently hold the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Waiting until the third quarter against one of the league's top teams could be damaging for Houston. 

"We are never happy being down one or up four at the half," Udoka said. "For us, we need to find a way to carryover what we have been doing in the second half to get better starts, starting against Minnesota next game."