Houston Rockets Fall in Close Battle with Philadelphia 76ers

Due to a big scoring night by Tyrese Maxey, the Houston Rockets dropped their third consecutive game in a loss to the 76ers.

HOUSTON — The Philadelphia 76ers wanted Tyrese Maxey to be more aggressive in the absence of Joel Embiid Friday night. Maxey's performance illustrated that he took the 76ers' message to heart by scoring a game-high 42 points inside the Toyota Center. Maxey's heroics were enough to send the Houston Rockets to their third consecutive loss amid a 131-127 defeat to the 76ers. 

Fred VanVleet had one of his most impressive games of the season by scoring a team-best 33 points on 9 of 16 shooting from the field, 8 of 12 from behind the arc, to go along with 10 assists. 

Houston had five players who scored in double figures, with Alperen Şengün adding 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

Şengün scored 13 of the Rockets' 34 points during the third, which led to Houston holding a 97-90 lead entering the fourth period. Şengün's play during the third quarter was similar to Maxey, who scored 19 points during the second period. Houston held a 63-62 lead at the half.

The Rockets followed up their third-quarter dominance with a subpar fourth quarter. Houston allowed the 76ers to open the period on an 11-4 run. And at the 7:50 mark, a 3-point field goal made by De'Anthony Melton tied the game at 101.

The 76ers and Rockets traded baskets over the next few possessions. A mid-range jumper by Tobias Harris gave the 76ers a 109-107 lead with 5:51 left in the final period.

The game featured seven lead changes and three ties in the final five minutes. Melton gave the 76ers a 123-122 lead with 1:12 left. Morris put the 76ers ahead 127-122 with 31.6 seconds left On Philadelphia's next offensive possession.

Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) controls the ball during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

 Takeaways: 

More minutes of Jock Landale:

Injuries forced Udoka to change his rotation due to the injuries the Rockets are dealing with. With no Dillon Brooks or Jabari Smith Jr., Udoka started Jeff Green and Jae'Sean Tate in their absence. 

At the 7:12 mark of the first quarter, Udoka's first substitution was replacing Şengün for Jock Landale, who logged a season-high seven first-half minutes. Landale recorded six points and a rebound during his time on the court, and he was the only player who received additional minutes due to the injuries. Cam Whitmore received his DNP in Houston's current homestand.

Is Jalen Green starting to break out of a slump?

Jalen Green appears to be on the verge of breaking out of the slump that resulted in his benching against the New Orleans Pelicans and Indiana Pacers. He scored 31 points on 12 of 19 shooting, 5 of 9 from behind the arc. He also added six rebounds and four assists, marking one of his best all-around performances of the year.

Before his performance in Wednesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns, Green had averaged 7.0 points on 26.7 percent shooting during the previous two games. 

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Up Next:

The Rockets will continue their seven-game homestand Monday night against the Detroit Pistons. They will then welcome the Brooklyn Nets to town Wednesday night. Tip-off between the Rockets and Pistons is slated for 7:00 p.m. CDT.