Rockets Drop Fourth Consecutive Game Amid Loss to Heat

The Houston Rockets dropped their fourth consecutive game amid a 119-104 loss to the Miami Heat.

Apr 5, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) controls the ball on a / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets responded well to coach Ime Udoka's frustration from the previous night. The Rockets improved their intensity on both ends in Friday's interconference match against the Miami Heat. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to prevent Houston from dropping its fourth consecutive game in a 119-104 loss to the Heat.

Dillon Brooks had a bounce-back performance after four consecutive games of subpar play, averaging 4.5 points on 23.3 percent shooting from the field. Brooks scored 14 of his 18 points in the first quarter, which led to the Rockets and Heat being tied at 27 entering the second period.

Apr 5, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) controls the ball on a / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Heat began to take control during the second quarter, outscoring Houston 37-27. Miami took a 54-59 lead over the Rockets behind the services of All-Star big man Bam Adebayo. He scored 12 points during the second period en route to a near triple-double. He finished the game with 18 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.

Houston entered the fourth quarter trailing the Heat 93-83. The Rockets tried to make a late push by cutting their 10-point deficit down to three on several occasions. But each time Houston came within striking distance, Miami went on a run to recapture its dominance.

Jalen Green scored a team-best 21 points, while Fred VanVleet added 13 points, eight assists and six rebounds in the loss. Jeff Green started in place of Amen Thompson, who was out due to an ankle injury. He finished with 11.

Jimmy Butler lead the Heat in scoring with 22 points on 6 of 14 shooting, Tyler Herro added 17 points following his 20-game absence due to knee and ankle injuries.