Late-Game Execution Bites Rockets In Loss To Nets

The Houston Rockets gave up a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter to the Nets en route to their seventh consecutive loss.
Late-Game Execution Bites Rockets In Loss To Nets
Late-Game Execution Bites Rockets In Loss To Nets /
In this story:

Kevin Porter Jr. drilled his fourth triple of the game with 9 minutes and 28 seconds left in the fourth quarter. His basket inside the Barclays Center gave the Rockets their largest lead of the night over the Brooklyn Nets with a 98-89 lead.

The Rockets had the momentum to win their lone contest amid a five-game road trip. But Houston's late-game execution struggles led to a 123-114 loss Wednesday night. 

Porter finished the game with 31 points on 11-for-22 shooting, 4-for-10 from behind the arc, nine rebounds and six assists.

The Nets were able to battle back from a nine-point deficit due to their 3-point shooting. Brooklyn made nine of their 17 triples in the fourth quarter, which led to 37 points in the period.

Cameron Johnson led the Nets' comeback attempt with a team-best 31 points on 5-for-9 shooting from behind the arc. Mikal Bridges added 27 points on 4-for-6 shooting from deep.

Despite Porter's performance, it was a collective effort by the Rockets, with six players scoring in double-figures. 

Alperen Sengun scored 12 of his 21 points during the first half, which led to the Rockets holding a 55-54 lead entering the halftime break. He also added 12 rebounds, with eight coming on the offensive glass.

Jabari Smith Jr. recorded his 15th career double-double with 12 points (5-14 FG, 1-5 3PT) and a dozen boards. Josh Christopher came off the bench and added 14 points (6-10 FG) in the loss. 

Rockets end five-game road trip winless:

With the loss, the Rockets ended their five-game road trip winless. In addition to dropping their seventh consecutive game, the Rockets were swept by the Nets during their two-game regular-season series.

Jae'Sean Tate missed his fifth consecutive game:

Jae'Sean Tate missed his fifth consecutive game due to a sore left knee. Coach Stephen Silas remains unsure about his potential return. But amid his absence, the Rockets have missed his on-court versatility. 

Up Next:

The Rockets will play their final three home games of the season, which begins Friday night against the Detroit Pistons inside the Toyota Center. Following a contest against the Pistons, Houston will play their final home games in matches against the Los Angeles Lakers (Sunday) and Denver Nuggets (Tuesday). 


You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

Want the latest in news and insider information on the Houston Rockets? Click here

Follow Inside the Rockets on Facebook here

Follow Inside the Rockets on Twitter @InsideRocketsFN

Want even more Houston Rockets news? Check out the SI.com team page here


Published