Rockets Open Six-Game Road Trip With Loss to Heat

The Houston Rockets sustained a disappointing defeat to the Miami Heat, which began a six-game road trip.

The Houston Rockets began a six-game road trip Monday night in a 120-113 loss to the Miami Heat inside the Kaseya Center. 

Fred VanVleet led the Rockets in scoring with a game-high 32 points on 10 of 22 shooting from the field, 7 of 14 from behind the arc. The game marked the third time this season VanVleet scored 30 or more points. Alperen Şengün added 22 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out after 33 minutes.  

"Fred had a big scoring night but he usually makes the right reads," coach Ime Udoka said. "There is a lot on him when his teammates are not doing it at the same level. As a coach, you trust a player like him, but you do not want to run him to the ground. We need to find a balance as a team and learn how to make the right reads. But I feel we wasted one of his best nights."

The Rockets had a slow start to the game, but after scoring 32 points in the second quarter, Houston and Miami were tied at the half at 59. However, the Rockets could not sustain their momentum in the second half, where they shot 4 of 21 from behind the arc.

Six players scored in double figures for the Heat. Tyler Herro led the way with 28 points. Bam Adebayo added 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a steal.

Heat center Bam Adebayo drives to the basket as Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday (0) and guard Fred VanVleet defend on the play during the second half at Kaseya Center / Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets unable to overcome Miami curse: 

Regarding improving their play away from the Toyota Center, starting a six-game road trip in Miami was not an ideal situation for the Rockets. By falling to the Heat, the Rockets have extended their losing streak in Miami to six. In addition to their current losing streak, the Rockets have now dropped 13 of their 15 games in Miami.

Fred VanVleet Believes Physicality is Key to Improving Rockets' Road Struggles

Another solid outing for Cam:

Cam Whitmore had another impressive performance against the Heat. He came off the bench and added 11 points and six rebounds. The game marked his fourth consecutive contest of scoring 10 or more points.