Rockets Pick Up New Year Victory in Win Over Pistons

While ending their respective losing streak, the Houston Rockets began the new year with a victory over the struggling Pistons.

HOUSTON — Coach Ime Udoka did not get a near-flawless performance from his team. But inside the Toyota Center Monday night, the Houston Rockets picked up their first victory of 2024 in a 136-113 win over the Detroit Pistons.

With the win, the Rockets ended a three-game losing streak while recording their first victory of the seven-game homestand.

Alperen Şengün led the Rockets with a team-best 26 points and nine assists. He scored 20 points during the third quarter, which helped Houston take control of the game.

Behind Şengün's performance, the Rockets outscored the Pistons 47-25 during the third quarter to take a 106-80 lead into the final period. The Rockets held a 59-55 lead at the half.

Jalen Green scored 22 points on 6 of 12 shooting, 5 of 9 from behind the arc. Fred VanVleet added 15 points and seven assists. Jae'Sean Tate started in place of Dillon Brooks for the third consecutive game. He added 16 points and three rebounds.

Alec Burks came off the bench and led the Pistons in scoring with 21 points on 6 of 11 shooting, 3 of 6 from deep. Jaden Ivey contributed with 19 points in the loss.

Rockets guard Jalen Green controls the ball as Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Takeaways:

Amen Thompson gets the upper hand over Ausar:

Amen Thompson waited nearly two years to get revenge against his brother Ausar, who defeated him during the 2022 OverTime Elite championship game. Amen's contributions helped the Rockets end a three-game losing streak, but he also holds the bragging rights as the brother who won their first regular-season meeting in the NBA.

In 28 minutes played, Amen appeared to have some extra juice on the court, finishing with 12 points and six assists in the win. Ausar played 24 minutes and finished with five points and four rebounds.

Jabari Smith Jr. returns from injury:

Jabari Smith Jr. returned to the lineup after missing the previous game due to a left ankle sprain sustained against the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night. Udoka said Smith's recovery was faster due to the injury not being as critical as initially thought.

With no restrictions, Smith played 27 minutes. He recorded nine points and six rebounds.

Jalen Green Reaping Benefits of Trust and Hardwork

Jalen Green outplays Cade Cunningham:

Due to their respective injuries, Monday's game marked the first time Jalen Green and Cade Cunningham played against each other since November 2021. 

By scoring 22 points and taking the win, Green outshined his draftmate from the 2021 NBA Draft. Cunningham, who came into the game averaging 25.2 points in December, struggled in Houston. He finished with six points on 3 of 16 shooting, 0 of 5 from behind the arc, while adding 10 assists.