Rockets Unable To Hold Off Bulls In Home Loss To Chicago

The Houston Rockets improved their 3-point shooting, but a fourth-quarter collapse led to a 119-111 loss to the Bulls.

HOUSTON — Coach Stephen Silas wanted to see his team shoot better from behind the arc Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls. 

The Houston Rockets received the memo with 16 made triples inside the Toyota Center. But ultimately, Houston fell 119-111 to the Bulls to begin its six-game homestand.

Jalen Green connected on the Rockets' first 3-point field goal at the 8:31 mark of the first quarter. His triple was the first of nine the Rockets drilled in the first half, as they shot 56.2 percent from behind the arc.

Kevin Porter Jr.'s 3-ball put the Rockets ahead by 13 points to open the second quarter. But Chicago began to cut into the Rockets' lead early in the period.

Green finished with 18 points on 7-for-14 shooting, 3-for-7 from behind the arc, and seven assists. Porter added 15 points (5-13 FG, 3-4 3PT), four rebounds and four assists.

Behind a combined 18 points from DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, the Bulls outscored the Rockets 32-23.

Their contributions resulted in Houston holding a 55-54 lead at the half. But with six additional 3-pointers made during the third quarter, the Rockets held a 95-87 lead entering the final period. 

The Bulls opened the fourth quarter on a 12-3 run. And by the 4:30 mark of the period, Chicago had tied the game at 106. LaVine led the Bulls on a 13-6  run to close the game.

LaVine led the Bulls in scoring with 36 points on 14-for-26 shooting, 3-for-8 from behind the arc. DeRozan added 27 points. Former Rockets guard Patrick Beverley contributed with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

After scoring a career-best 30 points against the Indiana Pacers Thursday night, Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets in scoring with 20 points (8-14 FG, 2-5 3PT) and 10 rebounds.  

It's raining 3's:

The Rockets had one of their best 3-point shooting nights of the season against the Bulls. With 16 made triples, Houston fell nine shots short of their season-high. The Rockets made a season-best 24 triples on Nov. 7 in a win over the Orlando Magic.

Rockets vs. Bulls regular-season series ends:

With the loss, the Rockets and Bulls ended their two-game regular-season series tied 1-1. Houston recorded their lone victory over Chicago on Dec. 26 in a 133-118 road win inside the United Center. 

Up Next:

The Rockets will continue their six-game homestand Monday night against the Boston Celtics. Houston's next road game will take place on March 22 during a two-game mini-series against the Memphis Grizzlies.

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

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