Rockets Unable to Sustain Hot Start in Loss to Thunder

The Houston Rockets put together one of their best first quarters of the season, but they could not sustain their play amid a home loss to the Thunder.

HOUSTON — Coach Ime Udoka was proud of the Houston Rockets' start to Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They held a 13-point advantage midway through the first quarter, which led to a 34-31 lead entering the second period.  

Unfortunately, the Rockets could not sustain their hot start, falling 123-110 to the Thunder inside the Toyota Center.

The Thunder began to find their momentum during the third period. After Houston entered the halftime break up 62-57, Oklahoma City outscored the Rockets 31-21 during the quarter. Houston had a difficult time trying to defend Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He finished with a game-high 36 points. He scored 12 during the Thunder's third-quarter comeback.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) drives with the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Jabari Smith Jr. had another impressive performance following Friday's victory against the Phoenix Suns. He notched his 12th double-double of the season with 20 points and 17 rebounds. Fred VanVleet added 20 points on 7 of 16 shooting from the field, 3 of 7 from behind the arc.

Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün had a modest night, respectively. Green added 11 points in the loss while Şengün finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Cam Whitmore was the lone player who scored in double figures off the bench. He finished with 12 points. However, his entire scoring production came during the first half.

In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's entire starting unit scored in double figures. Chet Holmgren added 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in the win. Jalen Williams added 22 points and five assists.

After trailing by as many as 16 first-half points, the Thunder outscored Houston 66-48 in the second half.

What Led to Rockets Coach Ime Udoka Trusting Amen Thompson Down the Stretch vs. Suns?

A first-hand start

The Rockets had arguably their best first-quarter play in 2024. Led by Jabari Smith Jr., who scored 12 points during the period, Houston scored 34 first-quarter points while shooting 48.0 percent from the field. Houston's success during the first quarter stemmed from its hot 3-point shooting, connecting on eight 3-point field goals. 

Since Jan. 1, the Rockets have gotten off to several slow starts. They have scored an average of 27.1 points while shooting 35.2 percent from behind the arc over the previous 26 games.

On the road again, which isn't a good thing

The Rockets and Thunder will conclude their home-and-home series Tuesday night inside the Paycom Center. The game will mark the first of a three-game road trip for Houston, ending with a two-game set in Phoenix. The Rockets have the league's second-worst road record at 5-22.