HOUSTON — A lot has transpired since the Rockets won in Phoenix 11 days ago. That win broke the Suns’ six-game winning streak and started Phoenix on an uncharacteristic 1-5 run, including a four-game losing streak.
“They have lost four in a row, so this game is going to be one they feel they can get right because they feel like we started them on their downward spiral,” interim head coach John Lucas II said about facing the Suns on Tuesday. “This is another opportunity for us to get better against a team that is one of the elite teams in the league.”
The last time the teams met, Phoenix was without point guard Chris Paul, but he will be in the starting lineup on Tuesday. The same can’t be said for his backcourt mate, Devin Booker, who will miss his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury.
Since that Dec. 2 matchup in Phoenix, the Rockets have gone 2-2 in their last four games, with impressive wins over Philadelphia and Milwaukee. As a team, Houston has started to find continuity with each other, and it is showing late in games from the young group.
“Our theme has been that we may not win a lot of games, but we want to be a tough team to play against,” Lucas said after Monday’s practice. “We are trying to be a tough out as we get better.”
Second-year guard Jalen Green knows the task will be difficult when facing a team that will try to prevent him from having a repeat performance of his 30-point game in the Dec. 2 victory.
“I am looking to get downhill,” Green said after Monday’s practice. “A lot of times, they want to take me away from the 3-point line. So, downhill is another option, and I just try to take the big (center) depending on what coverage he is in.”
Against Phoenix, Houston looks to extend its four-game home winning streak. The tip on Tuesday night is at 7 p.m. Central.
