The losing streak for the young and rebuilding Rockets is now at seven games after Thursday’s 121-114 loss (box score) in Brooklyn wrapped up an 0-5 road trip. But unlike the three previous outings, which were mostly uncompetitive, Houston (18-59) led the Nets (41-35) by as many as nine points in the fourth quarter before an 18-4 run in the final three minutes turned the game upside down.
Yet again, the difference was in 3-point shooting. Led by 31 points and five 3-pointers from Cameron Johnson, the Nets shot 17-of-35 (48.6%) from behind the 3-point arc. Meanwhile, Houston was just 9-of-30 from deep (30.0%). That math proved difficult to overcome, even on a night where the Rockets had a 60-47 rebounding edge.
Alperen Sengun (21 points, 12 rebounds, 62.5% FG) and Jabari Smith Jr. (12 points, 12 rebounds) both had double-doubles as Houston flexed its interior muscle, while Kevin Porter Jr. had 31 points on 11-of-22 shooting (50.0%) and 4-of-10 on 3-pointers (40.0%). Porter also grabbed 9 rebounds and had a team-high 6 assists and 3 steals.
But the Rockets couldn’t withstand an unusually rough game by backcourt mate Jalen Green, who had 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting (38.5%) while missing all four of his 3-pointers.
KJ Martin added 15 points and 7 rebounds while hitting 3-of-5 from 3-point range (60.0%), while Josh Christopher had 14 points and 4 assists in just 17 bench minutes, making 6-of-10 shots (60.0%).
Scroll on for highlights, postgame interviews, and reaction by Houston fans and media members. With the road trip complete, next up for the Rockets is three straight games in the friendly confines of Toyota Center, representing their final homestand of the 2022-23 season. Tipoff of Friday’s opener versus Detroit is at 7:00 p.m. Central.
Highlights
When he’s played, Kevin Porter Jr. has been the #Rockets’ best player this season. https://t.co/y4sQ8LKkx1
— B.Scott (@brandonkscott) March 30, 2023
Veteran presence took over this game and the Rockets couldn’t keep up…#Sarge
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) March 30, 2023
Rockets rotation in the fourth on defensive has been bad. Playing to deep into the paint and giving up wide open 3 after wide open 3
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) March 30, 2023
Just saw the replay, Sengun was legit whacked like 5 times and they called the ball out on him, that was one of the worst sequences I've ever seen in my life
— Abel (@AbelGe87) March 30, 2023
The Nets have nine 3s in the fourth quarter. The Rockets have nine 3s in the game. Nets with 14 points in 2:20, lead by seven, their largest lead, with 32 seconds left.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 30, 2023
Absolutely ridiculous shooting by the Nets here in the 4th, they made 9/10 threes
— Abel (@AbelGe87) March 30, 2023
Nets fans getting frustrated with Rockets pounding the offensive glass. Sengun offensive rebound and put-back gives Rockets 18 second-chance points with 17 offensive rebounds.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 30, 2023
Sengun eating a DPOY candidate alive out there
— Kyle Chilek (@Kchile22) March 30, 2023
Alperen Sengun is punking the Nets on the O-boards 😬
— Rob Kimbell (@RobKSports) March 30, 2023
Ramadan ALP!!!
Sidenote: Great defensive technique on defensive possessions where he has switched onto a Nets' ball-handler along the perimeter. He's funneled the driver towards the help-defender. Good stuff from him on defense here in the 4th.
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) March 30, 2023
Sengun did a really good job on that initial switch, but once Bridges gives the ball up the Rockets must do a better job of getting matched up. They were completely unorganized at that point. That's youth for you
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) March 30, 2023
Alperen Sengun tonight vs Brooklyn@alperennsengun 🏀 21 PTS 🏀 12 REB 🏀#Rockets @HoustonRockets pic.twitter.com/Om5jgqbqCi
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 30, 2023
Kevin Porter Jr tonight vs Nets@Kevinporterjr 31 PTS / 9 REB / 6 AST / 3 STL@HoustonRockets #Rockets pic.twitter.com/Db8H1ONm5L
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 30, 2023
#Rockets highlight of the game courtesy of @JalenGreen @HoustonRockets on AT&T SportsNet pic.twitter.com/Yxv6ufOFHr
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 30, 2023
#Rockets fall to the Nets 123-114
Kevin Porter Jr 31 points and spoke with the media after the game@HoustonRockets back in action Friday against the Pistons pic.twitter.com/ZRJwdRwFp3
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 30, 2023
