Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun had a game-high 26 points and 16 rebounds, respectively, leading Houston to yet another home win, 111-97 (box score), over Chris Paul and the visiting Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
The Rockets have won five straight games at Toyota Center along with three of their last four overall and six of 10.
It was an inspirational win for the Rockets in the return of head coach Stephen Silas, who had missed Sunday’s game following the death of his father, renowned NBA lifer Paul Silas.
Paul led the short-handed Suns with 16 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds, shooting just 5-of-17 from the field (29.4%) and 2-of-10 on 3-pointers (20.0%). Phoenix (16-12) was without All-Star Devin Booker due to hamstring tightness, and they lost Deandre Ayton to a sprained ankle during the contest.
After holding opponents below 100 points just twice in their first 25 games, the resurgent Rockets (9-18) have held Milwaukee and Phoenix to 92 and 97 points, respectively, in back-to-back home wins.
On offense, despite making just 1-of-7 from 3-point range (14.3%) and 7-of-17 shots overall (41.2%), Green was still relatively efficient in his 26 points thanks to an 11-of-12 showing (91.7%) at the free-throw line. Sengun had 10 points and those massive 16 rebounds, helping Houston to an overwhelming advantage, 71-50, on the glass.
Rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. had an efficient 14 points and 8 rebounds on 4-of-5 shooting (80%), making all three of his 3-pointers. Kevin Porter Jr.had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, and the Rockets were plus-22 during his 33 minutes played, best of any player.
Scroll on for highlights, analysis and postgame interview reaction. Houston (9-18) plays the third game of its longest homestand of the season on Thursday versus Miami. The tip is 7 p.m. Central.
Highlights
Analysis and Interviews
Moments after his team’s loss went final, Suns coach Monty Williams embraced Stephen Silas and shared what appeared to be a very deep message. Stephen, of course, was coaching his first game since the death of his father, Paul Silas.
All class. pic.twitter.com/Hy9Ul7csIY
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 14, 2022
Rockets 111, Suns 97. Rockets hold consecutive opponents, the Bucks and Suns, shy of 100 for the first time this season. They have won five straight at home. Green with 26, Sengun with 16 rebounds. Suns shoot a season-low 32 %.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 14, 2022
Jalen Green in his last 10 games.
23.1 PPG
3.7 RPG
4.5 APG
6.6 FTA (81%)Rockets are 6-4 in that stretch, with wins over the Hawks, 76ers, Bucks and Suns (2x). League’s second-youngest team is starting to come together. pic.twitter.com/88rYV5zy2A
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) December 14, 2022
I've seen enough: Your team, my team, America's team, the @HoustonRockets, have won 5 straight at home and 6 of 10 overall. pic.twitter.com/eLOey7DtdM
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 14, 2022
Jalen Green reads a play, forces Chris Paul to land on a pass attempt for a travel as Stephen Silas makes sure to get his attention for praise. That is the area of is defense the Rockets are working to develop.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 14, 2022
Anyone have the flying Garrison Mathews put-back off the backboard three-point play on their bingo card?
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 14, 2022
Turner was on the #Rockets coaching staff with Silas last season, now an assistant with the Atlanta Dream. And she's right on the money. Was evident with the long embrace & emotional words he shared courtside with Suns HC Monty Williams after the game. https://t.co/N8IvsC7jLD
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) December 14, 2022
Stephen Silas says he needed the Monty Williams hug:
"Everybody knows he's one of the best people in the world. It means a lot. He's been through so much and has so many experiences that he draws from. Has a great way of communicating."
"I love him for that. He's a good man." https://t.co/IwZBMUVAbA
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 14, 2022
Watch JG go to work tonight ⤵️
📊 26 PTS
📊 7 REB
📊 4 AST pic.twitter.com/qj5Avah3km— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 14, 2022
Stephen Silas: "My dad was a coach, and he would have told me to coach. He would have told me to get your butt out there and coach, so that's that's what I'm doing."
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) December 14, 2022
Stephen Silas: "It was great. It was fun The defense tonight was really good, qnd it's definitely great to be back. I love these guys, I love this team. I kind of didn't want the game to end because now it's like real life starts again, but proud of the guys."
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) December 14, 2022
Jalen Green appears proud of forcing a Chris Paul travel tonight:
“That’s the ultimate trickster in the league. He be having the refs on his side, he controls the whole game.” pic.twitter.com/ZkhpgcHMch
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) December 14, 2022
