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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ben DuBose

Takeaways: Jalen Green snaps slump, but Eric Gordon burns Rockets

Eric Gordon Jalen Green Rockets Cam Whitmore Jabari Smith Jr Suns Amen Thompson Dillon Brooks Houston Kelly Iko

HOUSTON — On night two of back-to-back — and the second game of a season-long homestand of seven straight contests at Toyota Center — the Rockets (15-14) were no match for the star-studded Phoenix Suns (15-14) in Wednesday’s 129-113 loss (box score).

On this night, Kevin Durant was often a facilitator with 16 assists, and former Rockets guard Eric Gordon (who spent nearly seven seasons with the team) was among the chief beneficiaries. Making his first return visit as a player since being traded last February, Gordon received a tribute video from the Rockets in the opening minutes before quickly showing his old team what they no longer have.

Gordon scored 21 points in the first half alone, shooting a blistering 8-of-11 from the field (72.5%) and 5-of-8 on 3-pointers (62.5%). That stunning turn-back-the-clock performance by the 35-year-old allowed Phoenix to play from in front, and they coasted to a win. Gordon finished with a season-high 27 points and seven made treys.

Durant had 27 points (56.3% FG) and 10 rebounds to go with those 16 assists, which tied a career high for the future Hall of Famer. Devin Booker, also a frequent All-Star, added 20 points and 7 assists.

Houston’s defense was lethargic, and the absence of veteran wing Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain, return timetable not yet known) was clearly felt. So, too, was the absence of Jabari Smith Jr., who left early due to a left ankle sprain (return timetable also unknown).

Yet, even in defeat, there was a bright spot in Jalen Green. The third-year guard entered shooting a woeful 33.6% overall and 25.4% on 3-pointers in December — but on this night, Green scored 23 points in 26 minutes while making 6-of-12 on 3-pointers (50.0%).

Big man Alperen Sengun finished with a team-high 24 points in 29 minutes, shooting 9-of-18 overall (50.0%) and 5-of-6 on free throws (83.3%). With injuries mounting, rookie wing Cam Whitmore took advantage of his first NBA rotation minutes and scored 12 points in 18 minutes, shooting 3-of-4 from 3-point range (75.0%).

Here’s our look at Wednesday’s highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. As the homestand continues, next up for Houston is a matchup versus the Philadelphia 76ers (20-9) on Friday night. Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. Central.

Dec. 27 Rockets-Suns reaction

 

 

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