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

Takeaways: Rockets swarm Hornets as Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore break out

Jalen Green Cam Whitmore Rockets Hornets Amen Thompson Charlotte (Organization) Alperen Sengun Abel Ben DuBose Bradeaux

In the opener of a road back-to-back, the Rockets put their recent struggles behind them in Friday’s dominant 138-104 win (box score) at Charlotte (10-33). Two nights after being upset at home by Portland, Houston (21-23) made amends as they battle for a potential spot in the 2023-24 Western Conference play-in tournament.

Third-year guard Jalen Green had his best night of the season to date with a team-high 36 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 12-of-20 overall (60.0%) and 11-of-12 on free throws (91.7%). His season-high totals came in only three quarters, owing to the blowout margin.

Rookie reserve Cam Whitmore had 24 points and 11 rebounds in nearly 20 minutes, shooting 9-of-18 overall (50.0%) and 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%). Veteran guard Fred VanVleet had 14 points on 3-of-5 shooting from 3-point range, and he also had a career-high 6 blocks.

Fellow rookie Amen Thompson stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals in 23 minutes, shooting 4-of-6 overall (66.7%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers, and 4-of-6 on free throws.

As a team, Houston shot 50-of-89 overall (56.2%) and 13-of-33 on 3-pointers (39.4%) on Friday while limiting the Hornets to 35-of-85 shooting (41.2%) and just 9-of-29 from 3-point range (31.0%). Led by 20 combined rebounds from Green and Whitmore, Houston dominated the rebounding battle by a decisive 53-32 margin.

Miles Bridges led Charlotte with 21 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 7-of-11 from the field (63.6%) and 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%).

Here’s our look at Friday night’s highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is part two of this weekend’s road back-to-back on Saturday at Brooklyn (17-27), where tipoff is set for 5:00 p.m. Central.

Jan. 26 Rockets-Hornets reaction

 

 

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