The numbers say the Houston Rockets are a top five offense. The eye test says something very different. The Rockets shot 41 percent against the Boston Celtics, and on top of that, they were dominated on the boards by the Celtics, leading to an ugly 114-93 defeat.
Rockets throw up stinker vs. Celtics, lose 114-93
It was an ugly loss for the Rockets.
The Rockets were outrebounded 57-38 in reversal of their typical fortune, and with no one on offense playing well, including Kevin Durant, the Rockets were blown out of the water.
KD did lead the way with 15 points, but he shot just 4-for-11 from the field and 0-for-4 from deep. Alperen Sengun had 13 points and 9 boards, but he was just 5-for-12 from the floor. Same with Jabari Smith Jr. — 13 points on 5-for-12 shooting. Amen Thompson pitched in 11 and Tari Eason added 10.
Reed Sheppard continues in a bit of a slump shooting, finishing just 3-for-12, as Aaron Holiday was the only bench player with a little mojo, hitting 4-for-6 from the field.
It should be painfully obvious that this is not last year’s team. They’ve lost a big part of their identity and have been outplayed, outhustled and out-shot too many times this season. And help is likely not on the way. It’s also painfully obvious that Ime Udoka needs an offensive coordinator. He’s been outcoached too many times this year as well.
As for the Celtics, they were led by Derrick White, who had 28 points and 8 assists, and Payton Pritchard, who finished with 27 points.
The Rockets now stand at 31-18, and despite currently sitting in fourth place, are just one game out of falling to the Play-In.
The Rockets return to action tonight against the Charlotte Hornets and will be looking to get right against a team that’s currently on a seven-game win streak and while the Rockets themselves are on the second night of a back-to-back. We’ll see what Houston has in the guts department tonight.
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