After a 15-game losing streak, the Rockets have now won two consecutive games.
Wood stated, “It feels great getting a win.” “We didn’t win a single game for a month. It’s great to see that there is a winning energy in the locker rooms. We now have the winning momentum and need to carry it forward.”
Charlotte’s P.J. Washington forced overtime with a putback throw off of a LaMelo 3 and tied it at 135 with just 4.4 seconds remaining.
Kelly Oubre Jr. missed the 3 with 3 seconds left that would have given Charlotte the lead in overtime.
The Rockets led the fourth quarter by a score of 110-99. They also had a lead of 17 points. However, Charlotte tied the game at 124 with 3 minutes remaining.
Charlotte came into Saturday’s game having won three straight games and eight of its nine previous games.
Charlotte was led by Terry Rozier with 31 points. Oubre had 23 points. Miles Bridges had 22, Gordon Hayward 21. and Ball 19.
Houston had 23 people: Eric Gordon 22 and Garrison Mathews 20, while Jae’Sean Tate was 16.
Rockets coach Stephen Silas stated, “We were moving and taking open shots. After a few shots, you feel a lot more confident shooting your shot. Right now, we feel pretty confident when shooting.
Hot 3-point shooting was a major boost for the Rockets. Houston made 46.9% of their 49 3-pointers, hitting 23 of them. When they made more 3s than their opponent, the Rockets improved to 3-3 They are 0-13 when they are outshot from long distance.
James Borrego, Hornets coach, said that they were “too comfortable, too soon”. They got what they wanted. They scored 3s. They made 3s. We could have been better defensively, though.
Houston’s first game was without Jalen Green (second-overall pick) who had a left hamstring strain.
Houston had just won 118-113 against Chicago on Wednesday night.
Gordon stated, “We are just playing better on both ends of the ball.” “We trust each other more. It’s great to play in a game like this, where the guys can make shots and the ball is moving.
TIP-INS
Hornets: C Mason Plumlee, a right-calf strain player for the Hornets, was unable to play. With 1:58 left in the fourth quarter, Oubre was called for a technical foul.
Rockets: PG John Wall (who has not played this season as the Rockets attempt to facilitate a trade) took shots during a pregame training session. Stephen Silas, Rockets coach, said Saturday night that Wall had spoken with Rafael Stone about a possible return.
SHARPSHOOTERS
Mathews, Armoni Brooks, and Mathews had a tremendous impact on Houston’s success by spreading out the floor and making 3s. Brooks was Houston’s best shooter, scoring 5 of 9 points and Mathews 5 of 11. Brooks also made nearly half the team’s 23 3-pointers. Both shooters set season records for 3-pointers made. Mathews was recalled just two weeks ago and is currently on a 2-way contract.
Silas stated, “When you call up two-way guys, you don’t usually expect them to make it into the main playing group. But he’s earned it.”
TOUGH STRETCH
Borrego stated that the Hornets have the most difficult schedule in the NBA, and have only had two days of rest. Charlotte hosted Minnesota Friday night, before heading to Houston. Chicago will be visited Monday.
Borrego stated, “You’re going have these moments.” “But I love the fact that this group continued fighting. We didn’t give up tonight, but we kept fighting, made it to overtime, and had a chance at winning it.”
HE SAYS IT
Borrego: “They are one of the worst teams to shoot in the NBA and they made 3s tonight.”
NEXT
Hornets: Monday night in Chicago.
Rockets: Oklahoma City hosts the Rockets on Monday night.
