The Houston Rockets was probably the worst performing team in the NBA a week ago. They were piling up one defeat after another, and this number rose to 15 in a row. Nobody could have seen what was about to happen. They faced off the Chicago Bulls in Toyota Centre and through an incredible teamwork the Rockets managed to win and end the losing streak. This gave the start to something really impressive. Since then, Houston has defeated the likes of the Charlotte Hornets, OKC Thunder, and New Orleans Pelicans. The team had to eventually try to overcome the challenge of the Brooklyn Nets.
The Rockets started off the game in the best way possible, leading after the first quarter, 30:23. Then, in the second part of the first half, they managed to increase the lead to 20 points. The team led by Stephen Silas closed out the second quarter, leading 67:52. They managed to keep that gap between themselves and the Nets throughout the third quarter as well. Entering the 4th quarter, the Rockets were huge favourites to win the game. They, however, suffered a 0-10 run which didn’t affect them much though. Houston pulled themselves together and close out the match, 114:104. Thus, James Harden lost to his former team in his first meeting with them following his departure earlier this year.
In the absence of Kevin Durant, James Harden led the way for the Nets with 25 points on 4-16 shooting from the field. The Rockets were far more consistent as Eric Gordon drained 8 out of his 12 shots and finished off with 21 points. Christian Wood underperformed from the field on 31.3 FG%, but his 15 rebounds came in clutch for his team. The 24th 2021 First Round Draft Pick, Josh Cristopher, played one of the best matches in his life. He went for 7-7 from the field, adding 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Cristopher was 4-4 from beyond the arc which helped him reach a career-high of 18 points.
JOSH CHRISTOPHER 🤯
The ridiculous oop extends the @HoustonRockets lead on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/V0kkYEEIkG pic.twitter.com/PgxfROkEUg
— NBA (@NBA) December 9, 2021
