For the second time in two days, the Houston Rockets faced the Sacramento Kings inside the Toyota Center in Houston. And for the second time in two days, the Rockets emerged victorious. But this was a little bit different.
James Harden had a late scratch 30 minutes before the complaint due to a sprained right ankle. John Wall took the score in his absence with 28 points (11-21 FG, 2-8 3PT), leading the Rockets to a 102-94 victory over the Kings. Eric Gordon, who started in place of the injured Harden, added 21 points in the win.
The Rockets had a two point advantage in the fourth period. Gordon opened the final period by scoring the first six points, with the Rockets separating from the Kings in a 9-0 run.
Although Houston has three players who have scored 20 or more points, the Rockets came out with Saturday’s victory based on the second-half defense. The Rockets conceded 64 points in the first half, but kept Kings at 30 in the last 24 minutes.
As good as Wall had an offensive performance for the Rockets, his most beneficial contribution came from the defensive side of the ball. Wall recorded three thefts and two blocks. After the game, he proclaimed himself the best “pitch-blocking point guard” of all time.
Christian Wood continued his impressive start to the season against the Kings. He scored 20 points in the victory, but his most significant impact came on the defensive end. He pulled 15 boards (12 defensive rebounds) and added four blocks in 33 minutes of play. While beginners took care of business – as usual – Houston received a boost from its second unit. The Rockets bench overcame the Kings 23-16 reserves. Sterling Brown recorded 11 points and six rebounds in victory – leading all reserve players in the score.
In the defeat, De’Aaron Fox scored 23 points, while Harrison Barnes added 19. With less than a minute to go, the Kings scared the Rockets at the end of the game by going in an 8-2 run. After giving up 22 points for him in the previous game, the Rockets held Richaun Holmes to 11 on the day.
According to coach Stephen Silas, the availability of Harden’s status for Monday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks is unknown. With their last win, the Rockets are now 18-16 in the absence of Harden at all times.