Rockets tasked with improving communication vs. Blazers
Given the vulnerability of their opponent on Thursday, the Houston Rockets were positioned to open a crucial stretch of home games with a victory that could prove beneficial in their pursuit of the third seed in the Western Conference.
Instead, the Rockets fell behind early against the short-handed Golden State Warriors and, despite forcing overtime, lost 115-113 in the first game of a back-to-back. They will look to bounce back against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
The Warriors were without Stephen Curry (knee), Jimmy Butler III (knee), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness), as well as Gary Payton II and Moses Moody. That roster attrition wasn't enough to prevent the Rockets from being picked apart defensively during key junctures of the game.
"At this stage of the season, that's stuff that should be taken care of earlier in the season or last year, whatever the case is," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.
"Lack of communication is the main culprit. I feel like I'm louder than a lot of guys on the court from the sideline. Guys aren't hearing it, guys aren't switching, getting hit-unders and slip-outs. Basic stuff that we should have taken care of by now."
Reserve guard Reed Sheppard continued his scorching play after the All-Star break, pouring in a game-high 30 points and six 3-pointers. With starter Tari Eason in foul trouble, Sheppard finished the game with the remaining starters, perhaps signaling a future lineup change.
"In general, we're looking at everything and what works best for us from start to finish," Udoka said. "Like I've always said, it's who ends the game and plays well is going to be in there at the end, and Reed did that.
"It's something to look at with the start, but just because he doesn't start doesn't mean he's not going to finish. And we saw that."
The Trail Blazers will conclude a five-game road trip in Houston on the heels of a 122-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday that snapped a two-game skid. Portland did so by leaning heavily on its veterans, with Jrue Holiday, Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III combining for 85 points in the win.
The Trail Blazers, currently 10th in the West, have relied on their young core to remain in contention for a spot in the postseason play-in tournament. But against Memphis, Holiday tied his career high with eight 3-pointers while pairing a season-high 35 points with 11 assists. Grant added 30 points and nine rebounds while Williams had 20 points, 11 boards and three blocks.
"Jrue and Jerami took care of the game," Blazers coach Tiago Splitter said. "We were trying to find them; they were hot. Just drawing plays for them, calling plays for them. Rob took advantage of the size under the rim in the second half."
The veterans provided a stellar example of resilience after the Trail Blazers scuffled in the first half. During this transitional season, leadership is precisely what Portland needs from that trio.
"Everybody is required to bring that energy, but we try to lead in the right way," Williams said. "How can we ask younger guys to do stuff if we aren't doing it right ourselves?"