Rockets Fall In Overtime To Pacers, Jabari Smith Jr. Scores Career-Best 30 Points
The Houston Rockets had a rough start inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse Thursday night. But before falling in a 134-125 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers, there was a small chance of the Rockets returning to Houston with one of their most impressive victories of the season.
With 5 minutes and 16 seconds left in the second quarter, the Rockets trailed the Pacers by 18 points. But instead of folding, Houston closed the period on a 20-8 run.
The Rockets entered halftime down 64-58. And with the momentum established, Houston came within a point (108-107) at the 4:28 mark of the fourth quarter.
Jabari Smith Jr. drilled his second 3-point field goal of the night to pull Houston within a point. His shot was a continuation of his third-quarter outing, where he recorded 13 points.
On Houston's next possession, Jalen Green's circus shot gave the Rockets their first lead of the night (110-108) with 4 minutes and 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Houston's lack of fourth-quarter execution plagued their play in the final three minutes. But Smith's go-ahead triple with seven seconds left in regulation sent the game into overtime.
The Rockets fell short of an impressive comeback. The Pacers outscored the Rockets 19-10 during the overtime period. But the fight Houston showcased would not have been possible without the emergence of Green and Smith.
Smith recorded a career-high 30 points on 10-for-19 shooting, 3-for-5 from behind the arc. And with 12 rebounds, Smith registered his 10th career double-double.
Green added 24 points (8-23 FG, 2-7 3PT) on the night after a nine-point performance during the third quarter. K.J. Martin finished the game with 23 points in the loss.
Tyrese Haliburton added a dozen to lead the Pacers in overtime. He finished with 29 points (9-20 FG, 2-9 3PT) and 19 assists. Myles Turner added 21 points (8-15 FG), seven blocks and five rebounds before fouling out.
Rockets struggle to defend the 3:
As expected, the Rockets struggled to defend the Pacers' 3-point shooting. Houston gave up 18 made triples to the Pacers, who shot 40.0 percent from behind the arc.
Rockets vs. Pacers regular-season series ends:
With the loss, the Pacers swept their two-game regular-season series against the Rockets. Indiana also recorded their seventh consecutive victory over Houston.
Up Next:
The Rockets will begin their six-game homestand Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls. Houston's next game on the road will take place on March 22 during a two-game mini-series against the Memphis Grizzlies.
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