Rockets Drop Second Consecutive Game in Loss to Timberwolves

After falling to the Timberwolves, the Houston Rockets dropped back-to-back games for the first time since late February.

The Houston Rockets understand they cannot afford to lose too many games within the final 13 days of the 2023-24 season. They came into the Target Center two games back of the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final spot for the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. 

Unfortunately, the Rockets sustained their second consecutive loss in a 113-106 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday night. The loss ended Houston's seven-game road winning streak. They also dropped back-to-back games for the first time since sustaining a three-game losing streak from Feb. 25 to 29.

Apr 2, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) is fouled

Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Green came out of the gates to illustrate why he should have received Western Conference Player of the Month for March. He scored eight of his 26 points in the first quarter, which led to the Rockets holding a 23-16 lead entering the second period.

A 3-point field goal made by Jabari Smith Jr. put the Rockets ahead by 10 (41-31) with 5:34 left in the second quarter. However, the Timberwolves caught fire to close the half, where they out-scored the Rockets 23-4. Houston entered the halftime break trailing Minnesota 54-45.

Smith finished the night with 18 points and eight rebounds in the loss. Amen Thompson added nine points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Cam Whitmore came off the bench and scored 14 points in his second game back from a knee injury.

Anthony Edwards had a subpar performance against the Rockets, finishing with 21 points on 5 of 16 shooting. He did not score his first basket until 6:16 left in the third quarter. However, the Timberwolves' supporting cast gave the team a significant boost amid the struggles of their franchise star.

Six players scored in double-figures for the Timberwolves. Naz Reid scored a team-best 25 points on 10 of 17 shooting, 3 of 5 from behind the arc. Kyle Anderson added 13 points on 6 of 8 shooting from the field. Rudy Gobert recorded his 49th double-double of the season with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

The Rockets trailed by 15 points with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. Fred VanVleet ignited a 17-3 run, which brought Houston within a point (101-100) with 1:54 left in the final period.

Unfortunately, the Timberwolves closed the game on a 12-6 run, with Edwards accounting for eight. VanVleet scored 20 of his 22 points during the fourth quarter. He also added five rebounds and five assists in the loss.