Rockets End Home Finale With A 124-103 Victory Over Nuggets
HOUSTON — Seven hours before the Houston Rockets' final home game of the season, Jalen Green spoke on several lessons he learned throughout his sophomore campaign. He said his most significant lesson was learning how to score efficiently.
Green tried to display his efficient scoring inside the Toyota Center against the Denver Nuggets. He finished the game with 32 points on 12-for-27 shooting to help the Rockets take a 124-103 victory over the Nuggets Tuesday night.
Green opened the game by shooting 6-for-8 for 14 points. But with eight coming in the first quarter, the Rockets held a 31-30 lead entering the second quarter.
The lackluster performance by Houston's bench allowed the Nuggets to open the second quarter on a 13-2 run. Denver's hot start led to a 10-point advantage with 7 minutes and 56 seconds left in the first half.
Denver went into halftime holding a 59-56 lead. But a third-quarter explosion by Alperen Sengun helped the Rockets retake the lead. Sengun scored 12 points during the period. His production led to the Rockets holding an 86-85 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Sengun finished with 20 points shooting 7-for-14 from the field, to go along with 10 rebounds and seven assists.
The Rockets expanded their one-point advantage by 18 points midway through the final period.
Jabari Smith Jr. recorded his 17th career double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. added 20 points and nine assists.
Michael Porter Jr led the way with 23 points on 8-for-20 shooting, 6-for-15 from the field and seven rebounds. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic made his return from a three-game absence and recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Rockets' four-game regular-season series vs. Nuggets ends 1-3:
With the win, the Rockets ended their four-game regular-season series with a 1-3 record against the Nuggets.
Stephen Silas' last home game as coach of the Rockets?:
Coach Stephen Silas took a moment to speak on the uncertainty surrounding his future during his pre-game availability. Silas is proud of his tenure as coach of the Rockets, but he has not had any conversations with owner Tilman Fertitta and general manager Rafael Stone about his future.
He is in the final season of his three-year contract but has a team option for the 2023-24 campaign.
Up Next:
The Rockets will close their 2022-23 season on a two-game road trip starting against the Charlotte Hornets (Friday) and Washington Wizards (Sunday).
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