Houston Rockets Swat Charlotte Hornets for First Win of Season
HOUSTON — It may have taken longer than expected, but Ime Udoka recorded his first win as coach of the Houston Rockets. Wednesday night, the Rockets defeated the Charlotte Hornets during a 128-119 victory inside the Toyota Center.
Fred VanVleet wasn't happy following the Rockets' loss against the Golden State Warriors Sunday night.
VanVleet scored eight points against Golden State and described his performance as "sh**". Three nights later, he opened the game by nailing his first three baskets, which gave the Rockets a 39-27 lead entering the second quarter.
VanVleet finished with 22 points on 8-for-17 shooting, 5-for-10 from behind the arc, and 11 assists. His contributions during the first half helped the Rockets take a 53-35 lead with 6:24 left in the second quarter.
However, Houston's play on both ends became stagnant during the final five minutes of the quarter. The Hornets closed the first half on a 23-8 run, which led to the Rockets holding a 61-58 lead at the half.
After scoring 19 points during the first half, VanVleet cooled off at the start of the third quarter, but Jabari Smith Jr. was able to pick up the slack. Smith helped the Rockets reclaim their momentum by scoring 10 of his 17 points during the third period. And by the end of the quarter, the Rockets held an 86-78 lead.
All five starters scored in double-figures for Houston. Dillon Brooks scored 20 points, while Jalen Green added a team-best 23 points in the win. Alperen Sengun recorded 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
P.J. Washington led the Hornets on the night with 23 points. LaMelo Ball recorded 17 points and six assists in the loss.
Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) controls the ball as Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Rockets avoid a 0-4 start:
With a win over the Hornets, the Rockets not only won their first game of the season. But as a result, they avoided one of the worst starts in franchise history. The last time the Rockets started the season 0-4 was during the 2010-11 season, which came after a 107-99 loss against the then-New Orleans Hornets.
Up Next:
The Rockets will continue their seven-game homestand Saturday night against the Sacramento Kings, marking the start of a two-game series. Game 2 against the Kings is set for Monday. Tip-off between the Rockets and Kings is slated for 7 p.m. CDT inside the Toyota Center.
