Spurs' Gregg Popovich Praises 'Physical' Rockets: 'They Put Us in Mud!'
The Houston Rockets are on a win streak after a 114-101 victory against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night at home.
Arguably the turning point in the game came with about 5:24 in the third quarter when Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan tripped Rockets guard Amen Thompson, resulting in some heated words, coaching staffs clearing the benches and technical fouls assessed to both young players.
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The Rockets held a one-point lead at that point, but they wound up winning by 13.
"They (Houston) deserve a lot of credit," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said postgame. "They were physical from the get-go until the end of the game. They came after it. They put us in mud."
The Rockets' physicality has been a theme over the past few games. They've gotten chippy with their opponents. On Thursday, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker got in a scuffle with rookie Cam Whitmore. Then on Saturday, Bradley Beal and Jalen Green appeared to get chippy. And now, the same happens here with Sochan and Thompson.
The Rockets are playing with a chip on their shoulder, knowing they have to play pretty close to perfect in the final 20 or so games if they want a shot at the postseason.
An identity is being built by the young Rockets, one that cautions other teams not to mess with them.
The Rockets are back in action tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT from Toyota Center. The game can be watched on ESPN.
