Rockets Suffer Another Overtime Meltdown Against Kings
The Houston Rockets find themselves in the midst of a troubling stretch, as they succumbed to yet another overtime defeat, this time falling 125-124 to the Sacramento Kings. This latest loss drops their December record to 4-5, and they have stumbled to a disappointing 1-3 on their current road trip. The season, which started with promise at 16-6, is now marred by defensive lapses and missed opportunities.
Defensive Struggles and Late-Game Collapses
The Rockets’ defensive woes have been particularly glaring this month, ranking dead last in the league with a defensive rating that allows 115.6 points per game. More concerning is the manner in which these recent defeats have unfolded. Houston has lost to teams that are tied for the bottom of the Western Conference, namely the Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans, who both sit at a woeful 7-22.
As a result of these disheartening performances, Houston has plummeted in the power rankings, dropping three spots to sixth, just ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers and behind the San Antonio Spurs. John Schuhmann noted that, “Two of those overtime losses came against the Pelicans and Kings, with the Rockets suffering some brutal collapses both nights.” He elaborated further, highlighting the Rockets’ 25-point lead against New Orleans as the largest blown lead in the league this season, and a 14-point advantage with under ten minutes remaining in Sacramento.
Historical Context of Late-Game Failures
This season, the Rockets and the Wizards are the only teams with four losses after leading by at least 14 points in the final 12 minutes of regulation. It’s a stark statistic that underscores Houston’s inability to close out games, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Bright Spots Amidst Struggles
Despite the setbacks, there are glimmers of hope for the Rockets. Tari Eason, returning from a 14-game absence, made an immediate impact by scoring 16 points in under 16 minutes. However, his return was overshadowed by a defensive misstep, as he left Dennis Schröder open in the left corner for the decisive three-pointer.
Looking ahead, the potential return of Dorian Finney-Smith, who is recovering from ankle surgery, could provide much-needed support as the Rockets aim to turn their fortunes around before the year concludes.
While defense has been a persistent issue, the Rockets have managed to maintain a potent offense, ranking sixth in offensive efficiency since December 1, averaging 119.9 points per game. Kevin Durant has been particularly impressive, contributing 26.6 points per game on efficient shooting splits of 53-51-91 over the last nine games.
With four games remaining in December, the Rockets have an opportunity to regroup and address their shortcomings before the calendar turns. As the pressure mounts, the team must find a way to translate their offensive prowess into consistent victories, especially in clutch moments.
