Rockets’ Win Streak Cut Short by Nuggets’ Late Surge
The Houston Rockets faced a disappointing 112-109 defeat against the Denver Nuggets in their NBA Cup clash at Toyota Center. This matchup featured two of the Western Conference’s top contenders, but the Rockets ultimately fell short, marking the end of their impressive five-game win streak. With this victory, the Nuggets improved to 2-1 in the NBA Cup standings, while the Rockets slipped to 1-2. Here are the key takeaways from a challenging night for Houston.
Late-Game Execution Lapses Cost Rockets
In a tightly contested finale, the Rockets struggled to match the Nuggets’ intensity in the closing moments. Denver surged ahead with a 107-101 lead, thanks to Jamal Murray’s decisive layup followed by two successful free throws with just 23 seconds remaining. This six-point advantage proved critical, leaving the Rockets with too little time to recover. Despite valiant efforts from Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr., who each hit late three-pointers, Houston was unable to tie the game or secure a last-second victory.
Offensive Struggles Plague the Rockets
Despite boasting the league’s most potent offense this season, the Rockets found themselves stifled against the Nuggets. Throughout the game, Houston’s offensive rhythm faltered, particularly as Denver’s shots fell with ease, aided by the exceptional play of Nikola Jokic. The Rockets managed only a 44 percent shooting percentage from the field, a stark contrast to their usual performance. Kevin Durant had a notably tough outing, scoring just 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting while struggling from beyond the arc, hitting only 1-of-5 attempts. Alperen Sengun also faced challenges, as Jokic outperformed him in their center duel, with Sengun finishing with 14 points on 6-of-15 shooting.
Reed Sheppard Shines in Best Performance Yet
Amidst the disappointment, Reed Sheppard emerged as a bright spot for the Rockets. The young point guard delivered his best scoring performance since joining the team, contributing 27 points on an impressive 9-of-13 shooting, including 5-of-8 from three-point range. Sheppard’s explosive first half, where he netted 20 points, proved crucial in keeping the Rockets competitive. His resurgence is a promising sign for Rockets fans, who have eagerly awaited his development throughout the season.
As the Rockets regroup after this setback, they will look to build on the lessons learned and find a way to regain their momentum in the coming games.
