Rockets stumble in back-to-back overtime losses against struggling teams
The Houston Rockets embarked on what was set to be their most demanding road trip of the season, fully aware that their earlier schedule, characterized by extended breaks between games, would shift dramatically during this six-game stretch. With challenging matchups against elite teams like the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers looming large, the Rockets knew they had to be prepared. Yet, they also faced two of the league’s struggling squads—the New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings—and understood that complacency was not an option.
Facing the Pelicans and Kings
The Rockets’ encounter with the Pelicans, who had battled injuries throughout the season—particularly concerning the oft-injured Zion Williamson—was marked by heightened expectations. Despite the Pelicans’ struggles, which included a mere five wins at the time, the Rockets entered the game as heavy favorites, bolstered by their head coach Ime Udoka’s mantra: never underestimate an opponent based on records alone.
In the early stages of the game, the Rockets seemed to heed that warning, building a commanding 25-point lead in the third quarter. Coming off a heart-wrenching overtime defeat to the Nuggets, it appeared that Houston was poised to right the ship. However, the fourth quarter revealed vulnerabilities. The Pelicans, capitalizing on defensive lapses, fought back, erasing the Rockets’ lead and ultimately claiming victory in overtime—the largest comeback in the NBA this season.
A Moment of Reflection
That shocking defeat served as a wake-up call for the Rockets, who rebounded with a strong performance against the Nuggets shortly thereafter, securing one of their most impressive wins of the season. Yet, the problems resurfaced against the Kings. Houston again found themselves in a favorable position, boasting a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter.
However, Sacramento deployed a familiar strategy: double-teaming key players Alperen Sengun and Kevin Porter Jr. The same issues that plagued the Rockets in their previous loss resurfaced, unraveling their momentum as the Kings clawed back into contention. With less than a minute remaining and a five-point lead, a series of critical mistakes allowed the Kings to tie the game, culminating with a late three-pointer from Russell Westbrook. Sacramento then sealed the win in overtime.
The Weight of Each Game in the West
As the NBA season unfolds, the journey can be long and arduous. A pair of losses in December may not spell doom for a team, but in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, every game carries significant weight. The Rockets’ slip-ups against two of the league’s lesser teams could haunt them as the season progresses, reminding them that in the NBA, nothing is guaranteed—even when the odds seem favorable.
