Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press
The Houston Rockets fell 121-100 to the Terrance Mann-led Los Angeles Clippers in today’s game, officially extending their losing streak to a league-worst 10.
After scoring a career-high 53 points and 10 rebounds, TyTy Washington was recalled from the G-League ahead of today’s game in an effort to assist the short-staffed Rockets. Kevin Porter Jr. was absent from today’s lineup due to a left foot contusion, and both Jalen Green and Jae’Sean Tate were unable to play due to their respective one-game suspension sustained during Friday night’s scuffle against the Kings.
Entering today’s game, expectations were low for the Rockets who were missing three of their key players, but they were able to keep the game close during the first two quarters of play, entering halftime trailing by just one point. Seemingly as a harbinger of what was to come, Terrance Mann ended the final seconds of halftime with a three-point shot made from beyond halfcourt. Unfortunately, the Rockets allowed the Clippers (who outscored the Rockets 30-10 in the fourth quarter) to take full control of the game in the second half.
Due to coming off of a career-high 27-point night, many Rockets fans expected today’s offensive schemes to be run through the ever-improving rookie Jabari Smith Jr, yet he only played roughly 30 minutes and put up an underwhelming 12 points. The Rocket’s leading scorers today were veteran Eric Gordon, who put up 24 points in today’s loss, and Kenyon Martin Jr., who was right behind him with 22.
As expected, things were not as disappointing for the winning team, who saw Terrance Mann drop a regular season career-high 31 points and Kawhi Leonard record another 30 to secure the win.
The Rockets will stay in Los Angeles to prepare for Monday’s matchup against the Lakers.
Delivered by Cullen Avent
