Mourning the death of Paul Silas, the Rockets didn’t have their “head coach,” Stephen Silas, with them Sunday night. But, spurred on by a new 30-point match from Jalen Green, Houston held on against Milwaukee, winning by a razor’s edge (97-92).
However, the Bucks came pitched with four straight wins, plus a backlashing start to the game, a 12-4 start. But, without a 3-point address like a 3/15 of local specialists, Grayson Allen and Pat Connaughton, Milwaukee had to give in to the ardor and this extra soul of the Texans.
The latter was illustrated by the performance of Jalen Green who started and finished this game very strong, with 30 points plus 7 rebounds. He was well helped by Kevin Porter Jr. (18 points, 7 assists), as well as the defense of rookie Jabari Smith Jr. (6 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals) who did not back down from the “Greek Freak”.
Houston thus continues the fourth consecutive victory at home and recovers perfectly after the misstep of San Antonio. Beat the Bucks in a close match to the finish, without their head coach – the Rockets could hold a landmark game.
WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER
– The immense joy of John Lucas. On the floor at the last bell, John Lucas clenched his fist. Not a little proud of his squad, the veteran assistant coach quickly replaced Stephen Silas, who was mourning the death of his father Paul and obviously dedicated this prestigious success against a league cador to his absent colleague: “This is for the coach. She is for him! I work with him every day, I know how good he is at his job. The problem is to remain patient, but on this he is progressing. »
– The embarrassment of the Bucks. With 37% shooting and just 27% on 3-pointers, a 12/43 that clearly costs them wins in such a close game, the Bucks didn’t have the compass in their eyes. Like his specialists, Grayson Allen who has gone through this game like a ghost, and Pat Connaughton who is only 1/6, the Bucks have failed to counter the defensive strategy of the Rockets who protected the paint. “We didn’t shoot good enough”, confirmed Mike Budenholzer. “We tried a lot of triples, because we want to play like this, but tonight we weren’t able to get in enough to counter their desire to put so many people in the racket. »
– Khris Middleton’s composure. He is definitely being chased by the scoumoune! Just back on the court since Dec. 3, after missing the first twenty games of the season, as well as most of the last playoffs, Khris Middleton is once again on the sidelines! Forced out at the start of the second quarter due to a sprained ankle, he therefore returned to the infirmary just five games after his return. He finished hood (0/2 shooting) in 6 minutes of play …
TOP/FLOP
✅ Yellow Green. In full swing for his second season in the league, averaging 21 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, Jalen Green managed his sixth game with 30+ points this season! Scorer of 11 of the Rockets’ first 15 points, including a huge transition dunk, was less present in the second and third quarters, but managed to finish strong with 12 drives in the “crunch”, including three decisive pitches to win the decision. Astounding!
✅ Bobby Portis. Replaced on the bench with Khris Middleton’s return to activity, Bobby Portis didn’t hold back and, indeed, managed an excellent match in his sixth man costume last night. With 17 points and 15 rebounds, he cleaned up the paint for his Bucks. Insufficient in the end, because clumsy like his team, with his 1/5 from 3.
✅⛔️ Giannis Antetokounmpo. Dropping to 28 points against Dallas after eight of 30 games, the two-time Bucks MVP was well held by the Rockets’ defense tonight. With a strong double-double of 16 points, 18 rebounds and 4 assists and his 15,000 career points scored in the second quarter, the “Freak” fought well, but with 7/17 shooting and only 3 points in the final quarter ( 5 in the second half), did not weigh as usual.
⛔️ Grayson Allen. The Bucks’ “bad boy” went ahead with 2/12 on shooting including 2/9 from 3-point range. Swept away by the speed and percussion of Jalen Green, Grayson Allen experienced a nightmarish night on both sides of the court.
THE FOLLOWING
Houston (8-18): Phoenix Reception Tuesday (2am).
Milwaukee (19-7) : Warriors welcome on Tuesday (1h30).
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