Royal screwup lead to Kings win over Rockets 130-128

The Houston Rockets had a 5 point lead, with a minute left in regulation, before “Heartbreak Houston” showed up. Multiple turnovers, miscues, and a royal screwup by the refs led the Kings to a 7-0 run to squeeze by the Rockets for a two point victory. It was one of the most exciting and deflating games of the season as the Rockets were playing well but still found a way to shoot themselves in the foot. With a royal screwup, the Kings win over the Rockets 130-128.

Refs make HORRIBLE foul call

Rockets were up 128-127 with 1.2 seconds left on the clock. Kings inbounding, side out, with an opportunity at glory. What unfolded was probably one of the worst calls I have seen. At such a crucial moment in the game, this call was certainly one of the weakest I’ve seen in recent memory.

Was it a good call or a bad call? One thing is for sure that this call, in a vacuum, is not the reason why the Rockets lost. Unfortunately, they put themselves in this position with the miscues prior to this possession. However, this type of call should not determine the outcome of a game. Eric Gordon certainly made contact with De’Aaron Fox, albeit BARELY, but just enough to alter the shot. According to the refs, EG fouled Fox with .3 seconds left on the clock and that was all she wrote. This type of call is not the type of call you make at the end of games and I will stick to that sentiment. Rockets fans are certainly outraged and rightfully so because thus game felt like it was ripped from them.

Jalen Green GOES OFF!

In the 1st quarter, Jalen Green established himself in tonight’s game by scoring 16 points to start. It was the momentum, especially in the 4th, that led Jalen to having his 4th 40 point game. Accomplishing this feat, a day before his 21st birthday, is an accomplishment worth mentioning. Jalen has had his recent shooting struggles but tonight he shed the skin of those struggles and showed out. Jalen made tough shot after tough shot, in the 4th , to bring the Rockets back.

Overall, Jalen shot 14/22 from the field and shot 6/9 from three. Jalen may not always be efficient but if he can score like this then everyone needs to get out of the way and let him cook. It’s also worth mentioning that this maybe one of the few times where everyone deferred to Jalen in the 4th. It’s these performances that show Jalen’s capability of scoring in crunch time. This is the promise that Jalen has the potential to be a superstar in this league.

Rockets put forth effort tonight

Credit should be made to Coach Silas tonight. Despite taking the loss, Silas got a much stronger and prideful effort on both side of the court. The Rockets played like a team that was determined to try and win this game. A near triple double from Alperen Sengun certainly reflected on the court. Sengun and Jalen Green’s chemistry shined as Al P helped Jalen get easy buckets.

In the long run, this duo will be something to reckon with offensively as their chemistry grows. KJ Martin and Jae’Sean Tate showed up again as a duo that certainly hold value in the upcoming trade deadline. KJ finished with 15 points as Tate finished with 16 points to cap off another strong outing collectively. We’ve seen time and time again, since Tate has gotten healthy, that these two can co exist on a team.

Another game, another loss

Despite the strong effort, the Rockets still preceded to lose this game in an insurmountable fashion. Everyone is seeing the light, in terms of tanking, but at least this type of loss won’t sting as bad. As much as the Rockets want to see one more in the win column, losing this game won’t have as much effect either way. The Rockets competed all game, Jalen got out of his shooting slump, and this couple POSSIBLY be Eric Gordon’s final game as a Rocket.

With all that said, good riddance to the Kings and now the Rockets are off to Miami to play the Heat Friday night. Miami is currently the 6th seed in the East and will love to use the Rockets as a springboard to a higher seed. Hopefully the Rockets come out with the same energy as tonight because, if they do, they could certainly be spoiler in that regard.

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