The Houston Roundball Review is an online basketball publication by: Kris Gardner, United States Basketball Writers Association member. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Katrina McClain, Naismith, USBWA, and Wooden awards.
HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets played well in spurts Wednesday night; but, those spurts were not enough to avoid a bad 106-98 loss to the previously winless Brooklyn Nets.
The Nets (1-7) obliterated the Rockets own the boards, 60-45, and pulled down 20 offensive rebounds which they converted into an astounding 33 second-chance points.
"Their offensive rebounding killed us," Kevin McHale said after the game.
In addition to the woeful performance on the glass, the Rockets made just 8 of 34 three-point attempts in the game.
"It wasn’t a good game for us offensively and defensively," said James Harden. "We just gave up too many middle drives, mistakes and offensive rebounds."
Despite the awful numbers, at times during the game, the Rockets clearly looked like the better team. During the first and third quarters, the Rockets led by double digits; but, they failed to put the Nets away.
In the first quarter, the Rockets led 26-16; but, the led by just six points (28-22) at the end of the first 12 minutes.
In the third quarter, the Rockets 79-68; but, their lead shrunk to four points (83-79) heading to the fourth quarter.
The Rockets (4-4) shot just 25.9% (7 for 27) from the floor in the fourth quarter; and, the Nets owned the glass 19-10 in the quarter to help outscore the Rockets 8-0 in second-chance points.
"I just think that when we play small ball, everybody has to make a concentrated effort to really help each other out on the boards," Dwight Howard admitted. "A lot of times when I went over to help, and block shots, or whatever, then they would crash the boards and send their guys in. we need to do a better job of that. They (Brooklyn) got second shots, and they got into a good rhythm."
James Harden scored 23 points; pulled down 9 rebounds; and dished 6 assists for the Rockets. Marcus Thornton poured in 21 points; and, Dwight Howard added 20 points and 17 rebounds. Plus, the Rockets had 25 assists on 42 baskets. However, none of those numbers could overcome the 33 second-chance points for the Nets.
"They just outplayed us, we’ve got to do better," Harden concluded.
