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 lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 115-107 Monday night. The Rockets never led in the ball game. (The game was tied once.)
With the win tonight, the Rockets' 8-game winning streak over the Sixers is snapped. With last Monday's home loss to the Grizzlies, the Rockets have lost consecutive home games for the first time since February 6 and February 27, 2016.
The Rockets started the game slowly; and, the Sixers took full advantage of that slow start and scored 37 points in the first quarter. The Sixers shot 65.2% (15 for 23) from the floor in the quarter.
Despite James Harden's 13 points, the Rockets (5-3) trailed 37-27 at the end of the first quarter.
The Rockets played more aggressively on offense and defense in the second quarter and limited the Sixers (3-4) to 21 points in the quarter. Rockets guard Eric Gordon scored 15 points in the second period to help the Rockets outscore the Sixers 29-21 in the stanza.
Houston trailed by just two points (58-56) at halftime.
The third quarter was similar to the first quarter: the 76ers shot 65.0% (13 for 20) from the floor and scored 34 points in the third. The Rockets scored 24 points in the third and trailed 92-80 heading to the final period.
"They (the Sixers) got 37 points in the first quarter," Mike D'Antoni said after the game. "Then, you start playing hard and good things start to happen.
"But, you give up 37 in the first and then 21. Then, you give up 34 in the third; then, you give up 23. Something's wrong. To me, it's the intensity and the toughness and the grittiness that we haven't demonstrated so far. In the last few games early, they kind of sustained us even though the offense is bad. But now, we're digging ourselves holes and stuff. We, obviously, have to get over it."
The Rockets trailed by 10 (103-93) with 6:31 remaining in the fourth quarter; but, the Rockets' defense forced the Sixers into 3 missed field goals and one turnover during a 6-0 burst which sliced the Rockets' deficit to only four points (103-99) with 4:09 on the game clock.
Sixers' rookie Ben Simmons ended the Sixers' scoreless drought with a three-point play; but, James Harden and Eric Gordon each scored three points to pull the Rockets within one point (106-105) with 3:06 remaining.
After a Sixers' turnover, James Harden lobbed to Clint Capela. The pass put Capela on the opposite of the basket; but, instead of gathering himself once he caught the pass, Capela tried an awkward over-the-head lay-up which missed.
Embiid scored a six-foot hook shot followed by a Ben Simmons dunk.
The Rockets only scored 2 points in the final minutes of the game.
Simmons scored a team-high 24 points (10 for 15 field goals) and added 9 dimes and 7 rebounds. Embiid -- in 24:57 minutes -- scored 22 points (9 for 12 field goals); grabbed 9 boards; dished 5 assists; plus added 2 steals and 1 blocked shot.
Simmons said of Embiid, "They don't have anyone who could stop him; and, his play allowed us to get into transition and get some easy layups."
The Rockets missed 34 three-point attempts (made 13) for 27.7% three-point percentage.
"We just followed the game plan," Embiid said. "They shoot a lot of threes; so, we ha to run them off the line."
Overall, the Rockets shot 39.8% from the floor (33 for 83). The Rockets have shot below 40.0% in consecutive games and three times overall in this young season.
James Harden scored a game-high 29 points; however, Harden made only 8 of his 21 field goal attempts and was a minus 12 in his 38 plus minutes of action. Eric Gordon scored 25 points (8 for 18, 5 for 14 threes). Gordon was plus 4 in his nearly 37 minutes. Clint Capela scored 12 points and pulled down 15 rebounds. Capela was plus 6 in his 31 minutes.
The Rockets next game is at the New York Knicks, Wednesday, November 1, at 7 p.m.
