The severely short-handed Rockets played hard over the final weeks of the 2020-21 regular season, including Friday’s upset win over the Los Angeles Clippers, but they finally seemed to run out of steam in Sunday’s 124-95 loss (box score) at Atlanta. The Hawks (41-31) are headed to the playoffs as the East’s No. 5 seed, while Houston (17-55) ends the year with the NBA’s worst record for the first time since 1982-83.
DJ Augustin and Armoni Brooks led Houston with 18 points apiece, including four 3-pointers by Augustin and six by Brooks. Kelly Olynyk scored 16, while big man Cam Oliver had his first career double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. He also blocked three shots.
Atlanta had eight players in double figures, led by Onyeka Okongwu’s 21 points (76.9% FG) and 14 rebounds. All-Star guard Trae Young had 10 points, 9 assists, and 2 steals in limited playing time of 16 minutes.
Here’s a sampling of highlights, postgame reaction, and analysis from Sunday’s loss. The NBA’s play-in tournament for the 2021 playoffs will begin Tuesday, with the playoffs officially starting Saturday.
#Rockets lose their finale, 124-95 to the Hawks. Finish the season, 17-55. That's the league's worst mark.
Houston's lottery odds:
Top 4 pick: 52.1% (combined odds for 1st-4th pick)
1st pick: 14.0%
2nd pick: 13.4%
3rd pick: 12.7%
4th pick: 12.0%
5th pick: 47.9% (would go to OKC)— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) May 17, 2021
That's a wrap. Rockets fall in Atlanta and finish the season at 17-55.
It's been a challenging year for everyone, but here's to a brighter future and some luck in the draft lottery.
Thank you all for staying with us, watching and listening along the way.
Have a great summer!
— Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) May 17, 2021
"I'm very encouraged about the future. Obviously there were some challenges this year that were out of my control. This is my dream job, right, so I'm not going to be discouraged by anything." – #Rockets HC Stephen Silas after his 1st season as an NBA head coach.
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) May 17, 2021
Stephen Silas: "It was a rough year for sure. But I'm very encouraged by the future."
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) May 17, 2021
Silas: I’m definitely encouraged. It was a tough year for sure but I’ll be a better coach then when I first came in the door. For me to be down and discouraged about where I am and can be isn’t in the realm of possibility.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) May 17, 2021
Silas says he feels relieved that he doesn't have to ask players who are injured to give it their all, now that the season is over.
— Anthony Duckett (@a_duckett) May 17, 2021
Stephen Silas: I’m going to give everyone a couple weeks to wind down, decompress.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) May 17, 2021
Silas said before tonight's game he identified every player and how they've all surpassed what was thought and expected of them.
Says Jae'Sean Tate should be 1st Team All-Rookie and he views KJ Martin as the Most Improved Player.
— Anthony Duckett (@a_duckett) May 17, 2021
