Veterans Julius Randle (31 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) and Derrick Rose (24 points, 6 rebounds) had strong games on Sunday night in Houston, leading the Knicks to a decisive 122-97 victory over the host Rockets (box score). It’s the 11th win for New York (36-28) in 12 games.
Big men Christian Wood (19 points, 8 rebounds) and Kelly Olynyk (17 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists) each had strong games for the short-handed Rockets, but it wasn’t nearly enough for Houston (16-49), which owns the NBA’s worst record. The Rockets were also weary after playing their second game in 24 hours, which certainly didn’t help their cause. The Knicks led by double digits in the first quarter and were in complete control throughout Sunday’s game at Toyota Center.
Second-year guard Kevin Porter Jr. (14 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds) and rookie forward KJ Martin (13 points, 6 rebounds) each scored in double-figures for the Rockets, while second-year guard RJ Barrett added 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists for New York. The surging Knicks own the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference standings and looked every bit the part of a playoff contender against the rebuilding Rockets.
Houston returns to action on Wednesday, when they wrap up a five-game homestand at Toyota Center with a matchup versus the Philadelphia 76ers — led by former Rockets general manager Daryl Morey. There may be at least some additional reinforcements for Stephen Silas by that game, with Danuel House Jr. and DJ Augustin possibilities to return.
For now, here’s a look back at highlights and postgame reaction from Sunday’s blowout loss by the Rockets against the Knicks. Wood told reporters that he is not yet sure whether he will be able to play against the Sixers due to ongoing quad and ankle soreness.
Julius Randle: The people’s MVP pic.twitter.com/YChf3hyyYd
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) May 3, 2021
Stephen Silas said Christian Wood came into the game dealing with some ankle soreness. They discussed holding him out of tonight's game, but he wanted to play
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) May 3, 2021
Stephen Silas: "I'm always so proud of those guys. Jae'Sean, obviously, was limping around and fought through, and then CWood, it was a back-to-back and we had kind of thought back-to-backs wouldn't be, especially going down towards the end, wouldn't be a thing.." pic.twitter.com/nIzhgOdtzR
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) May 3, 2021
Christian Wood: “Right now with my ankle and my quad, I’m not sure about (playing) the next couple games.”
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 3, 2021
#Rockets Christian Wood said he’s been playing through a lot of injuries and did so again tonight. He said with his sore ankle and his quad (injured tonight), he’s not sure about playing on Wednesday vs Sixers.
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) May 3, 2021
The Rockets discussed holding Christian Wood out of tonight's game due to ankle soreness, but he insisted on playing. I asked him why: "Just to show my that we can possibly win this game. I've played through a lot of injuries, I've been playing through a lot of injuries…" pic.twitter.com/bX9HknuS74
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) May 3, 2021
Christian Wood asked about the frustration of playing through so much contact: “It’s very frustrating, especially when you don’t get the calls you think you deserve, but as the season progressed I went from complaining to refs about calls I think I should have had to now…” pic.twitter.com/sB3un6Qz1N
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 3, 2021
