Kelly Olynyk (20 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds) and Jae’Sean Tate (20 points, 3-of-5 on 3-pointers) led the Houston Rockets to a 122-115 win (box score) over the Los Angeles Clippers in Friday’s home finale at Toyota Center. Luke Kennard led the visitors with 23 points.
It was a balanced effort by the Rockets, who had seven players with 13 or more points. Besides Olynyk and Tate, other standouts included Khyri Thomas (17 points, 5 assists); Anthony Lamb (17 points, 3-of-5 3-pointers); Armoni Brooks (15 points, 3-of-7 3-pointers); KJ Martin (13 points, 9 rebounds); and DJ Augustin (13 points, 5 assists).
With the playoffs looming, the Clippers (47-24) didn’t play several of their regulars, including Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Pat Beverley. Nonetheless, for a squad like the Rockets (17-54) with the NBA’s worst record, it was a welcome opportunity to get a feel-good win — especially in the final career game for legendary broadcaster Bill Worrell.
Houston will finish out its 2020-21 season on Sunday at Atlanta, with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Central. For now, here’s a selection of highlights, analysis, and postgame interviews from Friday night.
Stephen Silas presents Bill Worrell with the game ball. This was the last game of Bill’s broadcasting career. pic.twitter.com/Jb86yuxwvo
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 15, 2021
#Rockets HC Stephen Silas said owner @TilmanJFertitta came into the very happy locker room after the game and told the players how proud he was of them, how they've been competing, especially late in season. @SportsTalk790
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) May 15, 2021
Stephen Silas on winning for Bill Worrell: "It was awesome. I wanted to honor him because he deserves it."
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) May 15, 2021
Stephen Silas: "We're trying to build a culture here. We're trying to build a style of play. We're trying to build through our young players, allow them to explore their game." #Rockets
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) May 15, 2021
Khyri Thomas "tweaked his achilles" per Stephen Silas. Will get an MRI tomorrow.
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) May 15, 2021
