After missing nearly a month with a left hamstring strain, prized rookie Jalen Green returned and shot well for the Rockets in Thursday’s game at Indiana. But it wasn’t enough to win versus Myles Turner and the Pacers, who out-rebounded Houston by 19 in a 118-106 win (box score).
Turner led the way for Indiana (14-19) with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blockes, and he hit 14-of-18 shots (77.8%) from the field. Meanwhile, Caris LeVert added 24 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds, helping the Pacers out-rebound Houston for the game by a decisive 47-28 margin. After trailing by three after the third quarter, the Pacers utilized a zone defense to take over in a commanding 27-12 fourth quarter.
Despite being on a post-injury minutes restriction, Green scored 20 points for the Rockets, and he hit 6-of-9 from 3-point range (66.7%). Christian Wood added 22 points (3-of-6 on 3-pointers) and 8 rebounds, while Jae’Sean Tate scored 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%).
Watch Jalen's performance against the Pacers 🔥
Welcome back, rook! pic.twitter.com/ClJ7hjq1NH
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 24, 2021
Eric Gordon had 15 points and 5 assists on 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%) in returning to his hometown of Indianapolis, while rookie big man Alperen Sengun added 10 points (5-of-10 shooting) and 8 rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench. Sengun also had 3 assists and 2 blocked shots.
For the young and rebuilding Rockets (10-23), it’s the seventh loss in nine games. Houston is now off until Monday, when they will finish up a five-game road trip in Charlotte. Until then, scroll on for highlights and postgame reaction following Thursday’s loss to the Pacers.
