With All-Star guard and NBA scoring leader James Harden sidelined by a sprained right ankle, the Rockets (2-2) lacked their usual offensive punch in Saturday afternoon’s home game versus Sacramento. That didn’t particularly matter, however, since Houston’s defense was strong enough to limit the Kings (3-3) to just 30 points in the second half — including only 13 in the decisive fourth quarter.
It all led to a 102-94 win (box score) by the Rockets at Toyota Center. John Wall led the way with 28 points, six assists, three steals, and two blocked shots, while Christian Wall added 20 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks. Eric Gordon, who started in Harden’s place, scored 21.
But in the victorious postgame locker room, Houston was most excited about its defense — especially given a remarkable turnaround from giving up 36 points in the first quarter to only 30 in the entire second half.
The Kings were led by 23 points from rising star De’Aaron Fox, but strong defense from the likes of Wall and David Nwaba helped limit him to just 40.5% shooting over two losses on Thursday and Saturday in Houston. For comparison, Fox shot 48.0% from the field last season.
See below for team’s reaction to its latest victory. The Rockets return to action Monday versus rival Dallas to wrap up a three-game homestand, though it isn’t yet clear whether Harden will be available.
