John Wall scored 21 points in 24 minutes, but the 3-point shooting cooled off dramatically for the Houston Rockets as the Bulls took the second of a pair of preseason games in Chicago, 104-91 (box score).
In Friday’s exhibition opener, which Houston won in a rout, the Rockets scored 125 points and hit 24-of-52 shots (46.2%) from behind the arc. In Sunday’s rematch, Houston made just 12-of-47 (25.5%) from 3-point range as the Bulls pulled away with a decisive 31-12 fourth quarter.
While Wall was a dynamic scorer in both games, he had just four assists in 24 minutes on Sunday after having nine in 18 minutes on Friday. Largely, that discrepancy reflected weaker shooting by the supporting cast.
David Nwaba played well with 11 points (50% FG) in 16 minutes and was very active defensively with four steals, while veterans Eric Gordon, DeMarcus Cousins, and Ben McLemore all scored 10.
The Rockets are now 1-1 in the preseason as they lost in Chicago tonight, 104-91. Wall had 21 and Cousins 10pts and 6 rebounds, but the Bulls used a 17-0 4th quarter run to pull away for the win. Houston only shot 35% and 12-47 from 3…also committed 19 TO's. Back at it Tuesday.
— Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) December 14, 2020
The Bulls were led by a strong backcourt showing, with Zach Lavine adding 23 points and nine rebounds and Coby White scoring 20.
The Rockets were without three expected starters in James Harden, PJ Tucker, and Christian Wood, though all should be available for Monday’s practice. See below for a compilation of analysis and postgame quotes from the locker room, along with select game highlights.
Houston wraps up exhibition play by hosting a two-game series at Toyota Center on Tuesday and Thursday versus San Antonio.
David Nwaba's defense 💯 pic.twitter.com/cYw0gSA6Rw
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 14, 2020
