Entering Wednesday, the Houston Rockets had a 48-point quarter — tied for the third-most in franchise history — in each of their last two games. On Monday, they set a new franchise record for made 3-pointers in one game (28) and tied the all-time NBA mark for treys in a quarter (11).
Two nights later, in the same Oklahoma City arena where all that history was made earlier in the week, the Rockets came crashing down to earth in a 104-87 blowout loss (box score). With that defeat, the season-long winning streak by the Rockets (10-10) came to an end, as well.
Houston shot just 33-of-86 from the field (38.4%), and 12-of-46 on 3-pointers (26.1%) against the Thunder. Of those 12 makes, four came in the fourth quarter, long after the game had already been decided. It was the lowest point total of the entire 2020-21 season for the Rockets, and only the second time in 20 games for them to be held under 100.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 22 points and four assists, though he missed 6-of-9 shots from 3-point range. Second-year forward Darius Bazley had 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder (9-11), who out-rebounded the Rockets on Wednesday by a 51-41 margin.
Thunder 104, Rockets 87. Rockets fewest points of the season. And that was with 29 in the fourth quarter with the game over.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 4, 2021
FINAL: Thunder 104, Rockets 87. Ugly way to have a 6-game win streak snapped. Rockets misfired all night (12-46 3P) and were crushed in just about every facet. Missed John Wall setting up offense. Wood's first poor game as a Rocket. Got to bounce back in Memphis.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) February 4, 2021
Christian Wood had one of his worst statistical games of the season with 8 points (3-of-7 shooting) and 6 rebounds. OKC veteran Al Horford controlled the big-man matchup with 17 points (60% FG) and 6 rebounds.
The Rockets were short-handed on Wednesday, with veteran guard John Wall sitting out on the front end of a road back-to-back. With the loss, Houston is now 2-6 in the eight games that Wall has missed this season. While he’s expected to return Thursday in Memphis, the Rockets still won’t be at full strength, since Victor Oladipo is expected to rest.
Thursday’s game versus the Grizzlies tips off at 8:00 p.m. Central. For now, here is Wednesday’s postgame reaction along with highlights.
