Rockets starters Russell Westbrook and Clint Capela each surprised numerous Houston children with gifts Sunday afternoon as part of holiday season celebrations for charity.
The Rockets (17-9) had a tough home loss Saturday against the Detroit Pistons, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of Westbrook or Capela.
The team has a four-game West Coast road trip starting with Thursday’s game at the Los Angeles Clippers and culminating with a Christmas Day matchup at Golden State. Thus, these are the final days before Dec. 25 for Rockets players and coaches to physically be in Houston.
Westbrook hosted his holiday party at Emancipation Park in Houston’s Third Ward, with children invited from numerous local charities including Boys & Girls Clubs, Buckner Family Services, Urban Enrichment Institute, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
Each child at the Westbrook event received a pair of Jordan Brand sneakers and a backpack, in addition to other giveaways.
Meanwhile, Capela went house to house to deliver gifts to children staying at Casa de Esperanza.
Casa de Esperanza was established in 1982 to provide safety for children at risk who had no access to services. The neighborhood near the Texas Medical Center is comprised of 10 homes, along with a team which has dedicated their lives to caring for homeless children.
Head coach Mike D’Antoni and superstar guard James Harden also have their own holiday charity events scheduled later this week in Houston.
The Rockets did not practice Sunday, having just finished a stretch with three games (in three different cities) in four days. They return to the court Monday night with a home game against their in-state and Southwest Division rival San Antonio Spurs (10-15).
