Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta went into the team’s locker room after Friday’s 122-115 home victory over the Los Angeles Clippers (recap) to thank Houston’s players, per head coach Stephen Silas.
The Rockets (17-54) have been ravaged by injuries throughout the 2020-21 season, with 10 of the team’s 16 players under standard contracts unavailable to finish the season. They also dealt with a forced trade by superstar guard James Harden early in the year.
Nonetheless, Houston has somehow found a way to play competitive basketball late in the season, including multiple victories over playoff opponents such as the Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks. As a result, Fertitta wanted to show his appreciation.
“He told them how proud he was of them,” Silas said after Friday’s win. “The players really liked it a lot. “It was actually a really cool moment. He was so proud of the way the group has been playing and fighting against really good teams. He hadn’t done that this season. That was great.”
Stephen Silas said @TilmanJFertitta spoke 2the team after the game:”That was great.He told them how proud he was of them.The players really liked it a lot..was actually a really cool moment.He was so proud of the way the group has been playing&fighting against really good teams”
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 15, 2021
