Houston Rockets Block And Box Out Phoenix Suns

The Houston Rockets went back into action tonight after reeling from two tough previous match ups.

One could tell that they just couldn’t match the intensity of their respective opponents for 48 minutes, just whenever there was a sense of urgency.

Even then, when the Houston Rockets think they can turn things on and off like a faucet, it was too little, too late and they ended up on the short end of the stick.

But any way, the team took on the Phoenix Suns, a team that’s likely destined for the NBA lottery with them possessing the league’s second-worst record.

Three Houston Rockets starters were out tonight — James Harden with the flu, Trevor Ariza had to leave the team because of a family member passing away and Ryan Anderson still remains out with a sprained ankle.

On paper, this still should be a match up the Rockets could win because of the immense depth of the bench.

It certainly showed tonight.

But more on that later, let’s get this show on the road!

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The 1st quarter involved the Rockets hitting the gas early going by as much as 15 points when they took a 25-10 lead with 4:14 left in the quarter after two Lou Williams free throws.

They dominated the 1st quarter and it looked like this game was going to be put away early.

Not so fast though — after the start of the 2nd quarter, the Suns started to chip away at their deficit before tying up the game at 47-all with 4:59 left.

It wasn’t necessarily that the Suns were playing great defense — they’re one of the worst teams in terms of efficiency — but the Rockets were failing to defend back in transition.

That kept the Suns in striking distance.

But while that was going on, a phenomenon was happening.

Yes, Troy Williams, who was first acquired on a 10-day contract then signed for the rest of the season emerged as a serious three-point threat.

In fact, he nailed five threes throughout the course of the 1st half and had 18 points at the end of it.

He’s an exciting new addition to the team and if he continues to play well and develop with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, he could be a nice future piece.

Isaiah Taylor, who just signed a three-year deal, also accompanied Williams as well.

Despite all of this, the Rockets still never relinquished their lead, on top 59-54 at the half.

The third quarter involved the Suns players focusing their resources on stopping Williams.

They were successful but the Rockets still remained on top throughout the third quarter with the Suns closing in by as much as 1 when they lead 82-81, when Jared Dudley nailed a jumper.

But the third quarter ended with the Rockets in front 90-83.

As for the fourth quarter, Troy Williams hit his 6th — and final — three of the night for a career-high 21 points putting the Rockets up 95-85.