On the second evening of a back-to-back marketing campaign in opposition to Jap Convention foes, the Houston Rockets did not present many indicators of fatigue in Monday’s dominant 114-101 victory (field rating) on the common-or-garden Charlotte Frelons.
In an especially uncompetitive sport, Charlotte scored 70 of its factors within the second half after trailing 62-31 at halftime. This made the ultimate margin extra respectable.
Houston (20-9) gained in Toronto the evening earlier than and is now 2-0 to start a three-game street journey. Third-year ahead Tari Eason was as soon as once more sidelined because of ache in left decrease leg surgically repairedwhereas Dillon Brooks sat out Monday because of proper ankle soreness.
Rockets veteran guard Fred VanVleet had collapsed as a shooter of late, however he is put these struggles behind him in opposition to the reeling Hornets, who’ve now misplaced 13 of 14 video games.
For VanVleet and the Rockets, who managed the sport all through and led by as many as 34 factors, particular person stats of observe included:
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VanVleet: 20 factors, 6 assists, 5 rebounds in 29 minutes; 8 of 16 on photographs (50.0%), 3 of 8 on 3 factors (37.5%)
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Jabari Smith Jr.: 21 factors, 11 rebounds; 7 of 14 on photographs (50.0%), 2 of 5 on 3-pointers (40.0%), 5 of 6 on free throws (83.3%)
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Amen Thompson: 19 factors, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 assists; 8 of 16 on photographs (50.0%), 2 of 6 on 3 factors (33.3%)
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Alperen Sengun: 16 factors, 8 rebounds, 4 assists; 5 of 11 on photographs (45.5%), 1 of two on 3-pointers (50.0%), 5 of 5 on free throws
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Cam Whitmore: 17 factors, 7 rebounds, 2 steals in 22 minutes; 7 of 15 on photographs (46.7%), 3 of seven on 3 factors (42.9%)
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 23 factors and eight assists whereas making 9 of 18 photographs (50.0%) and 5 of 11 from 3-point vary (45.5%).
December 23 Rockets-Hornets: Full Highlights
December 23 Put up-match reactions and interviews
“Wonderful focus, again to again on the street. I cherished our braveness and depth from the beginning.
-Coach Udoka on tonight’s victory– Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) December 24, 2024
Amen Thompson tells @SportsVanessa that he solely knew it was beginning half-hour earlier than the alert. Dillon’s state of affairs doesn’t appear worrying.
– Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 24, 2024
🚀The Rockets win their twentieth sport (20-9).
They solely gained their twentieth match final season on January 20 (20-21).
– Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) December 24, 2024
What’s subsequent
The Rockets will return house to benefit from the Christmas break in Houston earlier than ending their present three-game street journey Thursday at New Orleans (5-25).
This text was initially printed on Rockets Wire: Fred VanVleet ends stoop as Rockets rout Hornets to enhance to 20-9
