The Houston Rockets began their two-game road trip in a 138-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The Rockets ended their two-game losing streak inside the Spectrum Center Friday night. They also picked up their fifth road victory of the season.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with one of his most impressive performances of the season. Green finished the game with a season-high 36 points on 12 of 20 shooting, nine rebounds and four assists. He began the game by scoring 19 points in the first half, which led to Houston holding a 55-53 halftime lead.
The Rockets took full control of the game during the third quarter, where they outscored the Hornets 44-25 Alperen Sengun finished with 11 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
Cam Whitmore came off the bench and added a career-high 24 points and 11 rebounds. Amen Thompson added 13 points.
The Hornets were led by Miles Bridges, who scored a team-high 21 points. LaMelo Ball added 15 points, eight assists and two rebounds.
No Jabari Smith Jr. vs. the Hornets:
The Rockets ruled Jabari Smith Jr. out for the third consecutive game. He sustained his injury during Saturday's overtime victory against the Utah Jazz. Jeff Green started in Smith's absence. He recorded two rebounds in the win.
Completing the sweep vs. the Hornets:
The Rockets ended their two-game regular-season series with a 2-0 sweep by defeating the Hornets. Charlotte was the first team the Rockets defeated to end their 0-3 start to the 2023-24 season in a home victory on Nov. 1.
More must-reads: