The Houston Rockets have not been shy about expressing their desire to win as many games as possible before closing out the 2022-23 campaign.
Josh Christopher said during shootaround that the Rockets won 20 games during his rookie season. And if the team can win at least three more games, he would consider it growth.
Following a 121-115 victory over the Detroit Pistons Friday night, the Rockets need two more wins to meet Christopher's goal.
For a game that featured two teams who have recorded a combined 34 wins, the Rockets and Pistons put together a competitive contest inside the Toyota Center. Behind an 11-point first quarter by Kevin Porter Jr., the Rockets took a 31-28 lead into the second quarter. And by the 5:43 mark of the period, Houston held a 49-46 lead.
The Pistons began to pick up their momentum on the defensive end, which led to Detroit outscoring the Rockets over the next three minutes. And by halftime, Houston trailed Detroit 61-58.
Porter connected on a triple to help the Rockets regain the lead with 7 minutes and 56 seconds left in the third quarter. But amid a competitive period, Houston trailed the Pistons by one entering the fourth quarter (92-91).
Porter finished the game with 33 points on 12-for-20 shooting, 7-for-13 from behind the arc, while Jalen Green added 32 points (10-18 FG, 10-16 FT). The Rockets' starting backcourt scored a combined 26 points in the third quarter.
With the game tied at 102 with 6:30 left in the fourth, Alperen Sengun drilled two free throws to give Houston a two-point advantage.
And behind the production of Green and Porter, the Rockets outscored the Pistons 17-11 to close the game. Houston's starting backcourt scored a combined 65 points in the win.
In addition to Green and Porter, all five starters scored in double figures for Houston. Sengun and K.J. Martin each added 15 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Seven players scored in double figures for the Pistons, led by Marvin Bagley III with 21 points. Cory Joseph gave Detroit a massive lift off the bench. He drilled three of his six attempts from behind the arc for 15 points in 25 minutes. Jaden Ivey added 18 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
Rockets' two-game regular-season series end with 2-0 sweep vs. Pistons:
With the win, the Rockets ended their two-game regular-season series with a 2-0 sweep over the Pistons.
Jae'Sean Tate missed his sixth consecutive game:
Jae'Sean Tate missed his sixth consecutive game due to a sore left knee. Coach Stephen Silas remains unsure about his potential return. But amid his absence, the Rockets have missed his on-court versatility.
Up Next:
The Rockets will continue their three-game homestand Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Houston will host their final home game of the season Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets.
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