Rockets try to halt skid against surging Nuggets

The Houston Rockets entered the season with championship expectations, but consecutive losses have exposed weaknesses that threaten their promising start.

After failing to corral the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter of a 10-point loss on Wednesday, the Rockets rallied from a 19-point first-half deficit on the road against the Phoenix Suns only to lose 102-99 on Saturday.

The Rockets will host the Denver Nuggets on Monday, coming off two uneven performances. Defensively, the Rockets were sufficient for lengthy stretches. But a lackluster start and late-game struggles defending Devin Booker paved the way for a second straight loss.

"It's just the physicality of the last two (losses)," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. "We got outhustled, all the loose balls, the 50/50 balls, and that was the theme in both of these nights.

"We've got to get off to better starts. It's hard for the second unit to come in and cool a hot team down. Our stars have to be better. Guys got to come more prepared to play, and I've got to get them there."

The Rockets rallied behind their small-ball lineup, with forward Jabari Smith Jr. replacing two-time All-Star Alperen Sengun at center. Houston closed the first half with a 22-3 run to tie it at halftime, and while the final score was unfavorable, the personnel package was promising.

"We have faith in it," Udoka said. "It hasn't been great in Milwaukee and Dallas, but we've had success with that small-ball group the first few years. We'll stick with that, and they'll figure that out."

The Nuggets' 114-102 win over the Indiana Pacers in Mexico City on Saturday was their fourth win in five games. Nikola Jokic scored 19 points to lead seven Nuggets in double figures, grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds and handed out eight assists.

Denver received 43 points from its bench, led by Spencer Jones' 13 points and six rebounds in his season debut. DeMar DeRozan added 11 points and five assists, while Marvin Bagley III scored 10.

"That's what we need from this group," Nuggets coach David Adelman said. "Our first five have played so many minutes in the league, and I just think these young guys ... bring energy. Flip games for us.

"That's what we need if we're going to be a high-level team, so it's fun to watch."

Jones' return gives Denver another option for a bench that has relied heavily on rookies Bryce Hopkins and Trevon Brazile. The added depth could help reduce the burden on the Nuggets' veteran starters.

"As a group, we've been getting better, getting into more rhythm as a group, as a team," Nuggets guard Jamal Murray said. "Guys finding their way, finding their spacing playing with different lineups, getting used to playing with each other.

"I just think the more we play together, the more guys are healthy, the better we're going to get."

Denver could be shorthanded Monday after listing all five starters and DeRozan as questionable. Jokic is dealing with a right elbow sprain, while Murray has a left shin contusion.