Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets Unable to Overcome League's Best Defense in Loss to Timberwolves

Originally posted on Houston Rockets on SI
By Coty M. Davis | Last updated Jan 5, 2024 10:23 PM ET

The Houston Rockets caught the Minnesota Timberwolves at the wrong time, who were beginning a four-game road trip while trying to end a two-game losing streak. Their hunger led to the Rockets sustaining a 122-95 loss Friday night inside the Toyota Center.

The Timberwolves came into Houston as the top-rated defensive team in the league. They had given up an average of 107.8 points while holding a defensive rating of 108.7. Against the Rockets, Minnesota illustrated its defensive dominance.

During the second quarter, the Timberwolves held the Rockets to 22 points on 31.8 percent shooting. They also forced Houston into committing ten of their 14 turnovers during the first half, which resulted in 14 additional points. The Rockets trailed 56-46 at the half.

Houston's most points in a quarter against the Timberwolves came in the third period. They scored 26 points but entered the fourth quarter down 84-72.

Jalen Green led the Rockets in scoring with 20 points on 7 of 16 shooting from the field, while Alperen Şengün added 19 points and five rebounds. Jabari Smith Jr. finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 24 points while accounting for two of Minnesota's 12 steals. Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota with 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Six players scored in double figures for Minnesota.

Tari Eason misses second consecutive game:

Tari Eason missed his 11th game of the season due to an ongoing "stress reaction" in his left leg. Although he has been doing well, Coach Ime Udoka said his second consecutive absence against the Timberwolves was to continue their management of his injury. Udoka added that Eason "has a chance" to play in the Rockets' homestand finale Saturday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Anthony Edwards continues to be a problem for Houston:

Since entering the league as the No. 1 pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, Anthony Edwards has been a problem for Houston. He scored 12 points in the first quarter. Before scoring 24 points in 33 minutes, Edwards came into the game averaging 25.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 10 career games against Houston.

This article first appeared on Houston Rockets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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