The Houston Rockets are probably the greatest defensive groups within the 2024-25 NBA common season, they usually simply confirmed why within the first half of their Monday evening showdown towards the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Middle in Charlotte.
Houston held the Hornets to only 15 factors within the first quarter and 16 within the second interval. The 31 factors the Rockets allowed earlier than halftime to Charlotte have been the fewest Houston surrendered within the first half — amongst different defensive feats the crew made within the first half, per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
“Rockets 62, Hornets 31 at half. Fewest factors Rockets have allowed in a primary quarter, second quarter or first half. VanVleet with 18. Hornets go away the ground to many boos, or bah humbugs,” Feigen posted on X (previously Twitter).
Those that have been following the Rockets this season won’t be all that stunned over the defensive prowess Houston confirmed towards the Hornets, notably within the first half. Houston entered the Hornets sport first within the NBA with a mean of simply 25.1 factors allowed in first quarters this season.
The Rockets had the Hornets bleeding for factors within the first half
The Rockets additionally awakened Monday ranked sixth with solely 27.0 factors surrendered in second quarters. General, Houston began the day third within the league with 106.5 factors allowed per sport and second with a 50.3 defensive efficient subject aim share.
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Houston’s protection appeared to regress within the second half the place the Hornets outscored the Rockets, 70-52, however that scoring burst from Charlotte was not sufficient to stop a 114-101 loss to Jabari Smith Jr. and firm. Smith led the way in which for the Rockets with 21 factors on a 7-for-14 taking pictures from the ground, 11 rebounds and two assists. Fred VanVleet chipped in 20 factors and 6 assists whereas Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun posted 19 and 16 factors, respectively.
The Rockets dominated the glass, thus taking away loads of scoring alternatives for Charlotte. Houston got here away with 59 rebounds to only 44 by the Hornets, who additionally let the Rockets seize 20 offensive boards.
Houston improved its season file to 20-9 following the win over the Hornets. Now on a three-game win streak, the Rockets will look to punctuate their street journey with one other victory this coming Thursday towards the New Orleans Saints at Smoothie King Middle on New Orleans.