Rockets Blow an Absolutely Golden Opportunity to Help Themselves in the Standings
Late-game blunders and overtime drama defined a frustrating night. Rockets squandered a dominant run, falling short in a heartbreaker.
The fourth quarter ended tied at 95 after a wild play where Rudy Gobert blocked a Kevin Durant jumper before eventually fouling out on the inbounds play. Houston then turned the ball over, rather than getting an opportunity for a game winner. Thankfully Alpi got a game saving block on Julius Randle's fastbreak drive.
Now having to test their 1-6 record in overtime, the Rockets looked to get things handled in the next five minutes. Minnesota continued to fall apart as Houston’s run extended to 24-2. Their 13-0 start to the extra period should’ve secured the win, but Minnesota responded with 13 unanswered points of their own.
With 55. 5 seconds remaining, things were knotted at 108. Houston failed to score, allowing Julius Randle’s elbow jumper to give the Wolves the lead with 8.
8 seconds left. Durant missed Houston’s first free throw of the game with 3. 3 on the game clock, forcing him to intentionally miss the second.