A Magical First Half Against the Knicks, but Can Houston Keep it Up for Another 24?
Houston exploded out of the gate with stunning offense, but can they sustain this scorching pace against a reeling Knicks squad?
Both teams came into this game tonight with their last win coming against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Rockets just got the job done on Sunday, while the Knicks are on a two game skid since their last victory. Much like the Rockets last week, the Knicks have lost their first two outings on a four game road trip.
They’re trying to turn things around here in the third of four games away from home, while Houston is hoping to extend their winning streak as they return home. With all of the usuals available to play, Ime Udoka decided to go with his defensive oriented starting lineup, meaning Tari Eason got the nod over Reed Sheppard. This proved to be a good decision tonight, as the Knicks started the game missing their first five shots.
Durant went on a personal 10-0 run to make it a 14-1 start for Houston. Şengün made his first three, staying hot from the other night in New Orleans. Tari Eason joined the party with a three and transition slam to extend the lead to 17, at 22-5.
The vibes were immaculate in the first quarter, as Tari Eason went on a personal 10-0 of his own. Highlight after highlight, the Knicks fought back, but Reed Sheppard’s spark off the bench helped finish 37-21. Defensive intensity and offensive rebounding helped the Knicks to 7-0 start in the second, forcing a quick timeout.