In a physical and tense matchup against the Miami Heat on Sunday, the final minute of the game escalated beyond basketball for the Houston Rockets. However, the altercation didn’t hide the Rockets’ underlying issues.
For the second time in their five-game homestand, the Rockets collapsed offensively down the stretch. After blowing a 16-point lead in the final five minutes of regulation against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, the Rockets faltered again on Sunday, allowing the Heat to rally from a 12-point second-half deficit to secure a 104-100 victory as Houston struggled to score in the fourth quarter.
The Rockets managed only 18 points in the fourth quarter against Miami, with six of those points coming on 3-pointers from Cam Whitmore and Dillon Brooks in the final six seconds when the outcome was already decided. They finished the quarter 6-for-25 from the field.
This performance was reminiscent of their frantic final moments against the Timberwolves, where Houston went ice cold down the stretch while surrendering a 106-90 lead with 4:57 left.
Heading into Tuesday, the Rockets were tied for 28th in the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage (32.7%). When their perimeter shots aren’t falling, opponents clog the paint to prevent drives from Jalen Green and double-team Alperen Sengun to contain him in the post. This strategy has led to some rough finishes for the Rockets, who are seeking a course correction.
Adding to their challenges, Houston will be without guard/forward Amen Thompson on Wednesday after the NBA announced a two-game suspension for his role in the altercation against Miami.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks faced their own struggles on Monday, falling 110-100 to the Sacramento Kings. Despite a spirited effort with a depleted roster, Dallas played without four starters: Luka Doncic (calf), Kyrie Irving (shoulder), Klay Thompson (illness), and Dereck Lively II (hip). Naji Marshall also served a suspension.
This forced the Mavericks to use their 15th different starting lineup in their 33rd game of the season. With Doncic set to be sidelined for at least a month, the Mavericks’ rotation remains in flux heading into the final game of their four-game road trip. Dallas has dropped three of its last four games.
Being severely short-handed has forced Coach Kidd to rely heavily on P.J. Washington and Spencer Dinwiddie, who combined for 58 points while logging 38 and 36 minutes, respectively, against Sacramento.
As the Rockets host the Mavericks on Wednesday, both teams will look to overcome their recent struggles and find some consistency. For Houston, improving their late-game execution will be key, while Dallas will need to navigate their rotation challenges effectively.
