The Houston Rockets will aim to tighten up their defense when they face the Detroit Pistons on Sunday afternoon.
Despite ranking among the top 10 in opponents’ scoring (108.9 points allowed per game) and defensive field-goal percentage (45.4), the Rockets struggled defensively in a 126-107 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. Houston had previously won four of its last five games, with the only loss in that stretch coming in overtime against the Golden State Warriors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points on 11-for-16 shooting, while Chet Holmgren also scored 29 points in 29 minutes. Jalen Williams added 14 points, making 7 of 11 shots. Overall, the
Rockets allowed the Thunder to shoot 51.1 percent from the field and forced just 10 turnovers. Houston was outscored 44-20 in the second quarter.
Sunday’s game is the first of a back-to-back for the Rockets, who have won their last five matchups against the Pistons. They will return home to face the Washington Wizards on Monday.
Houston has demonstrated a versatile offense with seven players averaging double figures. The Pistons rely heavily on star Cade Cunningham (22.8 points per game), although they have four other double-digit scorers among an improved supporting cast this season.
Detroit has won three of its last four games, and Cunningham is carrying a streak of three consecutive triple-doubles into Sunday’s contest. He recorded 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists in a 122-121 home win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.
The Pistons led by 24 points in the first half but gave away the lead during crunch time. Cunningham scored the game-winner on a running hook shot with 8.5 seconds remaining and made a game-saving block to secure the victory.
Detroit was coming off a one-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets, which was decided by a last-second tip-in. Cunningham’s heroics prevented another heartbreaking defeat.
