Rockets Escape with Thrilling 109-108 Win Over Cavs In A Game of Chokes and Clutch Plays
The Houston Rockets pulled off a stunning 109-108 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a game that can only be described as an emotional roller coaster as both teams had their moments of choking, but the Cavs ultimately faltered more, allowing the Rockets to snatch the win.
The game’s final moments were nothing short of chaotic. With the Rockets up by two and mere seconds left on the clock, Tari Eason committed a flagrant foul on Darius Garland’s three-point attempt. This seemed to seal the Rockets fate, as Garland, a 90% free-throw shooter, stepped to the line for three shots and the Cavs would retain possession.
However, in a twist that defied all odds, Garland missed two of the three free throws. The basketball gods seemed to smile upon the Rockets, as they managed to hold on for the win. Craig Ackerman, the voice of the Houston Rockets, deserves special recognition for his stellar “free throw defense,” as Garland finished the night just 3-of-8 from the charity stripe.
Steady Freddy & Alperen Sengun Stepping Up
Fred VanVleet played a crucial role in the Rockets’ comeback. With the team scoreless for nearly seven minutes in the fourth quarter, VanVleet broke the drought with back-to-back three-pointers, tying the game at 104. His clutch performance, finishing with 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting (7-of-12 from downtown), was instrumental in securing the victory.
Alperen Sengun also stepped up when it mattered most. Despite struggling at times against Jarrett Allen, Sengun made crucial plays down the stretch, including a pivotal box-out and two clutch free throws. His final stat line of 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists doesn’t fully capture his impact on the game.
The Rockets bench also played a significant role in this win as Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, and Steven Adams provided much-needed energy and production when the starters struggled. Their contributions were vital, especially considering the off nights from Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.
For more insights and a deeper dive into this thrilling Rockets victory, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
• Jalen Green’s struggles and concerns about his recent performances
• Dillon Brooks’ defensive issues and potential lineup changes
• Amen Thompson’s defense on Donovan Mitchell
