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Houston Rockets Heartbreaking Loss To Giannis & The Milwaukee Bucks: What Went Wrong?
Heart-Stopping Finish: Rockets Fall to Bucks in a Nail-Biter
The Houston Rockets faced a gut-wrenching defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks, ending their five-game winning streak with a 101-100 loss. Despite leading by six points in the final minutes, the Rockets couldn’t hold off the Bucks late surge. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Rockets showing resilience and grit, only to fall short in the closing moments.
Missed Opportunities and Key Plays
The final moments of the game were a whirlwind. With just two seconds left, Fred VanVleet attempted a crucial inbound pass to Alperen Sengun, who was wide open under the basket. However, the pass was slightly off, and Sengun couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity. This miscommunication was a pivotal moment, as it could have sealed the victory for the Rockets.
Earlier, VanVleet had orchestrated a play that left Sengun open for a baseline shot, only for Giannis Antetokounmpo to make a remarkable defensive recovery, blocking the attempt, but moments later received a pass from Brook Lopez while standing out of bounds, a key moment missed by the officials.
Despite the Rockets best efforts and some great execution, they couldn’t find the basket in the final two minutes.
A Game of Highs and Lows
Throughout the game, the Rockets displayed moments of brilliance. VanVleet was instrumental in the third quarter, scoring 17 of his 26 points and helping the team claw back into contention. His ability to draw defenders and create opportunities was on full display, even if the final execution fell short.
Jalen Green also had his moments, particularly in the fourth quarter, where he scored 10 of his 21 points. His ability to drive to the basket and finish under pressure was crucial, but the Bucks defense managed to stifle him at key moments.
The Rockets strategy to go small in the third quarter, pulling Brook Lopez out of the paint, was a smart move by coach Ime Udoka, allowing the Rockets to exploit mismatches and create more scoring opportunities, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Despite the loss, there were positives to take away. The Rockets young core gained valuable experience in a high-pressure environment, and their defensive efforts were commendable. The team forced multiple turnovers and made the Bucks work for every point.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Rockets performance, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Analysis of Fred VanVleet’s standout third quarter
- Jalen Green’s impact and areas for improvement
- The strategic adjustments made by coach Ime Udoka
- Defensive highlights and key plays from the game
The Sixers are no longer just bad, they’re cornered
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center|Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Look, I held off as long as I could, told myself it was only an awkward start. I looked to silver linings, to the tendency that things going wrong for this long tend to right themselves. I looked to the surrounding conditions for clues and when none revealed themselves, I decided to stay positive but now, it’s time: time to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond what Sixers fans know intimately and don’t need reiterated (things are bad), the mood around the franchise is starting to feel closer to cornered than merely frustrated. Last night, after a third quarter collapse against the Heat in Miami, the Sixers held a postgame meeting that lasted over an hour. The game already had a bizarre feel to it, Philly led by 19 before being down 20, and Joel Embiid went from being listed as doubtful to starting. No one on the Sixers roster looked especially comfortable, a trend that’s emerged throughout the team’s first full month of regular season play.
Slipping now to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-11 I still feel the need to double check as I write this, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Sixers don’t have room to hedge.
There’s no scapegoat to pin the team’s shoddy performance on, not this early in the season. Even when healthy, and Embiid, George and Maxey are on the floor together, it’s been for naught. Both the teams wins came in arduous overtime, one without George and both without Embiid. The Sixers win against the Hornets was missing Maxey completely.
Here’s a problem I’ve wondered about since Daryl Morey landed George in what was declared an undisputed win for the franchise and the best move of the offseason — what about Philadelphia’s role players? To clear the books for cap space enough to sign George, Daryl Morey liquidated the team’s working roster — 13 of the team’s 15 man squad became free agents. Tobias Harrias and Nicolas Batum may not be spring chickens in NBA terms, but they provided the mechanical support the Sixers are now woefully lacking. This isn’t the Sixers only problem, that much has been made clear, but it’s a big one.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Rumor Buzz is building around a potential trade where the Rockets might acquire Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Could this be a game-changer for Houston? (Sports Illustrated)
Replay The Rockets edged out a nail-biter against the Bucks with a 101-100 victory. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green were standout performers, leading the team to a thrilling finish. (The Dream Shake)
Biz Former NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are looking to buy a minority stake in the NFL’s Buffalo Bills (CityTV)
Must Read Knicks forward OG Anunoby says he’s tired of being known for his defensive prowess. (The Athletic, subscription required)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Rockets podcasts.
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