Jalen Green scored a game-high 30 points on strong efficiency and rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. made a huge defensive impact, leading Houston’s late rally in a win over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, 97-92 (box score). It was an emotional night for the Rockets, who had John Lucas as acting head coach in place of Stephen Silas after the death of Silas’ father, renowned NBA lifer Paul Silas.
The Rockets (8-18) won their fourth straight game at Toyota Center, improving to 5-5 at home on the 2022-23 season. That’s especially good news since Houston has its next six games at home, as well. Milwaukee (19-7), viewed by most as an NBA title contender, lost for just the second time in its last nine games overall.
The Rockets trailed by seven early in the fourth quarter, but they limited Milwaukee to just 1-of-8 shooting (12.5%) and forced six turnovers over the game’s final five minutes. Smith played a huge role with his defense on the two-time MVP and by making two clinching free throws after securing a critical rebound in the closing seconds. For the game, Smith led the Rockets with 10 rebounds and 3 steals.
Smith did the heavy lifting on defense, and while his effort there may have contributed to a 1-of-9 shooting night (11.1%) on the other end, the Rockets still had enough offense thanks to their backcourt.
Green scored 30 points on 12-of-21 shooting (57.1%), including 3-of-6 on 3-pointers (50.0%), and he made three free throws in the final minute to break open what had been a tie game. Backcourt mate Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 points (50.0% FG) and a team-high 7 assists, along with a key deflection and steal as part of a late defensive surge.
Antetokounmpo grabbed a game-high 18 rebounds for the Bucks to go with 16 points, but he was limited to 7-of-17 shooting (41.2%) on Sunday, thanks largely to Smith’s defense.
Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interview reaction. Houston (8-18) plays the second game of its season-long homestand on Tuesday versus Phoenix, with tipoff at 7 p.m. Central.
Rockets defensive rating this season ranks 28th in the NBA. In clutch situations since November 1 their defensive rating is the best in the NBA. Shows improvement, potential. https://t.co/ZjC5QWaxL4
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 12, 2022
What #Rockets defense did to Milwaukee in final 5:00 of game:
6 turnovers, 1-for-8 shooting (12.5%)
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 12, 2022
John Lucas: “That was for Coach (Stephen Silas.) That was for him.”
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 12, 2022
#Rockets rookie Jabari Smith Jr. had a team-high 10 rebounds, 3 steals, key defensive stops against Giannis Antetokounmpo, and these two clinching FTs as Houston rallied to defeat the Bucks, 97-92.
The @HoustonRockets have now won four straight games at home pic.twitter.com/EA53b2v1YV
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) December 12, 2022
Gutsy win by the #Rockets holding the Bucks to just 13 fourth quarter points, fewest points allowed in the final quarter this season.
Great defensive showing.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) December 12, 2022
Heck of a win by the Rockets.
That’s now victories over the Hawks, Suns, 76ers and Bucks in a span of a little over 2 weeks.
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) December 12, 2022
Tilman is fired up after Jabari Smith forces another Bucks stop. Rockets have held the Bucks to 13 points in the fourth quarter
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) December 12, 2022
John Lucas says Jalen Green’s defense was “impeccable” tonight
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 12, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr. on Stephen Silas: “We wanted to get this one for him. I know he’s proud of us.”
KPJ says Silas has helped him grow on and off the court, and he’s extremely appreciative. Said he understands the loss of a father, as well, having lost his at a young age.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 12, 2022
KPJ on Jabari Smith Jr. defending Giannis:
“That’s a big assignment, especially for a rookie. But we trusted Jabari, and he handled it well.”
“That was a near-perfect game for Jabari.” #Rockets pic.twitter.com/Wt8UhAgIJv
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 12, 2022
John Lucas, asked why the #Rockets and Jalen Green are so much better at home (four straight wins):
“Our crowd has been great, in spite of our record. They’ve been very positive. We want to give them something to cheer about.”
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 12, 2022
Also, this was Jabari Smith Jr. best performance as a pick-and-roll Big on defense. He did a terrific job in Drop coverage when Giannis and Portis operated as screeners. His length was impactful on both the passing angles and rolling angles. #Rockets
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) December 12, 2022
Jabari Smith Jr. on his emotions after securing last rebound and clinching FTs:
“When we can come together and show that we’re growing and going in the right direction, it’s always good to let out some emotion. Cause we’re working. Whether people see it or not, we are.” #Rockets pic.twitter.com/N2hcEjvzkL
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 12, 2022
How good of a job did Jabari Smith Jr. do against Giannis? The 16 points ties for his season low. Antetokounmpo had scored 20+ points in each of his previous 10 games played while averaging 34.0 PPG on 58.2% shooting. Impressive defensive performance by the #Rockets rookie.
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) December 12, 2022
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