Defeat! Rockets' Five Tigers Score 77+29, Cunningham with 32+9+7, New Record Set, Western Conference Landscape Changes
On January 21, 2025, Beijing time, the 28-win and 13-loss Rockets faced off against the 21-win and 21-loss Pistons at home. On paper, the Rockets had the advantage, but could they secure a victory? The Rockets were without Smith, starting with VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon, Amen, and Shen Jing. The Pistons were missing Ivey, starting with Cunningham, Hardaway, Osar, Harris, and Duran.
In the first quarter, Osar and Duran made layups, while Amen, Jalen Green, and VanVleet responded strongly, giving the Rockets a 9-4 lead. Duran added a putback, to which Jalen Green replied with a three-pointer, extending the Rockets' lead to six points. Cunningham and Duran then went on a 7-0 run to take a one-point lead. VanVleet, Dillon, and Amen scored for the Rockets, but Cunningham, Harris, Duran, Hardaway, and Beasley responded in kind, putting the Pistons up by 13 points. Ethan and Landale contributed points, while Holland hit a three-pointer, maintaining an 11-point gap. Landale and Amen narrowed the deficit to seven points, but Beasley's three-pointer and Sasser's free throws ended the quarter with the Pistons leading 40-29.
The second quarter saw Stewart and Sasser score four points, extending the Pistons' lead to 15 points. However, Whitmore, Amen, VanVleet, Ethan, and Shen Jing countered with a 16-0 run to take a one-point lead. Duran and Osar reclaimed a three-point lead, which was then overtaken by one point thanks to Jalen Green and Amen. Osar and Cunningham scored again, but Amen and Jalen Green extended the lead to four points. Cunningham and Hardaway tied the game, ending the half with both teams level at 57-57.
In the third quarter, Amen made an alley-oop, giving the Rockets a two-point lead. Harris and Cunningham responded to take a two-point lead, followed by Shen Jing's layup. Osar and Cunningham answered back, putting the Pistons up by five points. VanVleet hit a three-pointer, but Cunningham's consecutive scores and Duran's putback increased the lead to 15 points. VanVleet and Shen Jing reduced the deficit to eight points, but Cunningham's hook shot and Whitmore's five consecutive points narrowed the gap to five points. Stewart and Beasley expanded the lead to nine points. VanVleet made one of two free throws, and Cunningham hit a mid-range shot, concluding the quarter with the Pistons leading 90-80. Cunningham set a new personal record for most points in a single quarter with 19 points.
The fourth quarter began with Jalen Green scoring five points, reducing the gap to five points. Sasser matched this with five points of his own, restoring a ten-point lead. Landale made a mid-range shot, but Stewart, Beasley, and Osar responded, increasing the lead to 14 points. Dillon and Jalen Green brought the deficit down to nine points with 49 seconds left. Hardaway made both free throws, followed by Jalen Green's dunk. Beasley also made both free throws, and Jalen Green missed a three-pointer as the game ended with the Pistons securing a 107-96 victory over the Rockets.
Cunningham scored 32 points with 9 rebounds and 7 assists, albeit with 10 turnovers. Duran went 8 for 8, scoring 16 points with 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks, setting a career record for steals. Beasley contributed 17 points and 1 assist, while Osar had 11 points and 9 rebounds, and Hardaway added 10 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists.
Jalen Green scored 19 points with 4 rebounds and 4 assists, ending his streak of nine consecutive games with 20+ points. VanVleet went 7 for 15, scoring 20 points with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 6 steals, setting a career record for steals. Amen went 7 for 14, scoring 17 points with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Shen Jing went 5 for 14, scoring 11 points with 8 rebounds and 5 assists, and Whitmore added 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Today's loss for the Rockets, coupled with the Grizzlies' win, has narrowed the gap between them to just 0.5 games. The Rockets struggle offensively and rely mainly on defense and rebounding to win games, which requires significant physical exertion. Once fatigue sets in, victories become elusive. Today, the Rockets lost the rebounding battle to the Pistons by 13, a key factor in their defeat. Upcoming challenges include two consecutive games against the Cavaliers, followed by matches against the Celtics, Hawks, Grizzlies, and Knicks. With a tough schedule ahead, the Grizzlies have a chance to surpass the Rockets in the standings, as do the Nuggets, who are only two wins behind and have an easier remaining schedule. The landscape of the Western Conference is poised for change.