In an NBA regular season game, the Houston Rockets lost at home to the Miami Heat with a score of 100-104. Despite significant progress this season, the Rockets still lack the temperament of a strong team. In their previous game, they suffered a disappointing reversal at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves after leading by 16 points in the final quarter, ending their winning streak. The Rockets are in need of a reliable star player to lead the team to victory. Currently, they rely on a group of players with average strength and talent but lack a decisive figure in critical moments. Following this game, the Rockets' record stands at 21 wins and 11 losses. Even without Jimmy Butler, the Heat managed to reverse the game against the Rockets, who also had multiple players ejected from the court.
The Rockets started the game well, with VanVleet hitting a three-pointer and Shen Jing dominating the paint. Jalen Green was fouled beyond the three-point line, earning three free throws, and Dillon returned with good shooting form, quickly helping the Rockets take the lead. However, Green's consecutive misses and VanVleet's declining shooting percentage allowed the Heat to capitalize, with their backcourt duo of Herro and Rozier playing more consistently. The Rockets' initial advantage disappeared as the Heat turned the tide of the game.
Amon Thompson and White魔兽Whitmore, the twin stars, came off the bench to inject energy into the Rockets' lineup. Amon unselfishly fed Whitmore, allowing him to score repeatedly. Although the Rockets' bench played with passion, the Heat maintained the lead, with the score difference remaining close. When the starters returned, Green and Jabari Smith continued to miss shots, and VanVleet's performance was also unsatisfactory, leaving the Rockets trailing by 3 points at halftime.
Despite poor shooting performances from Jalen Green (1/8), VanVleet (3/10), and Jabari Smith (1/5), the Rockets only trailed by 3 points at halftime, largely due to Shen Jing's performance. However, the Rockets need to improve their outside shooting, with Green and VanVleet's shooting accuracy being crucial. With the Rockets' current defensive capabilities and roster configuration, if either Green or VanVleet has a good shooting night, the team would be much better off. The third quarter was pivotal, with Green scoring a fast-break layup at the start, followed by Dillon Brooks scoring six points in a row, and Jabari Smith hitting a three-pointer. The Rockets quickly took the lead and built momentum, but the Heat responded with a late-third-quarter surge, causing the Rockets to lose control of the game. By the end of the third quarter, the Rockets held only a one-point advantage.
The Rockets were capable of winning this game; they must learn to maintain their advantage when they have the upper hand. The Heat, with mostly grassroots players and no big-name stars, capitalized on the Rockets' mistakes. In the closing moments, VanVleet was ejected for arguing with the referee over a violation, and a melee involving Amon Thompson, Uduka, Herro, Jalen Green, and Rozier led to their ejections as well. The Rockets' violations and free throws gifted to the Heat ultimately cost them the game.
Dillon scored 22 points and 4 rebounds, Smith 7 points, Shen Jing 18 points, 18 rebounds, and 6 assists, Green 19 points and 3 rebounds, VanVleet 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, Amon 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, Adams 4 points and 9 rebounds, and Whitmore 7 points and 3 rebounds.
For the Heat, Hayesmith scored 15 points and 8 rebounds, Adebayo 12 points and 10 rebounds, Herro 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists, Rozier 14 points and 5 rebounds, Jovic 18 points and 7 rebounds, Love 5 points and 6 rebounds, Burks 4 points, and Weir 7 points and 7 rebounds.
Rockets starting lineup: Dillon, Smith, Shen Jing, Green, VanVleet
Heat starting lineup: Hayesmith, Love, Adebayo, Herro, Rozier
