The Houston Rockets won the fourth game in a row, as Reed Sheppard went for a career-high 9 threes and scored 27 points, as the Rockets held off a second half Milwaukee comeback to snag a 119-113 win. Sheppard aslo had 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals for the Rockets and was back in the starting lineup for Houston after one game back to the bench.
Houston also got 25 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and a block from Alperen Sengun on 9-for-13 shooting from the floor. He also stayed hot from deep,
going 2-for-2. Kevin Durant had 19 points and 9 assist on 7-for-16 shooting, while Amen Thompson had 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, and Jabari Smith Jr. had 12 points, 7 boards and 2 blocks to put all five Rockets starters in double figures.
The Rockets were efficient on offense, shooting 47 percent from the floot, hitting 18-for-42 on their threes and turning the ball over just 7 times on the night, which was the difference in the game.
The Bucks were led by another Rampaging Rando (trademark Xiane) as 9 point per game scorer Ousmane Dieng went off for 36 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. James had his eye on this guy in the draft a couple years back, so maybe he’s finally coming into his own. They also got 25 points from another Rando, Cormac Ryan, and then they got 20 rebounds from Jericho Sims to round out the big Milwaukee performers.
The Rockets now move to 47-29 on the season and have moved a half game ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference playoff standings for fifth place.
The Rockets will return to action on Friday, when they will take on the hated Utah Jazz, however they have games coming up with the Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors that are going to truly decide the final west standings. Stay tuned.
