Rockets Rally Falls Short Against Cavaliers Despite Green's Explosion
The Houston Rockets fought valiantly, but ultimately came up short against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night, losing 110-104 at the Toyota Center. Despite a scorching 37-point performance from rising star Jalen Green, the Rockets couldn’t overcome the balanced attack of the Cavaliers led by Donovan Mitchell’s 27 points.
The game started with both teams trading buckets, as Mitchell and Green engaged in an enthralling duel. The Cavs seized control late in the first half, however, with a 12-2 run to take a 56-49 lead into the break. Cleveland’s size and physicality inside caused problems for the undersized Rockets.
Houston refused to go away quietly though. Green caught fire in the third quarter, dropping 17 points to slice the deficit to 82-79 heading into the final frame. The fourth quarter was a seesaw affair with the lead changing hands multiple times.
With just over a minute left, the Rockets trailed 105-102. But Mitchell calmly drained a step-back three-pointer to give the Cavs a six-point cushion they would never relinquish. Cleveland’s stout defense stymied Houston’s last-ditch efforts.
“Jalen was just spectacular tonight, he gave us every chance,” said Rockets head coach John Lucas III. “But Mitchell and those guys made the plays when it mattered most. No moral victories though, we’ll learn from this.”
In addition to Mitchell’s 27 points, the Cavaliers got a huge boost from Jarrett Allen’s 15 points and 16 rebounds. Veteran guard Caris LeVert added 14 points, 7 assists and some timely baskets.
For the Rockets, Green was the undisputed star carrying the scoring load. Fred VanVleet chipped in 15 points and 9 assists in his return from a three-game absence. But Houston’s depleted frontcourt was overpowered by Cleveland’s size.
The loss dropped the Rockets to 31-36 on the season, still outside the playoff picture in the rugged Western Conference. The Cavaliers meanwhile improved to 43-24, solidifying their grip on the No. 3 seed in the East.
Both teams have a quick turnaround, as the Cavs visit the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday while the Rockets head to Dallas to battle Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. A playoff push awaits each squad down the final stretch.