
Houston did not make it easy on itself on Tuesday but ensured the essential: victory and the ticket to the quarter-finals of the NBA Cup. The Rockets immediately set the tone, with three 3-point baskets in the first two minutes and a big defensive presence. Without Mike Conley still injured in the toe, Minnesota is struggling to play its offensive game despite the arabesques of Anthony Edwards.
It takes a good series from distance, and rotations without much contribution from Ime Udoka for the Wolves to catch up, leading for the first time on a long distance shot from Naz Reid (33-32). But the improvement did not last, and the return of Texan strongmen changed the situation again. Fred VanVleet is in great shape (16 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds at halftime), Jabari Smith Jr too, and Amen Thompson is hurting with his defensive qualities. This does a lot for the Wolves who suffer a new 10-1 at the end of the second quarter, offering a gap more in line with Houston at rest (47-57).
The Rockets lose an 18-point lead
This will continue to grow, thanks to the collective strength of the Rockets where everyone contributes to the building, from the long distance shots of Dillon Brooks to the undermining work of Alperen Sengun against Rudy Gobert. The visitors took a lead of up to 18 points, 64-82 with just under four minutes left in the third quarter. Enough to progress and experience the end of the match in control? No because the Houston bench, with the exception of Thompson, is once again suffering. The comeback of the Wolves is impressive, when the Rockets completely tripped up. Minnesota goes 19-2 in just five minutes, concluded by rookie Rob Dillingham from afar.
The fourth quarter was very intense with two teams going blow for blow. The Wolves missed a first opportunity to make the difference by twice failing to take an eight-point lead in the money-time… And never scored a basket in the last three minutes. The Rockets equalize through Thompson and even have the ball to lead, but Gobert against Sengun 15 seconds from the buzzer. Edwards sees his game winning attempt roll around the circle before coming out, overtime.
The latter will confirm the offensive difficulties of the Timberwolves, who only score three points in the first four minutes of the period. Ime Udoka's plan is simple: attack the rim as soon as possible for an easy basket or to force their sixth foul on Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. Simple but effective, and the visitors scored a decisive 8-0 to win 111-117. The Wolves are 11th, and in the negative: 8 wins – 9 losses.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Rockets collective still impresses. Five players with 15 points or more, none above 30. 31 assists to 21, with 11 caviars for VanVleet as for Sengun, author of his third triple-double of the season. Houston was simply the better team and left the impression of not being just a flash in the pan at the start of the season. Especially since the defense was also there with 12 interceptions and 9 blocks.
– Insufficient reaction for Minnesota. Third narrow defeat in a row for the Wolves, even if the return in the third and fourth quarters shows a team which has not given up. But without Mike Conley, they suffer greatly in creation, while Donte DiVincenzo is still at the bottom of the hole. Rob Dillingham (12 points, 7 assists and +26 +/-!), author of his best career match, could benefit from this.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.