Brooklyn Nets vs. Houston Rockets: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Brooklyn Nets (17-7) play against the Houston Rockets (16-16) at Toyota Center Game Time: 8:00 PM EST on Wednesday December 8, 2021 Brooklyn Nets 2, Houston Rockets 7 (Q1 09:34) What’s the buzz on Twitter? Alex Schiffer @ Alex__Schiffer James …

The Brooklyn Nets (17-7) play against the Houston Rockets (16-16) at Toyota Center

Game Time: 8:00 PM EST on Wednesday December 8, 2021

Brooklyn Nets 2, Houston Rockets 7 (Q1 09:34)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
James Harden booed heavily on that first possession. So much for the intro… – 8:11 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Harden receives boos as he touches the ball mid-game though. – 8:11 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Mix of boos and cheers for James Harden in his return to Houston pic.twitter.com/tN6ai8mBVF8:11 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Boos for Harden as he gets his first touch. – 8:11 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Lots of boos for James Harden on his first touch of the night – 8:11 PM
Charlotte Hornets PR @HornetsPR
INJURY UPDATE: @Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards left in the 2Q with a left ankle sprain. He will be available to return to tonight’s game #AllFly8:10 PM
Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
#Rockets starters vs Brooklyn. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/Ayla85PhtS8:09 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Mostly cheers for James Harden in Houston, with scattered boos. #Nets #rockets pic.twitter.com/55AjKQ42yu8:08 PM

Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Mostly cheers for James Harden as he’s introduced to the Toyota Center crowd pic.twitter.com/4bUeMSwXyU8:07 PM

Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
James Harden receives a significant applause as he’s announced pregame. Some boos mixed in there, but mostly a positive reception. – 8:07 PM
Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Mixture of cheers and boos for former #Rocket James Harden. – 8:06 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Many, many Harden uniforms in the crowd. – 8:03 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
With no Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge for Nets, Rockets adjust game plan houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 8:01 PM
Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Tonight’s Hugo’s Little Hero sent us the BEST video ever 🥺 Your Hornets love you, Rush!
Hugo’s Little Hero spotlights local youth supported by @BeeMighty who have encountered challenges and persevered as NICU graduates.
@COKECCBCC x #SwarmToServe pic.twitter.com/5jhNTvwxfq8:00 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Greetings from Houston. Nets-Rockets tip shortly. How will the fans receive James Harden? It’s his show tonight as Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge rest. Do we see Blake Griffin? Updates to come. – 8:00 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Was shocked (and a little disappointed) that Harden did not do his customary running reverse flip thing on the way to the court for pregame warmups. Will he do the crash into the stanchion before the tip? Should we make sure it is him under the beard if he doesn’t? – 7:58 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Just sat down at the Toyota Center, where Nic Claxton will get the start against the Rockets. More importantly, Claxton will be challenged tonight by Christian Wood, one of the premier younger 5s in the NBA. More to come. pic.twitter.com/Clf3T8TDwZ7:57 PM

Matt Steinmetz @SteinmetzNBA
With current blossoming of Brooklyn Basin, that stadium and community would essentially be linked to downtown Oakland … which is thriving already. – 7:57 PM
Joe Vardon @joevardon
The Mavericks can’t shoot right now. They were 9-of-46 from 3 last night against the Nets and shot 34 percent on Sunday. Jason Kidd said ‘We’re all being tested right now to see if our spirit and our faith is strong enough to stay together and stay the course.’ – 7:48 PM
Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Watch the vet go to work 🌪
@Gordon Hayward | #AllFly pic.twitter.com/qlnqys6Iph7:48 PM

Charlotte Hornets @hornets
That’s a no-basket for that last one.
ALL TIED UP.
#AllFly | @UpperDeckSports pic.twitter.com/5JzpeRwiBU7:44 PM

Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
John Wall working out pregame. Stephen Silas says the team has not progressed on establishing a timeline for his return. It’s been 12 days since Wall’s initial meeting with Rafael Stone about returning to action pic.twitter.com/FID7up3o1a7:37 PM

Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Never give up on the play 🌊💥
@Kelly Oubre | @HornetsOnBally pic.twitter.com/2zWsCufQlL7:36 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets starters in Houston: Harden, Mills, Bembry, Johnson and Claxton. – 7:35 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Rockets starters: Brooks, Gordon, Mathews, Tate, Wood – 7:33 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
The Nets’ Starters vs. the Rockets:
👨🏿‍🍳James Harden
👷🏾‍♂️Patty Mills
🔒DeAndre’ Bembry
💨James Johnson
📈Nicolas Claxton – 7:32 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets starters: Mathews, Tate, Wood, Brooks, Gordon.
Nets: Johnson, Bembry, Claxton, Mills, Harden. – 7:32 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
James Harden, Patty Mills, DeAndre’ Bembry, James Johnson and Nic Claxton to start for the #Nets. This will be that lineup’s first minutes of the season together. It’s Johnson’s first start of the season, and just the fifth career start for Claxton. #Rockets7:32 PM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
#Rockets starters vs Nets: Brooks, Gordon, Mathews, Tate, Wood.
Nets starters: Bembry, Claxton, Harden, James Johnson, Mills – 7:31 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets
Got a new-look five tonight ⤵️
HARDEN | MILLS | BEMBRY | JOHNSON | CLAXTON pic.twitter.com/zYkwdXZFzl7:31 PM

Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Armoni Brooks will start for the Rockets tonight. – 7:31 PM
Cayleigh Griffin @cayleighgriffin
#Rockets will start Brooks, Gordon, Mathews, Tate and Wood vs. Brooklyn. – 7:31 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Things To L👀k Out For In The Nets vs. Rockets Game:
▪️James Harden only averages 23 PPG on an impressive 60% shooting vs the Rockets since leaving.
▪️Houston has put up 119 PPG during their 6-game win streak.
▪️Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Joe Harris & LaMarcus Aldridge are out. – 7:30 PM
Charlotte Hornets @hornets
GH2️⃣0️⃣ off to a hot start 💪
@Gordon Hayward | @HornetsOnBally pic.twitter.com/X0U5SHNyC37:28 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
He’s got the night off, but here’s Kevin Durant practicing logo 3s. pic.twitter.com/zTfPXJ1onl7:27 PM

LeBron James @KingJames
🙏🏾 @CJ McCollum. Get well ASAP bro! – 7:14 PM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
Nets Kevin Durant effortless excellence. He’s not playing tonight (rest) vs #Rockets pic.twitter.com/0O3B3iAdwp7:14 PM

Jabari Davis @JabariDavisNBA
Cuban basically hit ole buddy with “do you even hoop, bro?” and that’s hilarious – 7:05 PM
Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Drop everything. It’s time to watch your favorite team hoop!
📍 – 🏠
🆚 – @Philadelphia 76ers
📺 – @HornetsOnBally
📻 – @WFNZ 610 AM/102.5 FM pic.twitter.com/bxobsig3Cx7:01 PM
Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Punching the clock. ⏰
@MichelobULTRA | #ULTRADrip pic.twitter.com/bnmPkxWfrI7:00 PM

Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Currently in the building:
Mike D’Antoni
John Lucas
James Harden
Danuel House
Gerald Green
Eric Gordon – 6:53 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Kevin Durant talking to Rockets coach John Lucas. pic.twitter.com/DuSzeckYus6:49 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Asked Steve Nash if tonight’s return to Houston means more to James Harden: “I think it definitely means something to James. I don’t want to overstate it, but I also don’t want to understate it. He had such a historic run here. This city means a ton to him.” #Nets #Rockets #NBA6:42 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Steve Nash says this game in Houston means a bit more to James Harden: “I definitely think it means something to James. I don’t want to overstate it, but I also don’t want to understate it.” – 6:41 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“I definitely think it means something to James (Harden) — He had a historic run here. I know this city means a lot to him.”
⁃Steve Nash on playing the Houston Rockets. – 6:40 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Lots of Nic Claxton questions for Steve Nash ahead of tonight’s matchup against the Rockets. With LaMarcus Aldridge (rest) out, Claxton has strong chance to start at the center spot next to James Harden. Story soon for @NYDNSports. – 6:40 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“He gives us that layer where he could guard multiple positions — It’s an excellent kind of option for us.”
⁃Steve Nash on Nic Claxton. – 6:39 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked Nash if there’s any thought in getting Harden more involved in the mid-range if the layups and 3s aren’t going. He said he doesn’t have many, if any rules for Harden. If he wants to shoot more there off the pick-and-roll he’s more than welcome. – 6:39 PM
Charlotte Hornets @hornets
The Rematch 👊
#AllFly | @MichelobULTRA pic.twitter.com/RuOGkC1KR16:37 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“I don’t have a ton of rules for him — He wants to take more mid-range shots.”
⁃Steve Nash on James Harden. – 6:36 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Steve Nash admits he may not play Nic Claxton and LaMarcus Aldridge together in the future. – 6:35 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Steve Nash on why the #Nets are resting both Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge tonight vs. the #Rockets: “I told them you guys (the media) were really on me for rest.” – 6:35 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Steve Nash expects an 11-man rotation this game for the Nets. – 6:34 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash says it’s possible Blake Griffin plays tonight with Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge resting. – 6:34 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Steve Nash did not reveal his starters with Kevin Durant out. – 6:34 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“I just want James (Harden) to have fun and be himself.”
⁃Steve Nash on his expectations for James Harden this game. – 6:34 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
James Harden is back and he says hello to some old friends, including former Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni and Rockets trainer Jason Biles. Harden arrived at 5:30 for a 7:00 game just as always pic.twitter.com/TpnaNPZIEF6:34 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“They’ve had a lot of minutes recently — It was an opportunity to get a little rest.”
⁃Steve Nash on resting Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge. – 6:33 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Asked Houston coach Stephen Silas what kind of reception he thinks James Harden will get tonight at Toyota Center: “I hope he gets a great reception. You know, he’s one of the best #Rockets ever. So I certainly hope he get a great reception.” #Nets6:31 PM
Charlotte Hornets @hornets
First up tonight ⤵️
#AllFly | @CrumblCookies pic.twitter.com/7BsTu0C2In6:30 PM

David Hardisty @clutchfans
Stephen Silas on James Harden tonight: “I hope he gets a great reception. He’s one of the best Rockets ever.” – 6:26 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Stephen Silas on the reception James Harden might get tonight: “I hope he gets a great reception. He’s one of the best Rockets ever. I would assume he gets a great reception.” – 6:26 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
It’s been 12 days since John Wall’s initial meeting with Rafael Stone about rejoining the Rockets on the floor, but Stephen Silas says there’s been no progress on a timetable for when that will happen – 6:25 PM
Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
Stephen Silas on James Harden: “I hope he gets a great reception. He’s one of the best #Rockets ever.” – 6:25 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Danuel House Jr.’s sprained ankle happened on Tuesday. He is day-to-day, Stephen Silas said, but out today. – 6:25 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Stephen Silas says he doesn’t know his starting lineup just yet. He wants to know what the Nets will run with first.
Danuel House twisted his ankle yesterday and is day to day. – 6:24 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Stephen Silas says Danuel House twisted his ankle in practice yesterday, he’s day to day – 6:24 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Danuel House twisted his ankle yesterday. He’s out (day-to-day). – 6:24 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Stephen Silas says it’s possible someone else besides Eric Gordon guards James Harden now that Kevin Durant is out.
Will wait to see what lineup Brooklyn throws out before making the final call. – 6:22 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Be remiss if I didn’t wish my guy @Eric Walden a happy birthday. We tried hard to sing to him at shootaround but the look he gave us made us rethink that plan. I appreciate your friendship bro in good times and bad. Always love over here 💯 – 6:17 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Kevin Durant has arrived inside Toyota Center, though he won’t play tonight pic.twitter.com/xevMf5obXW6:09 PM

Chris Miller @cmillsnbcs
Trez rockin those John Wall 1’s in Pregame. #DCAboveAll pic.twitter.com/HbGvrwaNim6:00 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
I’m doing a Nets mailbag this week. Send the goods this way: theathletic.com/3005395/2021/1…5:42 PM
Charlotte Hornets @hornets
INJURY REPORT vs PHI
LaMelo Ball, Jalen McDaniels, Mason Plumlee, Terry Rozier, and Ish Smith are all listed as OUT (NBA Health and Safety Protocols).
#AllFly | @NovantHealth pic.twitter.com/Ocbt8TW1sm5:39 PM

Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Want to win an autographed jersey or a trip to a Rockets away game? Tune into the Rockets game on @ATTSportsNetSW tonight to see how you could win! pic.twitter.com/sKlDTIfEzz5:00 PM

Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Leading up to #NBAJerseyDay, we’ll be giving away jerseys to our favorite people (YOU!) 🙌 To start us off, one lucky fan will win this @thorrjt teal jersey. ⚡️
Enter to win ➡️ https://t.co/XhOMJxvbP7 | @LendingTree pic.twitter.com/ur29grDYLX4:24 PM

Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Showdown in H-Town 🍿
⏰ 7:00 PM Tip-Off
📺 @ATTSportsNetSW
📻 @SportsTalk790 / En Español KLAT 1010AM pic.twitter.com/wCqI4tEN3X4:00 PM

Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
🏀 MVP
🏆 2x Champ
💎 NBA Top 75
Kevin Durant has already accomplished so much, so what still drives him?
His manager @Rich Kleiman talks KD’s motivation with @Frank Isola & @Brian Scalabrine pic.twitter.com/HhPOSUc48l3:31 PM

Jake Madison @NOLAJake
New Locked On NBA w/ @Kamenetzky Brothers!
🏀 Lakers Big 3 gets the win over the Celtics
🏀 Kevin Durant rallies the Nets against the Mavs
🏀 Myles Turner the most impactful player traded this year?
🎧 https://t.co/L8SmPbBG5H
Watch on YouTube!
📺 https://t.co/bL8FVJkxqC pic.twitter.com/JjL9TTT3O43:15 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Just touched down in Houston, where I am officially free from the shackles of American Airlines. @AmericanAir cost me yesterday’s Nets @ Mavs game. @Delta would never. – 2:50 PM
Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
We are honoring legendary #Rockets announcer Bill Worrell January 7th!
🚀 Stay tuned for more details pic.twitter.com/jwEAt9ENo32:30 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – Rockets’ short-handed surge keyed by undrafted players and a two-way find ift.tt/3dxIe3j2:18 PM
Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops
First Time Bob Watched Larry Bird Play + Is Kevin Durant Top 5 All Time? | Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman Podcast w/ @Gary Tanguay presented by @calm & @LinkedIn twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…2:00 PM