Jalen Green scored a game-high 30 points on strong efficiency and rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. made a huge defensive impact, leading Houston’s late rally in a win over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, 97-92 (box score).
It was an emotional night for the Rockets, who had John Lucas as acting head coach in place of Stephen Silas after the death of Silas’ father, renowned NBA lifer Paul Silas.
The Rockets (8-18) won their fourth straight game at Toyota Center, improving to 5-5 at home on the 2022-23 season. That’s especially good news since Houston has its next six games at home. Milwaukee (19-7), viewed by most as an NBA title contender, lost Sunday for just the second time in its last nine games.
The Rockets trailed by seven early in the fourth quarter, but they limited Milwaukee to 1-of-8 shooting (12.5%) and forced six turnovers over the game’s final five minutes. Smith played a huge role with his defense on the two-time MVP and by making two clinching free throws after securing a critical rebound in the closing seconds. For the game, Smith led the Rockets with 10 rebounds and 3 steals.
Smith did the heavy lifting on defense, and while his effort there may have contributed to a 1-of-9 shooting night (11.1%) on the other end, the Rockets still had enough offense thanks to their backcourt.
Green scored 30 points on 12-of-21 shooting (57.1%), including 3-of-6 on 3-pointers (50%), and he made three free throws in the final minute to break open what had been a tie game. Backcourt mate Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 points (50% FG) and a team-high 7 assists, along with a key deflection and steal as part of a late defensive surge.
Antetokounmpo grabbed a game-high 18 rebounds for the Bucks to go with 16 points, but he was limited to 7-of-17 shooting (41.2%) on Sunday, thanks largely to Smith’s defense.
Scroll on for highlights, analysis and postgame interview reaction. Houston (8-18) plays the second game of its season-long homestand on Tuesday versus Phoenix, with the tip at 7 p.m. Central.