Kevin Porter Jr. continued his strong run of form as the Houston Rockets (19-59) ended a seven-game losing streak with Friday’s 121-115 victory (box score) over Detroit (16-61). The game kicked off this season’s final homestand of three games at Toyota Center.
Porter scored a game-high 33 points on 12-of-20 shooting (60.0%), including a blistering 7-of-13 mark from 3-point range (53.8%). Meanwhile, backcourt mate Jalen Green added 32 points and 5 assists on 10-of-18 shooting (55.6%) and 2-of-5 from 3-point range (40.0%).
Frontcourt starters Alperen Sengun (15 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists) and Jabari Smith Jr. (13 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks) each had simultaneous double-doubles for a second straight game.
In Friday’s narrow defeat, the Pistons were led by rookie guard Jaden Ivey, who had 18 points and a game-high 9 assists. However, he was less efficient than Houston’s young backcourt, shooting just 8-of-20 overall (40.0%) and 2-of-9 from 3-point range (22.2%).
Scroll on for highlights, postgame interviews with players and head coach Stephen Silas, and reaction from Houston fans and media members. The Rockets will continue their homestand Sunday versus the Los Angeles Lakers, with tipoff set for 6:00 p.m. Central.