HOUSTON — The losing streak for the Rockets (13-48) is at 10 games after Tuesday’s 133-112 loss (box score) at Toyota Center. Led by 32 points from Jamal Murray, the victorious Denver Nuggets continue to own the Western Conference’s best record (44-19).
Murray, who was questionable to play pregame with a sore back, connected on 12-of-18 shots (66.7%) and 5-of-10 from 3-point range (50.0%). Following an historic 71-point outburst by Portland’s Damian Lillard on Sunday, it was the second straight game that Houston was torched by an opposing guard who shredded its defense.
Yet, when accounting for the superior competition, there were at least some positives for the young and rebuilding Rockets. For starters, they had Jalen Green successfully return from a groin injury, and Houston also expects to get injured backcourt mate Kevin Porter Jr. back in its lineup Wednesday versus Memphis.
While on a minutes limitation, Green was impressive with 17 points and 5 assists versus the Nuggets in 19 minutes, shooting 7-of-15 from the field (46.7%) and 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%).
Other key statistics for the Rockets included:
- Tari Eason: 17 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists; 7-of-10 shooting (70.0%)
- Daishen Nix: 14 points, 5 assists; 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
- KJ Martin: 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals; 7-of-13 shooting (53.8%)
- TyTy Washington: 12 points, 5 assists; 5-of-10 shooting (50.0%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%)
- Josh Christopher: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; 5-of-11 shooting (45.5%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interviews. Next up for the Rockets is part two of a tough back-to-back when Memphis visits Houston on Wednesday night. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Central.