For the undermanned Rockets, who are missing four expected rotation players due to COVID-19 issues, winning at Denver was always going to be a tall order. Led by a dominant showing of 19 points (73% FG), 18 assists, and 12 rebounds from All-Star center Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets routed Houston, 124-111 (box score) in the “Mile High City.”
James Harden led Houston with 34 points and eight assists in just 31 minutes, making 10-of-16 shots (62.5%) from the field. Meanwhile, center Christian Wood followed up 31 points and 13 rebounds in Saturday’s debut at Portland with 23 points (45% FG) and two blocks against the Nuggets. But they didn’t have nearly enough help on Monday night.
For a second straight game to open the 2020-21 regular season, the Rockets had only nine active players — just one above the NBA’s minimum requirement of eight to play a game. Facing a Denver squad led by Jokic and Jamal Murray and coming off a Western Conference Finals berth, it was a tough task for Houston — especially with a short rotation and on a second road game in three nights, and at high altitude. The Nuggets (1-2) were desperate for a win after unexpectedly losing their first two games of the season, and it showed in their inspired play.
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The good news for the Rockets (0-2), from a wins and losses perspective, is that three of the four key absences (John Wall, Eric Gordon, and DeMarcus Cousins) are expected back in time for Houston’s next game on Thursday. Ben McLemore, who reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus, could take a few extra days. Reinforcements are on the way.
In the meantime, though, the Rockets are frustrated by their 0-2 start — especially given some of the early defensive issues. Here’s a sampling of the responses from Monday’s postgame interviews.
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