Rockets vs. Bucks: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Houston Rockets (10-21) play against the Milwaukee Bucks (13-13) at Fiserv Forum Game Time: 8:00 PM EST on Wednesday December 22, 2021 Houston Rockets 76, Milwaukee Bucks 97 (End Q3) What’s the buzz on Twitter? Jonathan Feigen @ Jonathan_Feigen …

The Houston Rockets (10-21) play against the Milwaukee Bucks (13-13) at Fiserv Forum

Game Time: 8:00 PM EST on Wednesday December 22, 2021

Houston Rockets 76, Milwaukee Bucks 97 (End Q3)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Christian Wood takes a seat with 20p and 9r. This one getting close to out of hand. Bucks up 19. With Rockets playing again tomorrow, does he return? Wood one rebound from going 20 and 10 for the fifth time in his past six games. – 9:53 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Rockets just not able to keep up with the Bucks offensively thus far tonight. They lead, 84-67, with 3:13 left in the third quarter.
Middleton (21p/3r/6a) and Holiday (16p/4r/7a) leading the way for the Bucks tonight. – 9:51 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
#Bucks lead 84-67 with 3:13 to go in the third quarter. They’ve made just 29% of their threes but have outscored the #Rockets 36-24 in the paint. Four of the five starters have reached double figures. – 9:50 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
Johnson’s last NBA appearance was May 28, 2018 with #Rockets. – 9:50 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Run that Kha$h through the spin cycle. 💸 pic.twitter.com/zl1BFzeWHY9:49 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Khris Middleton has tied a season-high with 9 free throw attempts. #Bucks lead 79-66 with 4:18 to go in the third quarter. – 9:46 PM
Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
We gotta see that again! Watch ya head! 😤 pic.twitter.com/6Sr8kIoNCL9:46 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Bring it around town. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tbFw76r1oE9:45 PM

Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
And now Christian Wood posterizes Jordan Nwora!
Somebody’s showing up on Sports Center twice tonight lol pic.twitter.com/NGq95rMEg59:38 PM

Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
EG hits C-Wood with a dime! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rlbMm2RY1z9:36 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Dang. Christian Wood with the big-time slam on Nwora, who got there just a little late. – 9:36 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Houston has missed seven free throws.
#Bucks lead 70-53. – 9:35 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Rough night for Jae’Sean Tate – he has five fouls and is 2-for-10 from the floor in 14 minutes for the #Rockets. – 9:34 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Christian Wood is 5 of 5 inside the 3-point line, 0 for 5 on 3s. Bucks seem willing to give him 3s with Cousins backing far away. – 9:33 PM
Cayleigh Griffin @cayleighgriffin
With 10:30 remaining in the 3rd, Jae’Sean Tate picked up his 5th foul. – 9:33 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Boogie ball. 😤
📸 @PicknSaveStores Photo of the Game pic.twitter.com/JyWAz3YdTa9:28 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Bucks 63, Rockets 50 at half. Bucks outscore Rockets 46-26 in 14 minutes since the Rockets held their largest lead. Wood with 14 on 4 of 7 shooting. Middleton and Holiday combine for 28. Add a freakish big man and this team might be pretty good. – 9:18 PM
Justin Garcia @tmjgarcia
Bucks lead Rockets at halftime: 63-50
Also a good time to point out we’re crowning the Twine Person of the Year tonight on @Milwaukee Bucks Talk pic.twitter.com/rbT7ucFxku9:17 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The final 24.8 seconds of the first half took like 57 minutes to play and nothing happened, so the #Bucks still lead the #Rockets 63-50. – 9:16 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Half: Bucks 63, Rockets 50 – 9:15 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
DeMarcus Cousins was whistled for two fouls in 30 seconds, but Mike Budenholzer will challenge this one. #Bucks lead 63-50. – 9:10 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Bucks challenge a foul called on Cousins, contending contact was all Wood sticking out his right leg. Looked like they have a case. – 9:10 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
“I don’t wanna be on the highlight shows!”
– @olskool888 pic.twitter.com/CtqFRVAYdm9:09 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Wes is hot from the arc. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gYI9JcsoYI9:08 PM

Kane Pitman @KanePitman
Wes Matthews has been pretty impressive in small doses since signing with the Bucks. If he proves to still be a legitimate playoff rotation piece this is a pretty big addition for a roster spot that was held by Georgios Kalaitzakis. – 9:06 PM
Justin Garcia @tmjgarcia
Bucks were 3/15 on threes. They then hit 4 in just over a minute. 3 from Wesley Matthews
Welcome back – 9:06 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
That’s a deeeeeeeeeep heatcheck 3 for Wesley Matthews. Three 3s for him in 66 seconds.
Middleton just found him twice in transition and, just like that, the Bucks lead, 61-46, with 2:24 left in the first half. – 9:06 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Wesley Matthews now has 11 points off the bench for the #Bucks – and his last three was deeeeep. Milwaukee leads 61-46 with 2:24 to go in the first half. – 9:06 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
In four minutes of action, Thanasis Antetokounmpo has picked up four fouls tonight. – 9:01 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Kenyon Martin Jr. hit with a technical foul as he ran back down the court right at the official. Khris Middleton gives the #Bucks a free throw and a 16-0 run. – 8:57 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Don’t do ’em like that Jordan!! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/CHPLoqt3XM8:56 PM

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
oh deer. Jordan Nwora just broke off Armoni Brooks. pic.twitter.com/b0dWH1tAJw8:56 PM

Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Oh no. Jordan Nwora just took Armoni Brooks’ ankles. pic.twitter.com/CMOEowlQyW8:54 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Bucks on a 15-0 run capped by a crossover from Jordan Nwora that floored Brooks as he stepped back to a 3. Rockets 3 of 16 on 3s, getting nothing against the Bucks zone. – 8:54 PM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
A 15-0 Bucks run over last 3:42 has them up 46-31 over the #Rockets, 6:22 til halftime. – 8:53 PM
Cayleigh Griffin @cayleighgriffin
The Bucks have gone on a 29-7 run in the last 7:32. They are now up 15. – 8:53 PM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
Jordan Nwora with a legitimate ankle breaker. That was beautiful. – 8:53 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Big Man Boogie coming through!! pic.twitter.com/Snh5tFkcg18:53 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Step back three from Joran Nwora gives the #Bucks a 46-31 lead as they are on a 15-0 run. – 8:53 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Okayyyyyyyyy, Jordan Nwora.
That’s going to be the highlight of the night. Just dropped Armoni Brooks on a stepback between the legs to set up a 3. – 8:52 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
DeMarcus Cousins with an and-one and he lets Alperen Şengün know it after he finished the basket. #Bucks up 39-31. – 8:50 PM
Justin Garcia @tmjgarcia
The Jrue/Boogie chemistry is fun to watch – 8:50 PM
Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
Per Synergy, #Rockets offense is #1 in the NBA against zone defenses at 1.571 PPP. The most effective player to position in the middle of the zone is often the team’s passer. Here, Sengun is the best passer. Watch Wood, Augustin, and Sengun offensive movement/positioning. pic.twitter.com/PCgenZNOiz8:48 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
#Bucks and #Rockets are each 3-for-13 from behind the three-point line.
Milwaukee leads 33-31 with 9:19 to go in the first half. – 8:46 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Bucks zone has the Rockets taking nothing but 3s. Brooks finally hits one, stopping a 10-0 run. – 8:42 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
A Pat Connaughton 3 with 1.2 seconds left gives the Bucks a 25-24 lead after one quarter.
Advanced Stats:
OffRtg: 100.0
DefRtg: 96.0
Net Rtg: +4.0
ORB%: 35.3%
DRB%: 62.5% – 8:40 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Bucks 25, Rockets 24 after 1. Rockets missed their four shots after reserves took over. They led by seven after a Wood drive. He has 10 on 4 of 6 shooting. Rest of Rockets 4 of 16. Bucks close quarter on 8-0 run. – 8:40 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The #Bucks lead the #Rockets 25-24 after one. Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday are a combined 2-for-10 for seven points and have five assists. – 8:39 PM
Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
End of one.
Rockets: 24
Bucks: 25
@kroger | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/w97JBXpFG08:38 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Teams often misfire after a break in the schedule and the Bucks, with three off days between games, surely have, going 8 of 25 so far. The second time back in often goes better. Rockets can’t count on this lasting. – 8:37 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
George with the sweet finish!! pic.twitter.com/y8fK5o6BwR8:36 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Wesley Mathews checks in for the #Bucks8:35 PM
Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
Empty corner pick-and-rolls always create an advantage for the #Rockets because of the bind it puts help-defenders in. Sengun finds the open shooter, and guides the pass into Christopher’s shooting pocket. pic.twitter.com/q7RHBrXQnU8:34 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Ugly first quarter for the Bucks thus far. They’ve made just six of their 20 shots so far, including just 1-of-9 from 3.
They’re down, 21-15. – 8:32 PM
Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
C-Wood finishing through the contact. 😤 pic.twitter.com/FzBjGeHzet8:29 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The #Rockets are on a 12-2 run and lead the #Bucks 17-13. – 8:26 PM
Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Jae’Sean always bringing the energy. 🔋 pic.twitter.com/BXWIw5PYX78:26 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Bucks getting a ton of deflections early, and that’s with Captain Length not playing. Rockets fortunate Bucks off to a 4 of 12 start. – 8:21 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bucks have gotten some good early looks in transition against the Rockets. They just haven’t made many of them.
They still lead, 11-9, with 6:34 left in the first quarter though. – 8:20 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
#Rockets shooting 28.6%, #Bucks 30% in the early going. – 8:18 PM
Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
C-Wood going straight to the basket! 😤 pic.twitter.com/k8GBFlAqBy8:17 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
In the previous meeting, Garrison Mathews had a season-high 23 points, sinking 6 of 11 3s. Middleton picking him up at almost 30 feet so far. – 8:16 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Starting off the Holiday season right: pic.twitter.com/T8s1RH4loa8:15 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
DeMarcus Cousins whistled for his first foul less than one minute into the game. #Bucks up 2-0. – 8:12 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Jrue Holiday opens scoring tonight with a little floater in the middle of the lane. – 8:11 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
It’s time for Bucks Basketball!! pic.twitter.com/ZSaKYHhyZ08:05 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Our five tonight vs. Rockets: pic.twitter.com/sCa9zeQeMD7:54 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Bulls say Alex Caruso will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days with the foot sprain he suffered in Monday’s win over Houston. – 7:52 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2021
ALEX CARUSO INJURY UPDATE
 
Bulls guard Alex Caruso sustained a sprain of his left foot during the first quarter of Monday’s game vs. the Houston Rockets. He will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days. – 7:50 PM
Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Bulls say Alex Caruso will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days for left foot sprain suffered Monday against Rockets – 7:50 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Injury Update:
Alex Caruso will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days after sustaining a left foot sprain during Monday’s game vs. the Houston Rockets. pic.twitter.com/4CPiLKvuNm7:50 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bucks starters vs. the Rockets tonight:
Jrue Holiday
Jordan Nwora
Khris Middleton
Pat Connaughton
DeMarcus Cousins
That’s another new starting lineup. 15th different starting lineup in 33 games for the Bucks. – 7:47 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Nwora is averaging a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the past 3 games.
🎥: @Socios pic.twitter.com/11G19DTnLv7:43 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Sandro Mamukelashvili is out tonight for the #Bucks with a non-COVID illness. – 7:35 PM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
#Rockets starters vs Bucks : Brooks, Gordon, Mathews, Tate, Wood
Bucks starters: Connaughton, Middleton, Cousins, Nwora, Holiday – 7:33 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets starters: Tate, Mathews, Wood, Brooks, Gordon.
Bucks starters: Connaughton, Middleton, Cousins, Nwora, Holiday. – 7:33 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Khris is back in action.
🎥: @Socios pic.twitter.com/XSUOnPZq0t7:22 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
12 days ago in Houston…
🔄 @BetwayUSA Game Rewind pic.twitter.com/ssrfIBRVev7:11 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Smiles from Smart. 😊
📸: @MotorolaUS pic.twitter.com/ghmVYdaXd07:11 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
A caffeinated Connaughton.
📸: @MotorolaUS pic.twitter.com/9tA3O8IRG26:51 PM

Frank Madden @fmaddenNBA
Any Milwaukee area folks want 2 last-minute lower level tickets to tonight’s Bucks/Rockets game? Reply to this tweet with your favorite former Buck and I’ll pick someone in the next 10 minutes. – 6:40 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Back in action.
🎥: @Socios pic.twitter.com/lzcc1CIzDJ6:39 PM

David Hardisty @clutchfans
Stephen Silas says there will be an adjustment period for Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. but … “They’re our guys. They’re going to start. They’re going to come back and they’re going to play.” – 6:37 PM
Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
back to it 💧
@MichelobULTRA | #ULTRADrip pic.twitter.com/HzsUYeWpbd6:35 PM

Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Mark Daigneault said the five spot in the NBA is “interesting” because some teams play bigger there, and some teams down size. Mentions Draymond Green was the tipping point in Golden State. Also mentions Houston trading Clint and playing small. – 6:34 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Christian Wood will warm up to determine if he can go for the Rockets Milwaukee but that is the expectation. – 6:32 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Stephen Silas says he assumes Christian Wood will play tonight, but he hasn’t warmed up yet – 6:31 PM
Cayleigh Griffin @cayleighgriffin
Christian Wood will likely play tonight per Coach Silas. – 6:30 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Number 4 is in the rafters for a reason. pic.twitter.com/pDRQiRIPie6:22 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
#Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer wouldn’t say if there will be a minutes restriction / limit for Khris Middleton, Rodney Hood and Semi Ojeleye tonight but did say they will be mindful of their recent injuries and the fact they play tomorrow night. – 6:21 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Watching the squad at @Fiservforum tonight?
Save $5 off your Lyft ride home thanks to our friends at @JackDaniels_US.
Use promo code “RideWithJack22” on the Lyft app to redeem!! pic.twitter.com/ZDeXUL2z6A5:33 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – Rockets pass Stephen Silas’ test of basketball history ift.tt/3efs7YL5:18 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Back on the court tonight. Study up.
📝: @Jockey pic.twitter.com/zLZLB5hlmR5:01 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – Rockets’ Christian Wood expected to play vs. Milwaukee ift.tt/3qmzKSL4:18 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – Rockets’ Kevin Porter Jr. continuing progress toward return ift.tt/33L7O3b4:18 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Houston, we have a matchup.
🎰: @paysbig pic.twitter.com/TEgz9FNqQR4:04 PM

Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Another one on the road tonight in Milwaukee!
⏰ 7:00 PM Tip-Off
📺 @ATTSportsNetSW
📻 @SportsTalk790 / En Español KLAT 1010AM pic.twitter.com/vz7txV5ZgR4:00 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The fun part of doing this story was to hear just how hands-on #Bucks star Khris Middleton (@Khris Middleton) is with his bit.ly/12DaysOfKhrism… & what it means:
“When you believe so strongly in those values, then you’re not wasting time on things – you already know this is important.” – 3:13 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets pass Stephen Silas’ test of basketball history houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 2:36 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – Rockets year in review: Exit James Harden and enter Jalen Green, the new face of the franchise ift.tt/3mqRPhh2:18 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Mavericks list Kristaps Porzingis (right toe soreness) as questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Bucks – 2:10 PM
Dallas Mavericks PR @MavsPR
Kristaps Porzingis (right toe soreness) will be questionable for tomorrow night’s game against the Bucks.
Luka Dončić (health & safety protocols) and Trey Burke (health & safety protocols) will be out. – 2:10 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets’ Christian Wood expected to play vs. Milwaukee houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 2:06 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets’ Kevin Porter Jr. continuing progress toward return houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n…) via @houstonchron – 2:06 PM
Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Sir Sid the legend.
Hall of Fame
5X All-Star
5X All-NBA Team
5X NBA All-Defensive Team
2X Defensive Player of the Year pic.twitter.com/KQRVnTVikh2:02 PM