The NBA’s longest losing streak of the 2022-23 season is now at 13 games after Houston’s 113-104 loss (box score) on Saturday night at Minnesota. The young and rebuilding Rockets (10-36) have now lost 18 of their last 19 games, dating back to early December.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves (24-24) with 44 points on 17-of-29 shooting (58.6%), and 8-of-16 on 3-pointers (50.0%). That was more than enough on a night where his counterpart, Houston’s Jalen Green, had 10 points and 6 turnovers on 3-of-13 shooting (23.1%).
Rookie forward Tari Eason made his first start and played well for the Rockets, who were without a pair of starters in Kevin Porter Jr. (left foot soreness) and Jabari Smith Jr. (right ankle sprain).
Alperen Sengun led the way in scoring and rebounding, but it wasn’t enough to win. Key offensive statistics for Houston included:
- Sengun: 19 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks; 7-of-9 shooting (77.8%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers
- Tari Eason: 14 points, 9 rebounds, 5-of-11 shooting (45.5%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
- Eric Gordon: 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 7-of-12 shooting (58.3%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%)
- KJ Martin: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 5-of-11 shooting (45.5%), 0-of-3 on 3-pointers
Scroll on for Saturday’s highlights, analysis and postgame interview reaction from Target Center. In the second of two straight games between the clubs, Minnesota pays a return visit to Houston on Monday night. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Central from Toyota Center.