Rockets stars Alperen Sengun (24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists) and Fred VanVleet (27 points, 17 assists, 8 rebounds) played extremely well on Monday night in Cleveland, but the big man’s bid for a clinching buzzer-beater rimmed out in regulation. The Cavaliers then pulled away in overtime, 135-130 (box score).
It was the second night of a road back-to-back for Houston, which seemed to run out of steam during the extra five minutes. The Rockets (13-11) finished a three-game road trip 1-2 after also losing Sunday’s game in Milwaukee, while Cleveland (15-12) won its second straight.
The Cavs were led by superstar guard Donovan Mitchell, who had 37 points and 6 assists while shooting 14-of-27 overall (51.9%) and 4-of-11 on 3-pointers (36.4%). Cleveland hit 19-of-48 from 3-point range as a team, led by five off the bench by Sam Merrill, who finished with 19 points in 24 minutes while shooting 50% on treys.
Other noteworthy Rockets performances during Monday’s game, both in positive and negative ways, consisted of:
- Tari Eason: 14 points, 8 rebounds in 33 minutes; 5-of-13 shooting (38.5%), 4-of-5 on free throws (80%)
- Jalen Green: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists; 2-of-12 shooting (16.7%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25%), 7-of-7 on free throws
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 5 points, 7 rebounds; 2-of-7 shooting (28.6%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25%)
- Dillon Brooks: 16 points, 3 rebounds; 6-of-12 shooting (50%), 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%)
- Jeff Green: 15 points, 3 rebounds in 24 minutes; 6-of-6 shooting, 3-of-3 on free throws
- Aaron Holiday: 14 points, 2 rebounds in 17 minutes; 5-of-9 shooting (55.6%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40%)
Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Monday’s game in Cleveland, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is a return home to Houston, where they have won 11 straight games. The tip for Wednesday’s Rockets-Hawks matchup at Toyota Center is slated for 7 p.m. Central.