In a high-profile road game versus an NBA title contender, the improved Houston Rockets made Milwaukee work. They could not, however, get over the final hump in Sunday’s 128-119 loss (box score) to the Bucks (19-7), who were led by their duo of frequent MVP candidates, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Lillard led the Bucks with a game-high 39 points and 11 assists, shooting 11-of-19 from the field (57.9%) and 5-of-8 from 3-point range (62.5%). Antetokounmpo added 26 points and a game-high 17 rebounds, shooting 10-of-22 (45.5%). Milwaukee outrebounded the Rockets by a decisive 56-39 margin, with several generating extra shot chances when Houston badly needed a stop.
With the loss, Houston (13-10) had its five-game winning streak snapped. The final margin was worsened by a series of controversial calls and ejections (Dillon Brooks and Ime Udoka) in the game’s final 40 seconds, which ballooned a margin that had been as slim as one possession with under six minutes left to play.
Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 22 points and 6 assists on 8-of-16 shooting and 4-of-8 from 3-point range (50%). Backcourt mate Jalen Green had an efficient 16 points and a team-high 7 assists, making 6-of-11 shots (54.5%) and 2-of-4 from behind the arc (50%).
Other standout players for the Rockets included:
- Alperen Sengun: 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists; 8-of-15 shooting (53.3%)
- Dillon Brooks: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals; 7-of-12 shooting (58.3%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50%)
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 16 points, 5 rebounds; 7-of-13 shooting (53.8%)
- Tari Eason: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals; 5-of-8 shooting (62.5%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50%)
- Jeff Green: 16 points in 17 minutes; 4-of-5 shooting (80%), 7-of-8 on free throws (87.5%)
Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Sunday’s game, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets, as a challenging road back-to-back concludes, is Monday’s matchup at Cleveland (14-12). Tipoff is at 6 p.m. Central.