Two nights after overtime heartbreak in Chicago, there seemed to be something of a hangover for the Rockets in Detroit. But thanks to veteran guard Fred VanVleet, Houston (19-18) rallied late in Friday’s 112-110 victory (box score) over the lowly Pistons (3-36).
VanVleet had 20 points (46.7% FG), 12 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. That total included 12 fourth-quarter points and a crucial dime to Alperen Sengun as Houston overcame multiple double-digit deficits. Sengun finished with a game-high 29 points, shooting 12-of-19 (63.2%) from the field and an improved 5-of-7 on free throws (71.4%).
Jalen Green scored 28 points, though he shot just 9-of-25 overall (36.0%) and 2-of-9 on 3-pointers (22.2%). Jabari Smith Jr. finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds on 7-of-15 shooting (46.7%), and he also had 2 blocks and several critical defensive plays to secure the win.
Second-year guard Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 18 points and 8 assists, but he shot just 1-of-6 on 3-pointers (16.7%) — including a last-second heave that spun out. Houston finished the game on a 10-3 run.
The Rockets were again short-handed on Friday night, with Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain) and Tari Eason (left lower leg soreness) still sidelined. Cade Cunningham (left knee strain) and Bojan Bogdanovic (left calf soreness) were out for Detroit.
Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. Houston continues its road trip Saturday in Boston (29-9), where tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. Central.