The Houston Rockets tied NBA record for most three-point attempts in regulation on Sunday night against Milwaukee Bucks, but it was their defense that got them the 116-120 win
The Rockets led the game for the most part, but the Bucks managed to creep onto them late in the third quarter and entered the fourth period with 89-90 lead. Milwaukee then increased their advantage to eight with 3:03 left in regulation, and it seemed that the team with the NBA’s best record in 2019/20 is going to easily route another tough opponent.
But small-ball Houston had other ideas, tightening on defense and not allowing the Bucks best player Giannis Antetokounmpo to get easy buckets. Rockets’ All-Star James Harden especially played well on Antetokounmpo, forcing his two turnovers late in the game.
The Rockets used their good defense to generate offense and got within a striking distance thanks to PJ Tucker’s three and Robert Covington’s layup. Russell Westbrook and Danuel House then proved clutch on the free-throw line in dying minutes of the game and got the game out of Milwaukee’s range.
The loss didn’t do damage for the Bucks on the standings, but the Rockets greatly benefited. They are now fourth in the Western Conference with 42-24 record.
Westbrook was Houston’s main offensive weapon on Sunday night, scoring 31 points with eight assists, while Harden added 24 points and six steals. Rockets shot NBA-record 61 threes, hitting 21 of them.
Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 36 points and 18 rebounds. Kris Middleton and Brook Lopez added 27 and 23 points, respectively.
