Rockets eclipse the Suns, 111-97, on Coach Stephen Silas’ emotional return
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT PhilBoxing.com Thu, 15 Dec 2022
Rising star and Filipino-American guard Jalen Green led Houston with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 as Rockets beat a sliding Phoenix Suns, 111-97, Tuesday night.
That is just part of their heartwarming story, for it happened on the return of their grieving head coach— Stephen Silas, son of the late NBA Paul Silas who died at age 79 last Sunday.
Coach Silas could not hold back the tears, especially on consecutive victorious nights before and after his return.
“It was definitely great to be back. I love these guys. I love this team. I kind of didn’t want the game to end because now it’s like real life starts up again.”
“I don't know if it makes it easier or not, but my dad was a coach and he would tell me to coach," Silas said. “Get your butt out there and coach. So that's what I did,” Stephen Silas told reporters per NBA.com.
In a wire-to-wire finish, Houston led by as much as 23 points with the entire bench scoring in double digits— Jalen Green led with 26 followed by Kevin Porter, Jr. with 18, Jabari Smith, Jr. 14, Alperen Sengun 10, and E. Gordon 10 points and Tari Eason added 10 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.
It was the second straight win for the Rockets, who beat the mighty Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night.
As a team, Houston made less attempts at the basket 81-103, but converted better by making 34 of 81 buckets (32% FG) and 12 of 35 treys (34.3% 3-PT). They scored more in the paint 40-30, had more rebounds 67-44, and were solid on their defensive boards 50-26.
By contrast, Phoenix were inconsistent with 33 of 103 shooting (32% FG) and just 13 of 51 treys (25.5% 3-PT).
Entering the game, Phoenix was 16-11, and looking like a contender ranking fifth in the league in treys at 38.3% 3-pointers; however, they went cold making only 13 of 51 treys, a 25.5% 3-PT conversion rate.
The Suns dropped their fifth straight game, mainly because they were without Devin Booker (second missed game due to left hamstring tightness). Compounding their loss were busted players Deandre Ayton and Cameron Payne who were injured before halftime. Ayton broke his left ankle and Payne sustained a right foot injury.
Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 18 points but shot a disappointing 4 of 24 from the field and 2 of 10 from 3-point range.
On his second game back, Chris failed to jump start the slumping Suns. He scored just 16 points on 5-of-17 shooting, including 2 of 10 treys.
“As long as the locker room stays positive and understands that it’s a long season,” a cautious Paul was quoted by NBA.com.
Houston's charismatic coach Stephen Silas and the Rockets with their newfound leader, Filipino-American Jalen Green have grinds ahead, but they are optimistic after tonight’s emphatic win.
“I’m very proud to be my dad’s son,” Silas said. “I’m very proud that people see him in me. And I want that to continue. Whenever my time comes, I want people to say the same things that they said about him over the last couple of days about (me). And hopefully they’ll do that.”
Upcoming:
Houston Rockets: Host Miami Heat on Thursday night.
Phoenix Suns: Visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
Note of Appreciation:
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