1 day Ago By Rockets Wire
In Saturday's Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, the Houston Rockets had an opportunity to take control with forward Jimmy Butler out of the game due to left pelvic contusion that he suffered in Game 2 in Houston.They missed that opportunity in the 104-93 loss due to an inability to finish around the rim and missed free throws. Houston shot a measly 58% (14-of-24) from the charity stripe and was outscored in the paint, 44-38, leading to a 2-1 series deficit.
The hope was that the Rockets would bounce back from that dismal showing in Game 4, especially since they were on the brink falling behind 3-1 and facing potential elimination.The paint points improved in Game 4, with the Rockets winning that battle, 48-38. After a murky showing in Game 3, All-Star center Alperen Sengun returned to form with 31 points and 10 rebounds to keep the game competitive.
Yet, the Rockets were abysmal once again from the free-throw line, shooting 61.3% (19-for-31) on their way to a 109-106 defeat. If Houston hopes to advance to the next round, they must find a way to take advantage of these free opportunities.
Houston finished the season as the NBA's worst team from the line, with a free-throw shooting percentage of 73.8%“You go up there to make them,” head coach Ime Udoka said of the free-throw woes. “I think we missed 12 tonight.
It’s not good enough in a one-possession game. So, it takes it back to Game 1 when we shot poorly from the free throw line, and if you are going to make some of the mistakes we are, it would be good to cash those in and obviously give us a little margin for error.”More: Game 4: Jimmy Butler returns from injury to lead Warriors into 3-1 series lead on RocketsThis article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Facing playoff elimination, Rockets look to paint points, free throws.
