Reaction: DeMar DeRozan leads Bulls in blowout over Christian Wood, Rockets
After winning Saturday over the worst team (Detroit) in the Eastern Conference, the Rockets took a clear step up in competition when resuming play Monday in Chicago, where the Bulls are No. 2 in the East standings. Unfortunately for Houston, the result reflected that change.
Led by veteran star DeMar DeRozan, the home team dominated a lethargic Houston defense for nearly the entirety of Monday’s game, leading to an easy 133-118 win (box score) for Chicago. After losing to Houston in November in a game the Rockets stole in the final quarter, the Bulls made sure there would be no such drama this time around.
DeRozan scored a game-high 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting (61.1%) on Monday, while Coby White scored 24 on 5-of-9 shooting (55.6%) from 3-point range. Lonzo Ball had 19 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals, and he shot 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%). As a team, the Bulls (19-10) connected on 16-of-35 shots (45.7%) from 3-point range.
The Rockets (10-21) were led by center Christian Wood, who scored 23 points (8-of-14 shooting, 57.1% FG) while grabbing 11 rebounds in 29 minutes. Other players to score in double figures included:
Jae’Sean Tate: 16 points, 7-of-13 shooting (53.8%), 6 assists, 5 rebounds in 22 minutes
Armoni Brooks: 15 points, 6-of-13 shooting (46.2%), 3-of-9 on 3-pointers (33.3%), 4 assists in 32 minutes
KJ Martin: 15 points, 6-of-7 shooting (85.7%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers in 24 minutes
Eric Gordon: 10 points, 4-of-6 shooting (66.7%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%), 6 assists in 27 minutes
Josh Christopher: 10 points, 3-of-5 shooting (60.0%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists in 20 minutes
The Rockets are now 1-1 on their season-long road trip of five games, which continues Wednesday night in Milwaukee. Until then, scroll on for highlights and postgame reaction following Monday’s loss.
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Highlights
Stephen Silas disappointed
Coach Silas says the lack of energy and readiness played a major role in the Rockets' loss tonight. #Rockets
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) December 21, 2021
Stephen Silas said he was disappointed that the Rockets came out flat and weren't ready for the intensity of the game. "This is a lesson for our young guys as far as the readiness that you need."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 21, 2021
Stephen Silas on improvement after halftime
Stephen Silas: "We learned a lesson in the first half, for sure."
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) December 21, 2021
“After halftime, we were much better, and much more aggressive. They were still making shots and doing their thing, but we made it harder on them. We aren’t the team that can just come out there and feel the game. We’ve gotta play.” – Silas
— RedNinetyFour (@RedNinetyFour) December 21, 2021
Alperen Sengun’s dime to Christian Wood
Another impressive dime from Alperen Sengun to Christian Wood. pic.twitter.com/7AhC2cqrIm
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) December 21, 2021
And literally right as I tweet this out — Sengun posts up, Christian Wood cuts baseline and Sengun hits him with a behind-the-back bounce pass dime for a dunk. More of this!
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) December 21, 2021
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