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Takeaways: Rockets clinch season series versus Denver as Jalen Green ices first road win

ben dubose
·9 min read

In their fourth and final game versus Denver in the 2023-24 league year, the upstart Rockets secured the season series with Friday’s 114-106 win (box score) over the Nuggets (14-9). Besides taking their third game in under two months from the defending NBA champions, Houston (10-9) also secured its first road victory.

Talented third-year center Alperen Sengun had 17 points (50.0% FG), 10 rebounds, and 7 assists for the Rockets, and his defense helped limit perennial All-Star and MVP candidate Nikola Jokic to 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting just 9-of-26 from the field (34.6%). Many of those statistics came in the fourth quarter after Houston had already built a 25-point buffer.

Jalen Green led Houston with an efficient 25 points, shooting 8-of-17 overall (47.1%) and 8-of-10 on free throws (80.0%). That line included 10 third-quarter points as the Rockets built up their lead and several late free throws to put the game away. Backcourt mate Fred VanVleet added a game-high 26 points, making 4-of-10 from 3-point range (40.0%) and 9-of-12 from the free-throw line (75.0%).

Veteran wing Dillon Brooks finished with 16 points while shooting 6-of-12 overall (50.0%) and 4-of-10 on 3-pointers (40.0%).

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Friday’s game in Denver, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is Monday’s home game versus San Antonio (3-18), with tipoff set for 7:00 p.m. Central from Toyota Center.

Dec. 8 Rockets-Nuggets reaction

 

 

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Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire