DETROIT – Fred VanVleet’s standout performance in the second half, including crucial points in the fourth quarter, led the Houston Rockets to a narrow 112-110 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. This loss extended Detroit’s losing streak to seven games, emphasizing their ongoing struggles this season.
The Pistons, now with a record of 1-35 after a promising 2-1 start, are facing a challenging period marked by an NBA-record matching 28-game losing streak. The streak began with a loss to the Rockets on New Year’s Day.
Jaden Ivey’s missed opportunity for a game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds was a heartbreaker for Detroit. Rockets coach Ime Udoka acknowledged the stroke of luck in their win.
Alec Burks and Kevin Knox II led the Pistons’ scoring with 19 points each. The team felt the absence of their leading scorers, Cunningham and Bogdanovic, due to injuries. Pistons coach Monty Williams reflected on the tough loss, underlining the harsh realities of competitive sports.
For Houston, Alperen Sengun scored 29 points, and Jalen Green added 28, playing pivotal roles in the team’s success. VanVleet, who finished with 20 points and 12 assists, was instrumental in the Rockets’ comeback, particularly with his performance in the closing minutes.
Isaiah Stewart, returning to the Pistons’ lineup after a break, contributed 16 points and seven rebounds. Despite his efforts, Detroit struggled to contain Houston in the crucial moments of the game.
The Pistons had taken the lead with Burks’ 3-pointer, but the Rockets, behind VanVleet’s stellar play, regained control. VanVleet’s key baskets and assists, especially in setting up Sengun’s dunk, shifted the momentum towards Houston.
Stewart’s late 3-pointer brought the Pistons close, but VanVleet’s miss in the final seconds maintained the narrow margin for Houston’s win. The game was evenly matched in the first half, but Detroit’s strong start in the third quarter wasn’t enough to secure the victory as Houston rallied back.
Injuries impacted the game, with Jeff Green leaving due to a knee collision. The Rockets now look forward to facing Boston, while the Pistons aim to regroup against Washington on Monday.
