The Houston Rockets fell to the Indiana Pacers 123-117 on Tuesday night to begin their seven-game homestand. After his career-best performance, Alperen Åžengün recorded a team-high 30 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and four steals. However, Åžengün’s performance within the Toyota Center fell short of Tyrese Haliburton’s.
In the third quarter, Haliburton scored 13 of Indiana’s 37 points, and the Pacers trailed 67-64 at the break. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Pacers led 101–90.
The Rockets battled back and came within a point (108-107) with 6:30 left in the final period. Houston outscored the Pacers 9-8 over the next five minutes to take a quick 117-115 lead, but Haliburton’s seventh 3-point field goal of the night gave Indiana a 120-117 lead. Haliburton finished the night with 33 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds.
Fred VanVleet finished with 18 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Tari Eason came off the bench and added 16 points and eight rebounds in the loss.
Dillon Brooks leaves with injury:
Dillon Brooks’ night ended early due to an abdominal oblique strain. The injury occurred late in the third quarter, and following the game, Udoka did not have an update on Brooks’ status. He played 22 minutes and finished with nine points on 4 of 9 shooting.
Up Next:
The Rockets will continue their seven-game homestand Wednesday night against the struggling Phoenix Suns. They will then welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to Houston on Friday night. Tip-off between the Rockets and Suns is slated for 7:00 p.m. CDT inside the Toyota Center.