Scoreboard
Suns 135, Pistons 108
Rockets 118, Kings 112
Warriors 99, Timberwolves 119
Jazz 125, Nuggets 102
What went down
The Houston Rockets have had a forgettable season thus far, but their win over the Sacramento Kings is just one of the many silver linings that they can build on for the future.
Behind an impressive performance from Christian Wood, Houston held off Sacramento for a 118-112 victory on the road.
Wood delivered a double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Rockets. Eric Gordon was also critical down the stretch, as he hit a big basket with 15 seconds remaining to help prevent the Kings from making a comeback.
Buddy Hield led the way for the Kings with 27 points highlighted by five triples.
The Kings badly missed the presence of De’Aaron Fox, who was ejected down the stretch after committing a flagrant foul penalty 2 on Garrison Mathews. This limited the Kings even further with sophomore Tyrese Haliburton already unavailable due to health and safety protocols.
Sacramento remained in 11th place with an 18-28 record, while Houston stayed at the bottom of the Western Conference with 13-32.
Big-time baller
The Utah Jazz have missed All-Star Center Rudy Gobert in the last five games, as they dropped four in a row after Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.
In his return, the Stifle Tower showed why he’s one of the best big men in the league. In a marquee matchup, Gobert shot a perfect 7-of-7 from the field against Nikola Jokic to score 18 points. He also nabbed 19 rebounds as the Jazz prevailed over the Nuggets, 125-102.
What he said
Michigan native Devin Booker had a triumphant homecoming during the Phoenix Suns’ 135-108 win over the Detroit Pistons. After the game, he opened up how excited he was to return home, which happens only once per season:
"Because of the pandemic, I didn't get to have anything like normal interaction with my family. But at least I got to see them and I got to wave to a lot of friends. That's better than what we've been getting."
Did you see that?
Anthony Edwards continues to be one of the most exciting young players in the league. In only his second year, Ant-Man has evolved his game to become one of the best 3-point shooters in the game today. The progression should excite all Timberwolves fans to no end, just like these displays of athleticism from Edwards in the team’s win against the Golden State Warriors.
Anthony Edwards through traffic 😤 pic.twitter.com/jGBuZ8TnV9
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 17, 2022
