Rockets drop fifth in a row in blowout vs. Nuggets

The Rockets failed to launch once again.

For the first two and a half minutes, the Rockets held a brief lead but it was all Nuggets after that.

The Nuggets pulled away and won 128-99. The 29-point deficit tied for the second-largest loss of the season for the team.

Nikola Jokic strengthened his MVP case with 29 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists, while missing just two shots, both of which he grabbed the offensive rebound for.

To combat Jokic’s production, Kelly Olynyk scored a team-high 23 for the Rockets and Jae’Sean Tate added 21, but it was far from enough.

In a battle of the Porter Jr.’s, Michael took it home, scoring 21 with five rebounds. Kevin posted one of his poorest performances as a Rocket, scoring just four points on 1-9 shooting.

Simply put, the Rockets looked flat tonight and could not escape from the potential MVP’s wrath. The Nuggets needed to build chemistry with their non-Jamal Murray lineups to prepare for the postseason, and tonight should definitely aid those efforts.

Tonight’s loss coupled with a Minnesota Timberwolves win also granted the Rockets the dishonor of the worst team in the NBA, 0.5 games back of the Wolves. So, Team Tank actually pulled out a win tonight. Congrats Team Tank!

The Rockets season continues Sunday against the Magic in Orlando. Tipoff is at 6 p.m. CT.