Rockets end historically bad season with 124-95 loss to Hawks

One of the Houston Rockets’ worst seasons in franchise history ends in 124-95 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

The Rockets were out-shot by the Hawks 14/23 (60.9%) to their 11/25 (44%) in the first, but that didn’t tell the whole story. Houston blitzed the Hawks for five three-pointers in 14 attempts, while the Hawks didn’t have a single three-point make in their two attempts.

Despite making three less baskets and being outscored 20-12 in the paint, Houston went into the second quarter down only 36-33. The also overcame a nine-point deficit to keep the game interesting

NBA vet D.J. Augustin led the (once again) eight-man Rockets squad in scoring in the first with 10 points and three assists on 3-6 shooting. Armoni Brooks and Kelly Olynyk followed up with six points a piece.

The second quarter, on the other hand, was a completely different story for the Rockets — it was brutal.

Houston shot an abysmal 6-of-23 from the field in the second, including 3-of-17 from deep, making them a total of 8-30 from deep in the half. The Hawks continued an offensive, going a total of 13-21 from the field, including 3-8 from deep for good measure.

With the three-ball not dropping, it didn’t help that the Rockets added only four points in the paint in the quarter, while the Hawks scored 16 more. If you’re not making shots from deep or in the paint, you just can’t win like that (har har).

Cameron Oliver delivered the top highlight of the Rockets’ first half with this monster putback.

The Rockets went into halftime down 72-54.

And it wouldn’t be a Rockets game this season if the game wasn’t already over by halftime. With this loss, the Rockets officially tallied the third-worst win percentage in Rockets history (23.6%) at 17-55 overall, the worst record in the league this season.

I honestly have no stats for you sickos who wanted them, because it really does feel like salt in the wound, and this team has gone through too much to end their season like that.

Instead, it’ll be a great time us all to reflect upon this season and really give a ton of props to Stephen Silas, who expected to coach a contender and a generational player, but was stuck with the drama and turmoil leftover from previous management and stars. Like a true professional, he took on a complete project and absorbed the worst record in the NBA with grace and tact. For a young, black coach, that can make or break your future in the NBA, and we can only hope that Silas continues to get the opportunity he deserves with this franchise and coaching.

Also, another big shoutout to Bill Worrell, who is retired from calling games. That might be the biggest loss for this organization.

Here’s to the future and hoping that the Rockets are nowhere near tanking next season.

Thanks for following us along on one of the hardest, most unique seasons in Rockets and The Dream Shake history.