Rockets’ Win Over Pistons Turned Out To Be One Of Best Games Of Early Season

November 11, 2024

Since most sports fans were probably watching the NFL, or even just another NBA game, they probably missed the Rockets’ 101-99 road win over the Pistons on Sunday.

But let there be no doubt, this was about as exciting and well-played a game as it gets in the NBA in November.

And it all came down to some intentionally missed free throws by the Pistons. Of course, if they had just made them in the first place, things may have turned out a little differently.

Here is how the Associated Press broke it down:

“Trailing 101-99 with six seconds left, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham intentionally missed a free throw and Jaden Ivey got the offensive rebound. His shot missed, but Tobias Harris was fouled on the rebound.”

But Harris missed the first with a chance to tie the game. He then intentionally missed the second — and Ivey grabbed the rebound again. But only sort of. While trying to fully secure it, he fell out of bounds. Ballgame.

Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 27 points, including five in the final 2:28. He also collected 10 rebounds. Another vital player was Tari Eason, who scored 10 of his 18 in the crucial fourth quarter.

Cunningham led the Pistons with 26 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

Basically, the Rockets are hoping to be a playoff team and the Pistons appear much-improved under coach J.B. Bickerstaff. This game offered plenty of reasons for hope for both clubs, and in the NBA in November, that’s what it is all about.