KPJ, Rockets strike back at T-Wolves in blowout fashion

Photo courtesy of Andy Clayton-King/AP Photo

For the first time in what's felt like years, the Rockets blew another team out of the water.

The Houston Rockets enacted revenge against the Minnesota Timberwolves for their losing effort on Friday night, beating the northern team by a score of 129-107 on Saturday evening.

No wild comebacks or offensive implosions this time around. The Rockets got off to a hot start and never looked back, taking control of the contest early. A 41-point first quarter got things started for Houston, followed by a 33-point second quarter that also saw the Rockets limit Minnesota to only 19 points in the second frame.

And to no one's surprise, it was Kevin Porter Jr. who led the team to their massive lead. Porter Jr., in his first game back after missing time due to quad soreness, got off to a scorching start for the Rockets, going 7-8 from the floor in the first half with 17 points.

A lot of Rockets were hitting their strides in the first half. John Wall had 10 points and seven assists with zero turnovers. Sterling Brown had 16 points and four rebounds on 6-7 shooting. Everything was clicking for the Rockets early on.

Whereas on Friday night the team seemed to fall apart in the second half, this time around Houston kept their foot on the gas. The game was never truly in doubt, and the Rockets cruised to their first blowout victory in months.

Everyone had a positive night. Seven Rockets scored in double figures. KPJ finished with an efficient 25 points on 10-15 shooting. John Wall notched a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists.

Perhaps the most surprising contributions, however, came from some newer Rockets. Recently-acquired Kelly Olynyk, in his first game as a Rocket since coming over from the Miami Heat in the Victor Oladipo trade, did a bit of everything on the night, going for 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Additionally, D.J. Augustin, acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks in the P.J. Tucker trade, was second on the team in scoring, going for 20 points in the win.

The Rockets, now 13-32 on the year, split their two-game set with the Timberwolves, and are now 2.5 games up on Minnesota for the worst record in the league.

Their next contest will be on Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM CT.