Shooting, defensive woes continue for Rockets as losing streak extends to six

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Despite the best offensive showing in a week, it apparently still wasn't enough to shake the Rockets out of their funk.

The Houston Rockets continued their losing ways on Monday night, dropping their sixth consecutive game by way of a high-scoring defeat from the Washington Wizards, 131-119.

Statistically, the Rockets did more than enough to win the game. After a slew of porous shooting performances, the team seemed to get back on track on Monday. All five starters scored in double figures, while John Wall had another good outing in his first game in D.C. since getting traded to Houston in the offseason. He finished with 29 points and 11 assists.

It's becoming routine for Wall at this point, especially since Christian Wood has gone down with injury. Monday marked the fifth time in his last seven games that he scored over 20 points. Wall has also dished out five or more assists in six of his last seven contests.

Despite what felt like the whole team taking advantage of a less-than-stellar Wizards defense, they still couldn't make their long shots, going 8-37 in the loss. It's been a common theme during the losing streak, during which the Rockets have yet to shoot over 32% from three. The team is shooting a combined 26.6% from three during the streak.

Washington, meanwhile, feasted on the Rockets defense. Bradley Beal, the league's leading scorer, went for 37 points on above 50% shooting in the victory. Russell Westbrook, in his first game against the Rockets since being traded, notched a triple-double.

All in all, seven of the nine Wizards to touch the floor scored in double digits. The team as a whole shot 52% overall, and 40% from three--a stark contrast from Houston's offensive performance.

Houston, now sputtering on both sides of the floor, finds themselves at 11-16, with what's going to be a difficult future ahead with some tough choices to make, considering their draft status. Their immediate future doesn't look too much better, with their next three games coming against the 76ers, Mavericks, and Pacers, and Christian Wood still nowhere near an imminent return to the floor.

For now, however, they'll focus on attempting to slow down M.V.P. frontrunner Joel Embiid and the Sixers on Wednesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM CT.