Rockets storm back from 25-point deficit to snag OT victory vs. 76ers
The Houston Rockets defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 144-137, in a thrilling overtime contest Monday that was arguably one of the more confusing, exciting games of the season.
For most of the evening, it was the shorthanded, banged-up 76ers that had the Rockets up against their heels, leading by as much as 25 points largely due to a scorching hot night from the perimeter (24-of-49) and a career night from Quentin Grimes, who led the way with 46 points. Houston was simply without an answer for the electric, shifty guard who punished each and every defender that was put in his crosshairs.
QUENTIN GRIMES NEW CAREER-HIGH 46 PTS 🎯
76ers/Rockets going back and forth in overtime!! pic.twitter.com/Hbq6b86vgd
— NBA (@NBA) March 18, 2025
But the Rockets, winners of six straight entering this matchup and still caught in the thick of a Western Conference seeding race, stormed back in the second half, eventually tying the contest with 3.9 seconds remaining in regulation after Alperen Şengün tipped in a Jabari Smith Jr. missed free throw. Smith and Jalen Green led the way for Houston with 30 points apiece, but got timely contributions from Tari Eason (21 points) and Dillon Brooks (25 points).
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It's somewhat ironic that it took one of the worst teams in the NBA to extract an emotional showing from the prideful Rockets, who had two players foul out in Brooks and Eason, one ejected in Fred VanVleet and even had a multitude of fans leaving the arena early after already succumbing to defeat.
Ime Udoka's decision to re-insert Steven Adams and Şengün during Smith's late-game free throws wasn't out of the norm — it's a common ploy for NBA teams to attempt to secure an offensive rebound off an intentional miss, especially when trailing in the final seconds.
But the simplicity of the sequence of events — Smith's shot perfectly careening off the side of the rim and Şengün's subsequent positioning for the putback — was indicative of Houston's rebounding prowess. The Rockets pulled down 23 offensive rebounds against the 76ers, converting that into 27 second-chance points.
ALPI SENDS US TO OVERTIME 🚨 pic.twitter.com/KfXHhYtkUM
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 18, 2025
Houston's ability to generate extra possessions has been an underlying theme of its success all season. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Rockets rank first in offensive rebound percentage in the halfcourt (36.2 percent), the highest such mark since the site began tracking data in 2003. The team also leads the way in putback points per miss (26.8). In a game that is predicated on possessions — and with the playoffs a few weeks away where each trip down the floor has added significance — Houston's ability to create extra chances is critical to its immediate future.
'Most of our baskets to start the game were putbacks or (from) getting on the glass,' Udoka said. 'It's what we've done all year. Being the best at it in the league, understanding who we are and it's an area where you can really take advantage of teams.'
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In another dimension, fourth-year guard Grimes could have easily been another casualty of a lost season in Philadelphia, especially off the heels of star acquisition Paul George being shut down for the remainder of the year. Instead, Grimes has grasped the opportunity to play extended minutes with both hands. Since March 1, Grimes is averaging an impressive 26.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, shooting 37.7 percent from 3 on nearly eight attempts per night. Against the Rockets on Monday, Grimes produced a career-high 46 points on efficient 15-for-27 shooting to go along with a game-high 13 rebounds.
'He was playing really good and then he got super hot, right? Every time he vaults up, you think it's going in, right?' 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. 'I know that's probably an incredible feeling for him, but it's a good feeling for everybody.'
Grimes, who did not receive a rookie extension like Şengün, Green and other members of his 2021 draft class, presents an interesting case study as he approaches restricted free agency this offseason. The 24-year-old is undoubtedly an instant source of offense, as he's showcased in his previous stints in New York and Dallas. Defensively, there's still a lot to be desired and Grimes is not quite a consistent playmaker. But because of his age and potential he's yet to reach, it's wise to assume the list of potential suitors in the summer will be lengthy.
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