His mask could barely contain the smile of Houston Rockets coach Stephen Rockas on Monday night, after a 117-99 victory over the Toronto Raptors, which brought a series of franchise record losses of 20 matches to a merciful end.
A day earlier, Silas was visibly troubled after the Rockets’ 114-112 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Silas’ post-game press conference opened with a question about whether the Rockets felt the weight of the losing streak. He looked down for a few seconds, holding his head in his right hand, before muttering softly, “Yes.”
Several current and former NBA coaches have contacted Silas in the past 24 hours, encouraging him and relating him to stories about their own loss. These conversations helped lift the spirits of Silas, who grew up when the last buzzer rang Monday night at the Toyota Center and the first-year coach hugged Houston goalie John Wall.
“It’s indescribable for a victory in March of this crazy season,” Silas said. “I’m so proud of the guys. When you’re like you pass and you fight so hard and you just see the disappointment on the faces of the players after the loss after the loss after the loss. Then go to the locker room after today’s game and everyone is happy and cheerful, meaning it’s super loud and great.
“Yeah, anyway, I was gone and out yesterday. Looks like a week ago. We get together, we meet and yeah, it feels so much better just because I know it feels great for players. Like, anything for me “But I’m so happy for those boys that they don’t have to hear about it and take care of it.”
The Rockets’ last win before defeating the Raptors, who now have the longest series of NBA losses in nine games, was on Feb. 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Houston won seven of eight games at the time, but center-back Christian Wood tightened his ankle in that victory, leaving him out for the next 17 games.
Houston had several other key injuries during the series of losses, including goalkeepers Victor Oladipo, Eric Gordon and Wall missing extensive stretches. The Rockets also reached a mutual decision with striker PJ Tucker to break up, after choosing not to play in the first game after the All-Star break, eventually trading him with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Houston has won at least eight NBA games in some games during the series.
The Rockets lost 12 consecutive double-digit games before Sunday – matching the 1992-93 Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons for the most consecutive losses by 10 or more points. , according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
“Losing 20 straight, we weren’t healthy, but that’s not an excuse because everyone went through protocols and health and safety injuries,” said Wall, who had a 19-point double, 11 rebounds, 10 assists. “I just got out there and competed, no matter what and what was going on.”
The Rockets never gave up leading the Raptors after moving forward at the end of the second quarter. Houston striker Danuel House Jr. hit a 51-foot shot to beat the buzzer midfield, hitting the Rockets five-point lead, a sign that the Rockets could finally catch a break.
“I thought, ‘Well, maybe it’s night. Maybe, “Silas said.” I’ve had games where I’ve only hit four triples all game. Now I hit a shot on midfield. I felt that something special could happen. For us, it is especially a victory after so many losses in a row. “
Not that it was easy for the Rockets the rest of the way. Houston gained a 13-point lead in the third quarter, but the Raptors closed the quarter with a 13-2 round to shoot within two points. The Rockets outscored the Raptors 29-13 in the fourth quarter to put up the rest of the loss.
“It’s kind of damn time, man,” said Wood, who scored all 19 points in the second half after receiving early early problems. – It’s kind of damn time.