The streak ends for the Rockets (10-5) in a controversial late loss in Milwaukee

On November 19, 2024By Littum

On night two of a road back-to-back, the Rockets blew a late six-point lead in Monday’s controversial 101-100 loss (box score) in Milwaukee. Houston overcame a 14-point deficit midway through the third quarter, but the visitors were unable to close out the game in the closing minutes.

With his team trailing by one early, Damian Lillard hit the game-winning shot with 3.9 seconds left. The possession started when Giannis Antetokounmpo secured a loose ball with his heel seemingly out of bounds, but the NBA’s baseline official was not looking at the play. The whistle was not blown.

In any case, it was a heartbreaking loss for the Rockets (10-5), who had a five-game winning streak snapped. Dillon Brooks missed an open 3-pointer and a mid-range shot in the final two minutes as Houston missed chances to potentially put the game away before the foul.

Brook Lopez had by far his best game of the 2024-25 season for the victorious Bucks (5-9), finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 steals while shooting 11-of-15 overall (73.3 %) and 5-of-8 on 3-pointers (62.5%).

Standouts for the Rockets included:

Fred VanVleet: 26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists; 9-of-23 shooting (39.1%), 5-of-5 on free throws
Jalen Green: 21 points, 9 rebounds; 3-of-8 from 3-point range (37.5%)
Alperen Sengun: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals; 8-of-21 shooting (38.1%)

VanVleet, Green and Sengun all had positive point differentials, but Houston was unable to overcome the minutes when the three were off the court.

November 18 Rockets-Bucks highlights

November 18 Interviews and stats after the game

Six point swing in the final 90 seconds that changed the game. VanVleet and Sengun create an open corner 3 for Brooks, who misses, and then the Rockets lose AJ Green in transition. What could have been a 7-point game turns into a 1-point game pic.twitter.com/NcMmBEUUmd

— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) 19 November 2024

The Bucks held on top of the Rockets, 101-100. VanVleet’s inbound pass was just a bit high for Sengun to come down with it. He was on edge at the last second. The L2M report could have something to say about Giannis stepping out after he blocked Sengun shot with 19.7 left.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) 19 November 2024

What’s next

The Rockets return to Houston for a three-game homestand at the Toyota Center. Tipoff for Wednesday’s game against Indiana (6-7), which will also be the debut of a new City Edition hardwood court and matching uniforms, is at 7:00 PM Central.

Meanwhile, the Bucks travel to Chicago for Wednesday’s game against the Bulls (5-9). The game, which is nationally televised on ESPN, tips off at 6:30 PM Central.

More: Marc Stein: NBA teams monitoring potential Houston trade pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: The streak ends for the Rockets (10-5) in a controversial loss at the Bucks