In loss to Warriors, Ime Udoka sends message to Rockets by benching three starters

After falling behind by 24 points, Rockets starters Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Dillon Brooks were pulled from Thursday’s loss to Golden State and didn’t return — even when the game got close.

HOUSTON — Though it didn’t result in a win, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka sent a clear message by benching most of his usual starters in Thursday’s 105-98 home loss (box score) to Golden State at Toyota Center.

“Could be mentally and physically fried, certain people, certain players,” said Udoka, who didn’t single out any player individually.

The Rockets (34-21) remain at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, while the Warriors (28-27) are at No. 10 and currently holding the final spot for the West play-in tournament. Stephen Curry led Golden State with 27 points while making a game-high five 3-pointers.

On the second night of a back-to-back (after defeating Phoenix a night earlier), Houston’s starting lineup looked weary and struggled on both ends of the court. Midway through the third quarter, after falling behind by 24 points, the Rockets fought their way back into the game with sparingly used players such as Aaron Holiday, Nate Williams, Jae’Sean Tate, Jeff Green, and Jock Landale.

With that in mind, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Dillon Brooks never re-entered. The lone usual starter who reappeared was Amen Thompson, primarily due to his effort as a defender and rebounder. Though he is normally a reserve, Holiday technically started Thursday, since the Rockets were missing Fred VanVleet (right ankle strain), Jabari Smith Jr. (left hand fracture), and Tari Eason (planned back-to-back maintenance).

Offensively, Holiday led the Rockets with 25 points while making 10-of-20 shots (50.0%). Landale added 13 points (66.7% FG) and 8 rebounds in 16 minutes off the bench, while Williams had 11 points (55.6% FG) and 3 assists in 18 minutes. In terms of scoring, Landale and Williams each posted season-highs.

Led by Holiday, Williams, and Landale, the Rockets cut that 24-point deficit midway through the third quarter to two points midway through the fourth. But they seemed to run out of steam offensively, and Golden State eventually regained separation with a pair of dagger 3-pointers by Curry. In postgame comments, Udoka said he didn’t consider going back to the starters, even though it looked like the bench group was weary and short on offense.

Thursday’s game was the final one for both teams before the NBA’s upcoming All-Star break. With injuries and tired legs taking a clear toll, Houston limps in with seven losses in its last nine games. Fortunately, the Rockets will now have more than a week to rest before resuming play next weekend, when both Smith and VanVleet could return from their multi-week injury absences.