Rockets 113, Clippers 133

Posted: October 26, 2018 -- 11:18 p.m.

The Houston Rockets were routed by the Los Angeles Clippers 133-113 Friday night. With the loss, the Rockets are now 1-4 on the season.

Former Rockets' player, Montrezl Harrell scored a career-high 30 points in 27 minutes and 45 seconds off the bench. His previous high was 29 points for the Rockets against the Clippers on December 30, 2016.

Clippers' guard Lou Williams scored 23. The Clippers' bench outscored what's left of the Rockets' bench 85-41.

Carmelo Anthony, in his first start for the Rockets, scored a team-high 24 points.

The Rockets were without James Harden (left hamstring strain), James Ennis (right hamstring strain), and Nenê (right calf strain); but, the bigger issue in tonight's loss is the woeful team defense.

The Clippers' 133 points tied the most points the Clippers have scored in a regular season game since March 6, 2014.

"We have to make some adjustments," Rockets' Head Coach Mike D'Antoni said after the game. "We were switching; and, obviously, this team is different than last year; and, they were busting us.

(We) weren't tied together; and, we'll have two days of practice. So, we'll put some other things in and try to figure it out a little bit better. Our defense was just awful. I mean there were good spots; but, we don't have any continuity."

D'Antoni was highly critical of the Rockets' poor perimeter defense.

"We can't guard on the perimeter. It looks like."

The Rockets were outshot 54.4% (43 for 79) to 38.8% (39 for 98) from the floor tonight. Houston was 4 for 5 when shooting below 400% last season; and, 8-8 when the opposition shot 50.0% or better.

P.J. Tucker said this year's team is not last year's team which means different defensive schemes are probably needed this season.

"It's another team. It's not the same team," Tucker said. "We have to have the personnel to do that. I love all the guys on the team; but, I'm not perfect by any means. But, you know at some point we have to see what's hurting us and figure it out. Kind of like we did last year."

Houston has lost three straight. Houston dropped a season-high five in a row last season during a 2-7 stretch from December 20, 2017, to January 6, 2018.

"It's the first week and a half of the season," Carmelo Anthony said. "I don't think there's no need for panic. I don't event think that word should even be trying to creep in here at any moment.

Melo continued, "Like I said, as long as we're staying together, as long as we're mentally positive about the situation, and understand that we're all trying to figure it out together; and, then, get us a win. I think the next game is very, very important for us to get that win on our home court."

The Rockets next game is Tuesday, October 30, versus the Portland Trail Blazers. Tip is set for 7 p.m.

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