Rockets big man Christian Wood scored a career-high 39 points on Monday, including 30 in the second-half alone, leading to a thrilling 115-97 win (box score) in Houston over the visiting Washington Wizards.
The Rockets trailed by 23 in the second quarter, but they dramatically flipped the script and led by as much as 20 in the fourth quarter. The biggest reason was Wood, who caught fire from behind the 3-point arc and made 8-of-9 (88.9%) in Monday’s second half at Toyota Center.
Wood also grabbed 10 rebounds and 2 steals in his 36 minutes, and the 26-year-old hit 14-of-18 shots (77.8%) for the game. The Wizards were led by big man Kristaps Porzingis (22 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks), who got the best of Wood in the first half. Ultimately, it did not last.
What a performance from Christian Wood! 👏 pic.twitter.com/bxXuuJ9v5W
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 22, 2022
Rookie guard Jalen Green had an efficient and balanced game (17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) on his personal bobblehead night, shooting 7-of-14 overall (50.0%) versus the Wizards and 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%). Eric Gordon was also hot from 3-point range in his first game back after missing three due to illness, as evidenced by the veteran guard’s 15 points in 25 minutes on 5-of-7 from 3-point range (71.4%).
But the big story was Wood, who left to a standing ovation in the game’s final minute at Toyota Center. Scroll on for highlights and reaction from players, coaches, and Rockets fans across social media.
