P.J. Tucker saves Rockets' win over Lakers in double OT
Eleven days ago, the Houston Rockets had a 14-game win streak snapped by the Los Angeles Lakers, so some revenge was in order New Year's Eve.
L.A. took Houston to double overtime Sunday, and Chris Paul came alive late with James Harden hurt. It was P.J. Tucker, though, who cleaned up the game-winning bucket after Paul's uncalled push on Kyle Kuzma.
PJ Tucker's first points of the night come at a crucial time for the @HoustonRockets! #CrunchTime pic.twitter.com/5WEACz8N1j
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 1, 2018
Then, on the other end, the defensive stalwart got a hand in to disrupt Kuzma's shot attempt. The Rockets ultimately won 148-142.
More P.J. Tucker redemption. Rockets are gonna beat the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/rXwk5nMbtw
— 𝙍𝙚𝙮-𝙍𝙚𝙮 (@TheNoLookPass) January 1, 2018
Tucker did seem to have a little disagreement over inbounding with the notoriously headstrong Paul.
Yoooo dyingg. PJ Tucker forces game-saving turnover, CP3 comes running over telling him to inbound, PJ tells Chris Paul GTFOH go away 😩😭 pic.twitter.com/7zSR6speHv
— Rob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) January 1, 2018
Tucker's putback of the Paul miss counted for his only bucket of the night, but he continues to be the all-important "glue guy" for Houston. While his player efficiency rating is only 8.6, Tucker's one of the Rockets' best one-on-one defenders and rebounders. And despite his limited offensive role, he remains a key contributor to Houston's most efficient lineups.