Rockets Drama as Christian Wood Refuses to Play in 2nd Half
Sources: Wood was benched to start the loss to Denver after missing a mandatory COVID-19 testing window. Lucas called out entire team at halftime, and focused on Wood's effort level. Porter had a heated exchange with the longtime assistant, and drove out of arena at halftime. https://t.co/24oAwV2GqC
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 2, 2022
Wood was benched to start the game, after starting all 34 games this season, and played just 8 minutes in the first half, going 0-for-4 from the field. After assistant coach John Lucas lashed out at Wood's effort at halftime, the center protested by refusing to sub into the game in the 2nd half. According to sources, he told coaches he had "no desire" to play after halftime.
Head Coach Stephen Silas had a slightly different story, saying after the game, "he broke a team rule, I didn’t start him, and decided not to play him in the second half.”
Stephen Silas on why Christian Wood was not in the starting lineup: “He broke a team rule and I didn’t start him and then we decided not to play him in the second half.” pic.twitter.com/7TFQHFa8qK
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 2, 2022
The halftime drama was even more pronounced for point guard Kevin Porter Jr., who, according to sources, threw objects at Lucas after he called him out, before storming out of the arena.
The Rockets say they have since spoken to Porter Jr. about the incident, and he was "apologetic for the overreaction."
This all took place as the Rockets lost their 7th straight, and 11th of their last 13 games, following a 7-game winning streak.
Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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