Rockets Drama as Christian Wood Refuses to Play in 2nd Half



Houston, we have a problem. Star center Christian Wood, after not being in the starting lineup for disciplinary reasons, shocked the Rockets after a halftime blowout in the locker room, by refusing to enter the game in the 2nd half.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, it all began when Wood missed a Covid-19 testing window before the game, and was late for warmups.

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.”

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