No Beard, No Problem: Wall lifts Harden-less Rockets to second straight win

John Wall impressed yet again as he led the James Harden-less Houston Rockets to their second consecutive victory.

Wall stuffed the stat sheet in the Rockets’ win over the Kings. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/NBAE/Getty Images)

Wall stuffed the stat sheet in the Rockets’ win over the Kings. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/NBAE/Getty Images)

With James Harden sitting out the night as he recovers from a minor ankle injury, it was John Wall’s turn to show what he can do in Houston. The five-time All-Star point guard stuffed the stat sheet with 28 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks as he led the Rockets to a much-needed 102-94 win over the Sacramento Kings.

The Rockets, who missed the services of Wall in their first two games, started the season on a disappointing 0-2 record. But Wall logged in his first official game as a Rocket in their first game against Sacramento last Thursday as he churned up 22 points and 9 assists in the win.

So it’s no coincidence that Wall’s presence has resulted in two wins for Houston. His signature quick first step is steadily gaining traction, and his energy and defense have been contagious. Defensive plays like this from Wall will definitely energize the whole Rockets squad on that end of the floor.

Christian Wood puts up another stellar performance

It wasn’t just Wall who lit up the party in Houston. Christian Wood, another newcomer in the Rockets camp, tallied 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks in the win against the Kings. He also drained two triples, and only committed one turnover during the 33 minutes that he logged in tonight.

Eric Gordon contributed 21 markers for the Rockets as the team is now sporting a 2-2 record in the stacked Western Conference. DeMarcus Cousins only came up with 2 points, but also chipped in 6 boards and 2 blocks in 11 minutes of play off the bench.

As for Harden, it remains to be seen if he will be sitting out another game owing to his ankle injury. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that Harden actually went through his pregame shootaround, but was obviously hurting as he was a late scratch off the active line-up.

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