Tilman Fertitta thanks Rockets in locker room for strong finish

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Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta went into the team’s locker room after Friday’s 122-115 home victory over the Los Angeles Clippers (recap) to thank Houston’s players, per head coach Stephen Silas.

The Rockets (17-54) have been ravaged by injuries throughout the 2020-21 season, with 10 of the team’s 16 players under standard contracts unavailable to finish the season. They also dealt with a forced trade by superstar guard James Harden early in the year.

Nonetheless, Houston has somehow found a way to play competitive basketball late in the season, including multiple victories over playoff opponents such as the Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks. As a result, Fertitta wanted to show his appreciation.

“He told them how proud he was of them,” Silas said after Friday’s win. “The players really liked it a lot. “It was actually a really cool moment. He was so proud of the way the group has been playing and fighting against really good teams. He hadn’t done that this season. That was great.”

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