Rockets May Have a New Favorite Duo in Tristen Newton, Bruce Thornton

News ArticlePublishedJul 17, 2026 at 07:34 PM EDTupdatedJul 17, 2026 at 07:35 PM EDTThe Houston Rockets might have stumbled onto something in their new pairing of Tristen Newton and Bruce Thornton. The names are still a little unfamiliar, but on the court, the two guards are already making a pretty convincing argument.Houston rolled to a 100-83 win over Brooklyn at Cox Pavilion, with Thornton and Newton leading the way. Together, they combined for 43 points on 14 of 26 shooting, while adding 10 rebounds, three assists and four steals.Thornton was the headline scorer, putting up 23 points in the victory. The second-round pick, who was selected first in the second round last month, showed the kind of confidence that can stand out early in a player's career. Newton wasn't far behind, finishin