Houston Rockets’ Season Opener: A Tough Start Against the Charlotte Hornets
Well, that was a rough start to the season, wasn’t it?
The Houston Rockets’ regular season opener against the Charlotte Hornets was a game that left fans understandably disappointed. Despite a promising start, the Rockets fell short, losing 110-105. Let’s break down what went wrong and where the team can improve.
Defensive Struggles and Rebounding Woes
The Rockets’ inability to secure defensive rebounds was a glaring issue throughout the game. Allowing the Hornets to grab 15 offensive rebounds, which translated into 26 second-chance points, was a significant factor in the loss. At a critical juncture, with the game tied at 98, the Rockets failed to secure a rebound after a missed three-pointer by LaMelo Ball, leading to an easy putback. This was followed by another offensive rebound that resulted in a wide-open three-pointer for the Hornets, putting them ahead.
Fred VanVleet, who had just tied the game with two free throws, was part of a defensive effort that couldn’t capitalize on good initial stops. The Rockets’ guards and wings, including Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, were not active enough on the boards, contributing to a -13 rebounding differential. Alperen Şengün was a bright spot, pulling down 18 rebounds, but he needed more support from his teammates.
Offensive Inefficiencies
Offensively, the Rockets struggled to find their rhythm. Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet combined for a disappointing 7-for-26 from beyond the arc. Green, despite scoring 28 points, fell in love with the three-point shot, attempting 15 threes and making only five. His performance was inconsistent, with strong showings in the first and fourth quarters but disappearing acts in the second and third.
VanVleet’s shooting woes were evident as he went 4-for-18 from the field. The Rockets’ offense often settled for perimeter shots instead of attacking the basket or utilizing mid-range opportunities. This lack of offensive diversity made it easier for the Hornets to defend and capitalize on missed shots.
Coach Ime Udoka has some work to do. The Rockets need to diversify their offensive approach and make sure guys like Green and VanVleet aren’t just chucking up threes. Better lineup management and strategic adjustments could help out quite a bit, including more involvement from Amen Thompson, who was a bright spot off the bench.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Houston Rockets’ season opener, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Analysis of Alperen Şengün’s performance and defensive contributions
- Jalen Green’s defensive highlights and areas for improvement
- The impact of the Rockets’ bench unit and potential lineup changes
