Jackson Gatlin here, the host of the daily Locked On Rockets podcast, with your daily Locked On Rockets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Rockets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Alperen Sengun & Tari Eason Drag Houston Rockets Past Detroit Pistons In Ugly Win
Houston Rockets Gritty Victory Over Detroit Pistons: A Tale of Rebounds and Resilience
In a nail-biting showdown, the Houston Rockets managed to edge out the Detroit Pistons with a 101-99 victory, thanks to the relentless efforts of Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason. Despite a lackluster offensive performance, the Rockets found a way to secure the win, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Offensive Struggles and Defensive Triumphs
The game was far from pretty, with the Rockets shooting under 41% from the floor and a dismal 20.6% from beyond the arc. But it was their defensive tenacity and rebounding prowess that ultimately carried them through. Sengun emerged as the standout performer, delivering 27 points on 11 of 17 shooting, along with 10 rebounds. His ability to dominate the offensive glass provided the Rockets with crucial second-chance opportunities, especially in the final quarter.
Eason, who initially struggled, came alive in the second half, contributing 18 points and nine rebounds off the bench. His hustle and determination were instrumental in the Rockets victory, as he filled the stat sheet with key plays on both ends of the court.
Key Moments and Tactical Adjustments
The Rockets ability to maintain their composure during critical moments was vital. Despite allowing the Pistons to mount a comeback, Houston’s rebounding efforts, particularly from Sengun and Eason, kept them in the game. A pivotal sequence late in the fourth quarter saw Sengun and Eason securing offensive rebounds, leading to crucial points that helped the Rockets regain, and maintain, the lead.
However, the game also highlighted some areas of concern. The Rockets offensive scheme appeared stagnant at times, with a lack of creativity and poor shot selection. Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green struggled to find their rhythm, combining for a subpar shooting performance. The team’s inability to effectively counter aggressive pick-and-roll defenses has been a recurring issue, and it’s something that needs addressing moving forward.
Coaching Decisions and Player Dynamics
Coach Ime Udoka’s decision-making came under scrutiny, particularly regarding Sengun’s limited minutes. Despite being the most effective player on the court, Sengun played only 30 minutes, raising questions about the rotation strategy. The Rockets need to establish a clear offensive hierarchy, allowing players like Sengun to take charge when they’re in form.
The dynamic between Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. is another aspect to watch. Eason’s impressive performances off the bench have sparked discussions about a potential starting role. While Smith Jr. continues to find his footing, Eason’s energy and impact could be better utilized in the starting lineup.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Houston Rockets’ strategies and player performances, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Concerns about the Rockets’ offensive execution and potential solutions
- Analysis of Ime Udoka’s coaching decisions and their impact
- The dynamic between Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. and its implications
- Jalen Green’s electrifying dunk on Cade Cunningham and its significance
- Upcoming matchups and what to expect from the Rockets’ homestand
37 points, 18 rebounds, 15 assists. The first NBA player to reach these numbers in a game, and Nikola Jokic did it on a Sunday night in Denver, snowy pockets of flurries settling over the city. I wish I’d been collecting these stat lines all along, or had thought to make a note on the calendar when they happened. I’d like to see if there’s a pattern, though I’ve got a hunch that the dates would come to mean less than what the volume of them proves: in Jokic’s hands, the unprecedented becomes routine.
It starts with his skill, we know this. But let’s zero in on how he carries himself around the floor, how he moves. Jokic lopes, jogs, shuffles, occasionally bops, tends to move laterally more than he does in a direct line. It all serves to create an illusion that he’s slow and behind the pace. It’s why so many have a difficult time categorizing what it is he’s doing — he doesn’t work the way a basketball player does, tends to be the refrain. It’s because he looks, most of the time, relaxed
He can also appear pressed, like there’s someplace else he’d rather be. This is not the kind of approach we like to see from our stars. If they don’t look dialled in, if it doesn’t look strenuous at least some of the time, we tend to distrust their effort and skill. But Jokic’s arduousness is some of my favourite in the league, because it presents at our expense. And indeed, it must be exhausting to prove nearly every night that you can manipulate the game at every level.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Recap The Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Pistons with a 101-99 victory. It was a close game, but the Rockets managed to edge out the win in the final moments. (The Dream Shake)
Preview The Wizards battle the Rockets at Toyota Center at 8:00 PM EST. Read the preview. (NBA)
Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Basketball Managers
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) holds his leg after a hard following a play against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Paycom Center.|Photo by Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Managers
Sunday’s NBA action took a concerning turn for the Oklahoma City Thunder as Chet Holmgren, their promising young centre, suffered a hip injury just five minutes into the game against the Golden State Warriors. This incident has left both the team and fantasy managers in a state of uncertainty, as Holmgren’s presence on the court has been pivotal.
The Impact of Holmgren’s Injury
Holmgren’s injury occurred during an attempt to contest a dunk, resulting in a hard fall that left him limping off the court. The Thunder have since reported it as a hip injury, but the full extent and severity remain unclear. Given Holmgren’s importance to the Thunder’s lineup, any absence could significantly impact their performance, especially considering their current lack of depth at the centre position.
Potential Replacements and Adjustments
In the wake of Holmgren’s injury, the Thunder may need to rely on a smaller lineup, as they did against the Warriors. This could mean increased minutes for players like Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace, who might see more court time and opportunities to contribute. In deeper leagues, Ousmane Dieng could also be considered for a temporary boost, though none are likely to replicate Holmgren’s production. Fantasy managers might consider these short-term pickups, but it’s crucial to temper expectations, as the Thunder’s rotation could remain fluid.
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Houston Rockets Top-5 Net Rating Sustainable? + Cam Whitmore To G League & Jabari Smith Jr. Struggles Discussing the Houston Rockets strong start with a top-5 net rating in the NBA, but what’s behind this strong start? Why Cam Whitmore was sent to the G League and addressing Jabari Smith Jr.'s struggles.
Alperen Sengun & Fred VanVleet Two-Man Game Excels In Houston Rockets Blowout Win Over Wemby & Spurs The Houston Rockets showcased their prowess with a commanding 127-100 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, highlighting the Rockets elite defense, while Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun’s effective two-man game got back on track.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors: Will The Houston Rockets Make A Move? Pros, Cons & More The NBA is buzzing with rumors that Giannis Antetokounmpo might be on the move, and the Houston Rockets are emerging as a potential landing spot. What would it take for the Rockets to secure the Greek Freak?
