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Houston Rockets Blowout Clippers & Bulls, Jabari’s Breakout, Alperen Sengun Makes History & More
Houston Rockets Winning Streak: A Closer Look at Key Performances
The Houston Rockets are on a roll, securing five consecutive victories, including impressive wins against the Los Angeles Clippers and the Chicago Bulls. This streak has been marked by standout performances and strategic plays that have propelled the team to new heights.
Jabari Smith Jr.'s Breakout Game
Jabari Smith Jr. delivered a performance that Rockets fans have been eagerly anticipating. Against the Clippers, Smith Jr. scored 28 points, shooting 11 of 17 from the field and 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. His ability to connect from long range was crucial, especially in the first half where he hit five threes. This performance not only showcased his scoring prowess but also highlighted his importance in the Rockets offensive lineup. When Smith Jr. is on target, it opens up the floor for the rest of the team, making it difficult for defenses to focus in on guys like Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green.
Alperen Sengun’s Triple-Double Feat
Alperen Sengun has been a revelation, recording back-to-back triple-doubles, a first for a Rockets center. His ability to facilitate from the middle of the floor has been instrumental in the team’s recent success. Against the Clippers, Sengun posted 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, demonstrating his versatility and court vision. His performance against the Bulls was equally impressive, as he continued to dominate inside the paint and create opportunities for his teammates. Sengun’s playmaking ability has been a catalyst for the Rockets offensive flow, allowing them to execute quick, decisive plays.
The Rockets recent success can also be attributed to the contributions of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. VanVleet, despite a shooting slump, found his rhythm against the Clippers, finishing with 18 points and nearly achieving a triple-double. Brooks, known for his defensive tenacity, played a pivotal role in limiting James Harden’s effectiveness, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
The Rockets bench, led by the “Terror Twins” of Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, have consistently brought energy and production, helping to maintain the team’s momentum when the starters rest. Their performances have been crucial in sustaining the Rockets high level of play throughout games.
As the Rockets continue their winning streak, the team’s chemistry and cohesion are becoming increasingly evident. The players are finding their roles and executing the game plan effectively, leading to a promising start to the season. With key players like Smith Jr. and Sengun stepping up, the Rockets are poised to maintain their strong performance in the Western Conference.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Houston Rockets recent games and player performances, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Analysis of the Rockets’ defensive strategies against top opponents
- The impact of Fred VanVleet’s leadership on the team’s dynamics
- A look at the Rockets’ upcoming schedule and key matchups
- Insights into the development of young players like Amen Thompson and Tari Eason
After historic back-to-back nights over the weekend I hope the Kings’ De’Aaron Fox is on your radar. Fox delivered a 60 point game against the Timberwolves on Friday (the Kings, after all that, could not wrestle away the win) and then 49 points against the Jazz in a winning game on Saturday. While these scoring numbers are certainly a touch more astronomical than Fox’s norm, he’s still an athlete who’s averaged 25 points per game in the last three seasons.
Beyond pure shooting, Fox is a pleasure to watch. I mean that in an artful sense, like taking your time in a gallery or museum and letting your eyes rove over every flourish and detail. Fox has a knack for hang time, able to lightly adjust his body mid-air to tweak the angle of his jumper just so. It’s a bane to defenders because it’s nearly impossible to pre-calculate where Fox will wind up releasing the ball, but it’s startling, and fun, to see.
His passing follows the same rules. Namely: his own. One hand flings and scoops to teammates running down the lane, or flashing out to the wing, dependent on the sort of timing it takes trust and seasons of practice to nail. It speaks to the cohesiveness of the Kings, a team many are still quick to dismiss from contention but who will prove a difficult team to match up against once their roster returns to full strength.
Cade Cunningham
Admittedly, I hadn’t been paying that close of attention to Cade Cunningham, even with my well documented dedication to the Detroit Pistons. I changed that last Friday when the team was in Toronto to face the Raptors, and I spent a good chunk of pregame warmups watching Cunningham run through his drills.
There’s a new level of patience to Cade, who’s been — by circumstance — forced into holding pattern since he entered the NBA. This new level filters through his game. There’s still the juddery, at times mesmerizing, stop-start motion of his handle and with it the ability to force the pace he wants in a game, but now Cade’s letting the game come to him. Where there simply isn’t time to draw out a possession, or altering one might upend his team’s momentum (momentum has been something Detroit is relying on this season, to their benefit), Cade instead adopts the rhythm of the floor in motion. Now into his forth season, his maturation is evident, and it’s winning games.
Jabari Smith
It’s felt a touch disingenuous, how down on Jabari Smith those in the wider sphere of the Houston Rockets have been this season. Yes, he’s had some slow shooting nights, and made some frustrating decisions, but he’s also come back in the games that follow those less than stellar performances and done all the right things — leading to wins.
Smith’s a third year player in the league on a franchise that only really started to get the foundation of their rebuild right last season. He’s learning to adjust to quicker pace, tighter and more effortful defence (the Rockets are the league’s best rebounders), and what it means to actually compete versus playing at the whims of a single game, on a game-to-game basis. There’s continuity showing here, and it’s great.
Smith tends to have his best rebounding games when he’s also scoring, which just tells me that energy generated on one end of the floor is essential for him at the other. It’s also true of younger players — and teams, like the Rockets — learning what it is to stay consistent through a game’s many tide-turns.
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
Preview The Houston Rockets aim to continue their strong start against the Milwaukee Bucks, who are struggling with a 4-9 record. Key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are game-time decisions. (The Dream Shake)
Recap The Rockets dominated the Bulls 143-107, with Fred VanVleet leading the charge. Alperen Sengun recorded a triple-double, and Ime Udoka was all smiles as Houston secured a decisive victory. (The Dream Shake)
Biz Deep breaths. The NBA has settled its broadcast lawsuits, and “Inside the NBA” is here to stay. (Sportico)
Preview Major changes could soon be coming to the All-Star Game. (ESPN)
Analysis The “unicorn” era of Anthony Davis may be over, but could the “Lakers AD” era just be starting? (The Ringer)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Sunday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Roundup
Nov 17, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after being called for a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images|Nick Wosika/Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
As we dive into the latest NBA action, it’s clear that Sunday was packed with intriguing performances and unexpected developments. With 10 games on the schedule, there was no shortage of excitement and fantasy implications to unpack.
Injury Updates and Opportunities
The Sacramento Kings are dealing with some significant injury news. Domantas Sabonis, usually a reliable presence, is doubtful with a back issue, potentially missing his second consecutive game. This opens up opportunities for players like Kevin Huerter and Trey Lyles to step up. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan is officially out for his third consecutive game.
Key Performances and Fantasy Implications
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory over the Phoenix Suns highlighted some strategic missteps by the Suns. Starting Mason Plumlee and Jusuf Nurkic together against Minnesota’s big lineup didn’t pay off, with Nurkic playing only 14 minutes. His inconsistent performances make him a risky fantasy option, as his playing time and production fluctuate wildly.
On the Timberwolves’ side, Mike Conley’s increased minutes are worth noting. While his scoring was minimal, his contributions in other areas helped secure the win. Naz Reid, despite his scoring potential, continues to struggle defensively, which could limit his fantasy upside.
Click the button below to see why one of KD’s newest running mates could be worth a look, and how Charlotte’s injury concerns will affect your lineup.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Rockets podcasts.
Houston Rockets Trade Scenarios: Can Duncan Robinson Or Cameron Johnson Boost Shooting? Can the Houston Rockets overcome their shooting woes and make strategic trades to boost their performance? With the team languishing in the bottom three for three-point shooting percentage, the need for improved floor spacing is critical.
Amen Thompson & Tari Eason: Houston Rockets Game Changers In Win Vs James Harden & LA Clippers How the Houston Rockets bench continues to be the key to their success with Amen Thompson and Tari Eason AKA the Terror Twins™ stepping up as the “separation factor,” with their defensive impact and energy reshaping the game.
Houston Rockets Offensive Issues... Jabari Smith Jr. WORST Shooter In NBA? + Potential Trades & More The Rockets are grappling with offensive inefficiency, ranking 28th in the NBA for three-point shooting at just 31.3%. With key players like Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, and Jabari Smith Jr. underperforming, the team faces significant challenges... How can they improve?
