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Fred VanVleet Drops 38 & Dillon Brooks Hits DAGGER In Houston Rockets STATEMENT Win Vs OKC Thunder
Houston Rockets Statement Win: A New Era Beginning
The Houston Rockets have made a bold statement with their thrilling 119-116 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. This win not only showcased the team’s growth but also solidified their position as a formidable force in the Western Conference. With Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet leading the charge, the Rockets are proving they belong in the conversation among the league’s top teams.
Fred VanVleet’s Stellar Performance
Fred VanVleet was the star of the night, delivering an impressive 38-point performance. His ability to hit crucial shots, including multiple game-changing three-pointers, was instrumental in securing the win. VanVleet’s leadership and scoring prowess have been pivotal for the Rockets this season, and his performance against the Thunder was a testament to his impact on the team.
Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun Shine
Dillon Brooks played a crucial role in the victory, leading the most important sequence of the entire game by tying up Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, winning the jump ball, and then salvaging the Rockets offensive possession by hitting the DAGGER with 0.1 seconds left on the shot clock to go up 115-113. Brooks’ ability to disrupt the Thunder’s offense and set the tone defensively against SGA was vital.
Alperen Sengun also made significant contributions, flirting with a triple-double and showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. His growth as a player is evident, and if he was converting at the rim closer to the way he was last season he would easily be top-5 in the MVP conversation right now.
The Rockets win over the Thunder was not just about individual performances; it was a team effort. The intensity and focus displayed by the players and coaches were palpable from the start. This game served as a barometer for the Rockets progress, and they passed with flying colors. The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination to overcome challenges and prove their worth in the league.
The Rockets defense was particularly impressive, with players like Brooks, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason stepping up to contain the Thunder’s star players. The team’s ability to execute their game plan and maintain composure in high-pressure situations was commendable and this win was a significant milestone for the Rockets, marking their first victory after trailing going into the fourth quarter this season.
The energy in the Toyota Center was electric, with fans rallying behind the team and creating an atmosphere that fueled the Rockets performance with everyone in attendance on their feet after Fred VanVleet drained a late shot-clock three-pointer all the way from Galveston.
As the Rockets continue their journey this season, they have shown that they are a team to be reckoned with. Their victory over the Thunder was a statement win, signaling their arrival as a competitive force in the Western Conference. With players like Sengun, VanVleet and Brooks leading the charge, the Rockets are poised for their most successful season since the James Harden era.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Houston Rockets journey, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Alperen Sengun’s defensive growth and impact
- The Rockets rivalry with the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Key moments and plays from the game
- Fan reactions and atmosphere at the Toyota Center
December 1, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada/Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
You’d be forgiven if, a quarter of the way through the season (yes), you haven’t given the following teams that much attention. Maybe your main rooting interest has been struggling, and it’s taken all your psychic energy to will them through the slump. Better yet, maybe your team is thriving and you’ve been enjoying the ride. Maybe you’re still looking for a team to get behind, in which case, the following three franchises would make great options.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks being on this list has not alleviated my general wariness of the Hawks as a whole, but they’ve been playing through some of the things that make me doubt them. First, the Hawks love to play up. That is, they tend to excel against technically better and markedly more skilled teams; teams farther along the competitive timeline that I always get they feeling Atlanta would rather emulate than put the work in to be at the same level with.
This season, the Hawks are still playing up — they’ve beat the best in conference Cavaliers twice — but they’re recognizing what should be easy wins, like against the Charlotte Hornets. With Trae Young injured and in and out of the lineup, Atlanta’s bench has provided some of the most needed and entertaining offensive bursts in the league, with De’Andre Hunter back with a vengeance after being out for 10 games with a knee injury. Hunter’s regularly putting up 20-plus points per night, and hounding the glass.
Atlanta has a string of high-low games this week, facing the Pelicans, Bucks, Lakers and Nuggets, which should be an ample test to whether they can play and stay consistent.
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
Analysis The Rockets are feasting in the West, climbing the NBA power rankings with a string of impressive wins. Their performance showcases their growth and potential this season. (CBS Sports)
NBA Cup: Rockets @ Kings Tuesday, Dec. 03 | 7:00 PM | Golden 1 Center (Sacremento, CA) | Get Tickets
Rockets @ Warriors
Thursday, Dec. 05 | 7:00 PM | Chase Center (San Francisco, CA) | Get Tickets
Rockets @ Clippers
Sunday, Dec. 08 | 6:00 PM | Intuit Dome (Inglewood, CA) | Get Tickets
3peat (ICYMI)
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Jalen Green Scores 41 & Alperen Sengun THE CLOSER In Houston Rockets Overtime Win Vs 76ers Dive into the Rockets gritty overtime win against the 76ers as Jalen Green shines with a season-high 41 points and Coach Ime Udoka shows his trust in Alperen Sengun during crunch time, emerging as the closer, scoring 11 of his 22 points in overtime and delivering key defensive plays.
Alperen Sengun Two-Way Force & Amen Thompson CLUTCH Plays In Houston Rockets OT Win Vs Wolves Breaking down the Rockets thrilling overtime win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, clinching NBA Cup West Group A and advancing to the Knockout Round, including Alperen Sengun’s evolution into a two-way force and Amen Thompson’s clutch moments.
Can Alperen Sengun & Houston Rockets Clinch NBA Cup Group Vs Anthony Edwards & Wolves? Explore the Rockets defensive prowess, led by a rejuvenated Tari Eason and the evolving skills of Alperen Sengun. Discover how Anthony Edwards remarkable three-point shooting could shift the Timberwolves strategy and more.
