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.
Jalen Green Looks UNSTOPPABLE & Bench Comes Up BIG As Houston Rockets Blowout Denver Nuggets
Rockets Dominate Nuggets: Jalen Green Shines in Another Stellar Performance
The Houston Rockets showcased their dominance with a commanding 128-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets, capitalizing on the absence of Nikola Jokić. Jalen Green was the standout performer, delivering an impressive 34 points in just three quarters. This marks the eighth time this season that Green has scored 30 or more points, and the Rockets remain undefeated in those games. His efficiency was remarkable, shooting 10-of-16 from the field and 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, while also going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line.
Green’s development is evident in his improving offensive consistency. His knack for getting to the free-throw line has been a game-changer, unlocking new dimensions in his play. This performance not only highlights Green’s growth, but also underscores the Rockets ongoing strategic shift in their offensive hierarchy.
Fred VanVleet’s Role and Bench Contributions
Fred VanVleet’s adaptation to a more supportive role has been pivotal in the Rockets recent success. VanVleet contributed 16 points, shooting 6-of-13 from the field and 4-of-9 from three-point range. His willingness to play off-ball and push the pace in transition has opened up opportunities for Green and Amen Thompson, allowing the team to play at a faster pace and create more transition opportunities.
The Rockets bench also played a crucial role in the victory, providing significant contributions across the board. Cam Whitmore was particularly impressive, scoring 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting and grabbing nine rebounds. His ability to impact the game beyond scoring is a promising sign for his development and the team’s depth.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Rockets dominant performance against the Nuggets, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Alperen Şengün’s slow start and third-quarter resurgence
- Amen Thompson’s impact on both ends of the floor
- The Rockets improved three-point shooting and overall team chemistry
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
I only get to write this column once per week, so while we’re still technically a game or two short of the halfway marker for most teams, I’m here with some second-quarter awards anyway!
These are honors for the second quarter and second quarter only; they aren’t predictive. Word count limitations mean I have no margin for a longer introduction. You get it.
Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When it comes to analyzing defense, it isn’t fair to lump wings and guards with bigs; it’s like comparing a sports car to a heavy-duty pickup truck when you can only buy one vehicle. Instead, I split Defensive Player of the Quarter into interior and perimeter editions.
My Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter won’t shock: it’s Victor Wembanyama. I could throw a bunch of advanced analytics at you to prove the case, but instead, I’d ask that you join me in prayer: Holy mother of basketballs, protect your children from the harm Wembanyama inflicts upon them.
Ok, fine, here’s one fun, if basic, number. In the season’s second quarter, Wemby had an outrageous 69 blocks. That’s 30 more than second-place Myles Turner, despite the fact that Turner played in three more games. Let’s not waste time here.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Trade As the trade deadline approaches, the Rockets are evaluating both dream and realistic targets to bolster their roster. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis Revisiting the 2021 NBA draft, this analysis discusses how players like Jalen Green might have fared differently. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Rockets head west to take on the Kings in Sacramento tonight at 10:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Nick Richards Traded to Phoenix Suns: Fantasy Basketball Impact and Analysis
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. While not a blockbuster deal, this move has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
In exchange for Richards, the Hornets received Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, while the Suns also got a second-round pick in return. At first glance, it might seem like the Suns got a steal, but let’s take a closer look at what this means for Richards’ fantasy value.
Richards has been averaging 21 minutes per game this season, putting up 9 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1.2 blocks. These numbers have him ranked 205th in category leagues, which is far from impressive. However, the change of scenery could potentially boost his value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Rockets podcasts.
Amen Thompson GAME-WINNER & Dillon Brooks TEN THREES Gives Houston Rockets The Win Vs Boston Celtics Can the Rockets make a deep playoff run after their stunning victory over the Boston Celtics? With Amen Thompson’s career-high performance and game-winning shot, the Rockets are turning heads in the NBA.
Amen Thompson MONSTER Triple-Double & Alperen Sengun DOMINATES Inside As Rockets Beat Cavs AGAIN Is the Rockets second win this week against the Cavs enough to gain the respect they deserve? With standout performances from Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, the Rockets are making waves in the league.
Alperen Sengun Hits CLUTCH Shots & Darius Garland CHOKES As Houston Rockets Win Ugly Vs Cavaliers How the Rockets survived an utter choke-fest in a thrilling victory over the Cavs with key missed free throws from Darius Garland, Fred VanVleet’s clutch performance, and Alperen Sengun’s decisive free throws, showcasing resilience and skill in a nail-biting finish.
