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 Hits CLUTCH Shots & Darius Garland CHOKES As Houston Rockets Win Ugly Vs Cavaliers
Rockets Escape with Thrilling 109-108 Win Over Cavs In A Game of Chokes and Clutch Plays
The Houston Rockets pulled off a stunning 109-108 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a game that can only be described as an emotional roller coaster as both teams had their moments of choking, but the Cavs ultimately faltered more, allowing the Rockets to snatch the win.
The game’s final moments were nothing short of chaotic. With the Rockets up by two and mere seconds left on the clock, Tari Eason committed a flagrant foul on Darius Garland’s three-point attempt. This seemed to seal the Rockets fate, as Garland, a 90% free-throw shooter, stepped to the line for three shots and the Cavs would retain possession.
However, in a twist that defied all odds, Garland missed two of the three free throws. The basketball gods seemed to smile upon the Rockets, as they managed to hold on for the win. Craig Ackerman, the voice of the Houston Rockets, deserves special recognition for his stellar “free throw defense,” as Garland finished the night just 3-of-8 from the charity stripe.
Steady Freddy & Alperen Sengun Stepping Up
Fred VanVleet played a crucial role in the Rockets’ comeback. With the team scoreless for nearly seven minutes in the fourth quarter, VanVleet broke the drought with back-to-back three-pointers, tying the game at 104. His clutch performance, finishing with 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting (7-of-12 from downtown), was instrumental in securing the victory.
Alperen Sengun also stepped up when it mattered most. Despite struggling at times against Jarrett Allen, Sengun made crucial plays down the stretch, including a pivotal box-out and two clutch free throws. His final stat line of 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists doesn’t fully capture his impact on the game.
The Rockets bench also played a significant role in this win as Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, and Steven Adams provided much-needed energy and production when the starters struggled. Their contributions were vital, especially considering the off nights from Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.
For more insights and a deeper dive into this thrilling Rockets victory, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
• Jalen Green’s struggles and concerns about his recent performances
• Dillon Brooks’ defensive issues and potential lineup changes
Nov 27, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Listen, it might not happen. LaMelo Ball currently leads the Eastern backcourt by a billion fan votes, giving him a substantial leg up in the race to be an All-Star starter. But that’s only half the accounting. He’ll have to do better than last year’s seventh-place voting among both media and players to snag himself a spot as a starter, or else his selection falls to the mercy of coaches who have historically valued winning.
But Ball undoubtedly is better than he was last year, or the year before, or even the year before that, when he did make the All-Star game as a reserve in just his second season. Health is a major reason; Ball played just 58 games in those two non-All-Star seasons, and he’s played half that many this year alone.
Is better enough? The progression isn’t linear; Ball has skipped into a whole new chart entirely, leaving behind the constraints of a two-dimensional line graph for a multi-dimensional view. That can confuse people, and confusion breeds distrust. He inspires a special dislike in people who consider themselves real basketball fans. They take the game Seriously and expect Ball to do the same.
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
Analysis Unpacking the Rockets’ All-Star potential, the debate centers on Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. The article delves into their stats and impact, questioning their All-Star viability. (The Dream Shake)
Replay The Rockets’ dramatic win over the Cavaliers showcased resilience. Despite a near-collapse, they secured a 109-108 victory, highlighting key plays from Sengun and Green. (The Dream Shake)
Analysis Examining the Rockets’ ability to win ugly, the article highlights their gritty performance against the Cavaliers. Emphasizing defensive plays and critical scoring moments, it underscores their adaptability. (Sports Illustrated)
Rumor Speculation surrounds the Rockets’ potential trade for John Collins from the Utah Jazz. The mock trade proposal aims to boost Houston’s scoring power. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis The Rockets received a midseason report card highlighting their performance. The evaluation covers strengths and areas for improvement, providing a comprehensive team assessment. (Bleacher Report)
Honor Two Rockets players, Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, are in contention as All-Star starters. Their candidacies reflect their impactful performances this season. (Bleacher Report)
Must Read Mike Shearer of Basketball Poetry takes a look at who actually deserves to be in the 24-man All-Star game based on their season to this point.
NBA Fantasy Basketball Thursday Preview: Injury Updates, Streaming Options, and Key Matchups
Jan 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) walks off the court after greeting court-side friends following the victory over the San Antonio Spurs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol/Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The NBA slate for Thursday features nine games, including an early start in Paris between the Spurs and Pacers. As we look ahead to the action, there are several key injury updates and streaming options to consider.
In the Spurs-Pacers matchup, Jeremy Sochan is the only player currently on the injury report, with indications he may return. For the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith’s recent return impacts the minutes distribution for players like Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell. Keep an eye on Stephon Castle as a potential streaming option for the Spurs.
The Blazers-Magic game has a lengthy injury list. For Portland, Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons are questionable, while Matisse Thybulle is out. On the Magic side, Jalen Suggs is out, Goga Bitadze is doubtful, and Franz Wagner is questionable to return. This game presents numerous streaming opportunities, with Robert Williams and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as intriguing options.
Jimmy Butler Suspended
In an unsurprising turn of events, Jimmy Butler has been suspended for two games for missing a team flight. This situation continues to be frustrating for the Miami Heat and fantasy managers alike. With Butler out, look for increased opportunities for players like Caleb Martin and Nikola Jović.
Injury Updates and Streaming Options
As we approach Thursday’s games, it’s crucial to stay updated on injury reports and be prepared for early lineup locks, especially with the Paris game starting at 2 PM Eastern.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Thursday’s NBA action, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
3peat (ICYMI)
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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.
