The Houston Rockets misplaced to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder 125-124 in double extra time on Tuesday night time.
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka opted for an enormous beginning lineup with Alperen Sengan and Steven Adams enjoying collectively.
Followers have been particularly shocked to see Kevin Durant on the taking pictures guard place, however the uncommon tactic principally labored.
The Rockets’ protection deserves numerous credit score, because it solely allowed 125 factors to the Thunder in 58 minutes.
Houston’s solely downside was a scarcity of fluidity on offense, which prevented Durant from acting at his finest in his debut with the staff.
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The Rockets have been compelled to play in an enormous lineup to some extent after Fred VanVleet suffered a knee damage earlier than the season.
With no different level guard on the roster, Armen Thompson will must be the first ball handler this season.
Whereas that is nice for his private progress, it isn’t excellent news for the Rockets this season.
Former NBA participant Rudy Homosexual believes Durant’s efficiency towards the Thunder was restricted resulting from a scarcity of playmaking.
He nonetheless scored 23 factors, however is anticipated to take way over 16 photographs per 47 minutes.
“(OKC) took benefit of the truth that (the Rockets) did not have a degree guard,” Homosexual defined.
“It was troublesome for them to get on offense. It was troublesome for Kevin to get open. Plenty of issues have been troublesome.”
“I believe due to that, their execution on the finish of the sport wasn’t what they needed. I believe that is one thing they should perceive as a result of it is clearly a problem for them.”
Chris Haynes additionally shared Homosexual’s ideas on the Rockets’ offensive struggles towards the Thunder.
Kevin Durant is nice sufficient to attain 20 factors with out assist, however Haynes desires to make it simpler for his teammates.
“If you’re speaking concerning the level guard place, we didn’t have a look at it very a lot,” he mentioned. “Fred VanVleet will not be a star, however he can play at a star degree at instances.
“They wanted a ball distributor. They wanted somebody who may get the ball up and get them concerned within the offense. They struggled with that.”
“I noticed Sengun generally getting the ball up and beginning the offense. I do not assume Armen Thompson is essentially able to step into the slot full-time as a degree guard.”
“It may be a tricky recreation. I believe that is why KD did not have the everyday recreation that we’re used to seeing.”
Maybe the Rockets might want to commerce for a pure level guard on the deadline in the event that they need to win a championship.
