With 24 hours to go after a strong comeback against the Atlanta Hawks, the Rockets took cover against the Thunder and if they could lack any energy, they put in a strong performance for the win in a tightly controlled game, 118- 105 . An event given that for the first time this season they have chained 2 successes!
“It feels good,” he said Kevin Porter Jr. “We don’t want it to be short-lived, so we have to continue with that intensity with which we played. »
I think we’re just tired of losing. We come together and invest in defence,” he said Yellow Green. “I think that’s what helped us. »
Like the day before against the Hawks, the young Texans got their defense talking. Against a strong offensive team from the Thunder, they did a great job limiting their inside runs and forcing them to take many shots from the outside for a dismal 22.7% from behind the arc and 39.2% shooting.
“We always talk about defense,” Porter said. “We know that in attack we have many elements, a lot of talent, we don’t always want to rely on attack. So let’s make our defense our attack. We want to rely on defense so that it can turn into attack. »
“Despite how we battled last night, we didn’t have a drop in energy tonight,” he said Stefano Sila. “We played with very good intentions with respect to the game plan on both sides of the pitch. So yeah, it’s a sign of maturity.”
Up front it was once again Jalen Green who led the charge with 28 points as of 19/11 including superb 6/9 from long range as well as nine assists. Alperen Sengun gave him one of the best performances of his young career, if not the best with 21 points at 17/10, 19 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks.
“I’ve been playing badly in the last few matches and today I was more concentrated,” said Sengun.
Then the rookie Jabari Smith Jr. he has not been left out, he who seems to be gaining momentum. After his games of 22 and 21 points, tonight he collected 15 points at 5/11 of which 3/8 from distance and 13 rebounds for the best plus/minus of the match, +23 in 31 minutes.
“He’s very aggressive and I love that,” said Stephen Silas. “It’s aggressive. Shoot better. His work is paying off. He is a hard worker. In defense he makes us really solid and his presence in the rebound is very good. He begins to understand how he can be successful on the field. »
With 5 wins and 14 losses, the Rockets remain last in the West, but the last 24 hours are encouraging.
“Honestly, we get better every game,” said Kevin Porter Jr. “Especially the fifth starter. At the start of the season we were very slow to start most games but as you can see we are starting to get the first punch and that has helped the bench come in and keep or increase the lead. »
Next game tomorrow night in Denver to try to continue with the 3rd success.
through Houston Chronicle
