A game of 122: 113, Rockets change the sky, Uduka wins the bet, this is what the fans want

The Rockets ushered in the first game of the preseason, sitting at home against the Hawks in the Eastern Conference. Durant, the Rockets' newly acquired boss, did not play in this game. He plans to return in the next game against the Jazz. What's even more troublesome is that the main point guard Van Jordan has been reimbursed for the entire season, and the newly joined Finney Smith can't play due to an ankle injury. Suddenly missing three generals, the Rockets are indeed under a lot of pressure in this game.

Looking at the Eagles again, they spent a lot of money this offseason. Not only have they introduced star players like Porzingis, but potential star Jaylen Johnson has also returned from injury. The current Eagles have a well-organized lineup, are well-balanced inside and outside, and are a strong team in the Eastern Conference. It is said that if the Hawks fail to reach the Eastern Conference Finals next season, Trae Young is likely to be traded by the team. This can also indirectly show how strong their current lineup is.

Although he is short of major generals, coach Uduka is still very good at arranging troops. He sent out a starting lineup of Shen Jing, Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson, Ethan and Shepard, and the effect was quite good. During the game, he even tried the "five major lineups" of Shen Jing, Adams, Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson and Ethan, and unexpectedly it also received miraculous results. In the end, after four quarters of fierce competition, the Rockets defeated the Hawks 122-113, getting off to a good start in the preseason. After the game, Durant, who was sitting on the sidelines watching the game, also smiled and high-fived his teammates one by one in celebration.

Judging from the basic data, the Rockets can be said to have completely suppressed their opponents: rebounds: 52-34, the advantage is very obvious. Shooting percentage: 48.7% vs. 43.9%, three-point shooting percentage: 40% vs. 30.6%. Free throw percentage: 85.7% vs. 66.6%, second offense score: 18-9. However, falling behind 24-32 in assists does reflect that without Van Jordan, the Rockets still have some problems in organizing offense. In addition, the lagging behind of 5-14 steals, 7-12 fast break points and 13-27 turnover points also shows that the team still has room for improvement in transition defense. Overall, in this game, the Rockets completely defeated the Hawks in terms of core data, and it was a valuable victory.

In this game, after the Rockets were missing Durant and Van Jordan, it can be said that everyone was united and played very well. Shen Jing has undoubtedly become the core player on the court. He contributed 19 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and two blocks, showing the responsibilities and responsibilities that a core player should have. Whether he is shooting three-pointers from the outside, or using his flexible footwork and hand skills to hit hard inside, he can achieve good results. The most surprising thing is his contribution from outside the three-point line.

Amen Thompson still reflected his offensive and defensive attributes, contributing 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Although he does not have the effect of Van Jordan on the offensive end, he can make up for it to a certain extent. Defense is still his specialty, making 4 of 9 shots from the field, and his efficiency is pretty good.

Ethan contributed 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists, and made 5 of 8 shots from the field, with amazing efficiency. On the court, he is obviously still holding back and not using his talents at all. When he slowly adapts, he will play even better. Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 9 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist, and made 2 of 4 three-pointers, showing his good touch. Shepard also played perfectly today and shouldered his ball-handling responsibilities very well. Although he did not have many assists, his confidence and courage to take action showed his fans on the court that he was ready for the new season.

These five starting players are almost the Rockets' five most promising rookies. Two of the former "Seven Rockets" were sent away. Green and the "White Devils" have left the team. The five of them are obviously the future of the Rockets. Durant is 37 years old. Even if his contract is renewed, he can only play for the Rockets for three years at most. These five players will definitely be the foundation for the Rockets to continue to compete in higher-level competitions in the future.

In addition, on the bench, Davidson was a genius today, contributing 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. He shot 6 of 9 from the field and 5 of 7 from three-point range, taking on the role of backup point guard well. It can be said that this was a big surprise for Uduka to the fans. His good performance was worthy of the playing time Uduka gave him, and it also effectively alleviated Uduka's dilemma of having no one available at point guard.

It can be said that this kind of all-people style of play and good performance are what Rockets fans want to see. Even without point guard Van Jordan and without core leader Durant, the Rockets were still able to play offensive and defensive team basketball and win a valuable victory.

Coach Uduka bet on Shepard's growth, allowing him to become a point guard and use a large lineup in the game, fully demonstrating his scheduling ability. At the same time, it provides opportunities for Davidson and also works hard to tap the potential of point guards within the Rockets. It can be said that Uduka completely won the bet. Compared with last season's strong defense and weak offense, the Rockets' offensive and defensive integration has completely changed. When the super scorer Durant returns, the Rockets will definitely be able to face all the powerful players. If it weren't for Van Jordan's season reimbursement, maybe the Rockets could really hit this year's championship.

But then again, if Shepard, Amen Thompson and Davidson develop further, the Rockets still have a great chance. No matter what happens, the Rockets can wait until the trade market opens in December and use the chips in their hands to trade for a starting-level point guard. For example, "Xiaobai" White of the Celtics or Holiday of the Trail Blazers are both very good additions.