On January 2, Beijing time, the NBA regular season, the Rockets lost 111-124 at home to the Nuggets. The Rockets were beaten 24-47 by the Nuggets in the second quarter, and the score was completely collapsed, and by the end of the half, they were already 22 points behind their opponents, and the team also broke out in internal contradictions at halftime.
According to the famous Shams, the Rockets broke out in a fierce conflict in the locker room at halftime. Porter Jr. and assistant coach Lucas got into a heated argument, and Porter Jr. threw something at Lucas and chose to leave the Toyota Center. The team's center Wood violated the team's discipline because he missed the team's nucleic acid test before the start of the game, so he did not start and refused to play in the second half.
Rockets reporter Jonathan Feigen restored the truth of the whole incident. According to insiders, the Rockets trailed the Nuggets 55-77 in the first half, with head coach Silas and assistant coach John Lucas criticizing the team's performance, and the two coaches did not name which player it was. But Porter Jr. took the seat, his temper gradually exploded, and he expressed anger at the team's performance. He then got into a heated argument with the coach and picked up an object and threw it at Lucas.
Insiders carried out follow-up revelations. Silas was thinking about Porter Jr.'s mood at the time, which would affect his normal play in the second half. So he made the decision not to let Porter Jr. play in the second half, replacing him with Brooks. Silas was also late in the second half until the Nuggets made their first possession. Porter Jr. decided to drive away from the Toyota Center after learning that he was no longer able to play.
From Feigen's speech, it can be seen that Porter Jr. did not leave the scene directly out of anger, and the team also decided not to let him play out of the protection of his emotions, afraid that he could not control his temper and may cause greater consequences. This is obviously different from the fact that he dropped something and left the arena directly. This may also explain why in the post-match interview, Silas emphasized that the team was based on an assessment of Porter Jr.'s injury, not a contradiction between the two sides. The team's intention is very obvious, to prevent things from getting worse and to protect Porter Jr. in public opinion. Porter Jr. finished the game with eight points and three assists in the final 16 minutes of the game.
As for Wood, Silas said it was his personal considerations in the second half, not his refusal to play. The league takes nucleic acid testing very seriously, so every player who misses this test will be disciplined by the team. Wood played eight minutes and scored 1-of-4 from the field.
Journalist Kelly Iko followed up. After the halftime incident, the Rockets coaching team had made contact with Porter Jr. and had conversations. Porter Jr. apologized and reflected deeply on his personal overreaction at the time.
Rockets reporter Sarge said that Porter Jr. is a very sincere player, and the team understands that everyone's position is the same. While he's very emotional tonight, his purpose is to try to make things better for the Rockets. This matter may have a certain impact, but it will definitely turn the page.
Porter Jr.'s emotional problems are not a matter of the past day or two, but he has gotten a lot better since he came to the Rockets, and this infighting is only a basketball problem. Even if he and Lucas get into a fierce fight, he will treat Lucas like a father, and Lucas will treat him as a child in the rebellious period of youth. And Porter Jr. understands very well that it was the Rockets that gave him the opportunity and saved his life.
There is no follow-up coverage from the team at the moment, but given the heinous nature and impact of the incident, Porter Jr. and Wood jr. are not immune to disciplinary action from the team.
(Text/Yuwen Basketball)