107-120, the Rockets lost to the Pelicans for two straight losses. The team had a bad start, completed the rebound in the second quarter, and even established an 11-point advantage at one point in the third quarter at 60-49, but was eventually reversed, behind the talent and experience gap, the team may "trade 1 person" is the key.
Green 18+3+4+2, Rocket Negative Pelicans
Wood was in full swing in the first half, including two three-pointers in 5-of-10 to contribute 12 points, five rebounds and two assists, Christopher and Matthews benches each contributed two three-pointers, contributing 8 and 7 points respectively, and the team's 5 points (21-26) trailing in the first quarter at the end of the half, with Wood's whistle-blowing basket to complete the rebound at 54-49, and even the team played a wave of 6-0 in the second minute of the third quarter, and 60-49 has established an 11-point advantage, but then reversed by the Pelicans, mainly due to the following three reasons:
First, the gap in talent.
Ingram is the leader of the Pelicans, and the Rockets can only be a one-on-one defender than Tate, but the difference in height and personal ability between the two is too large, which is reflected in the game:
Ingram fought back to the layup
Tate defended, Ingram was taller than him and could shoot at his head at will; Wood defense, Ingram was faster than him, so as shown in the picture, Ingram's counter-attack fast attack, mid-range and three-point continuous bombing, 2 of 9 in a single quarter, 17 points and 5 assists, the Pelicans blasted out a 38-23 counterattack stream, and the third quarter was 87-77 to complete the rebound.
Hayes dunk
On the inside, in addition to Valanciunas' traditional five position, the Pelicans also have Hayes, the 2019 No. 8 show, whose talent is not inferior to Wood, and the game's 8-of-10 efficient bombardment of 21 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks, erasing Wood's advantage on the inside, is also one of the details that the Pelicans can reverse.
Of course, the Rockets have outside talent, but the likes of Green and Christopher are too inexperienced.
Second, the rocket's experience is insufficient.
Mistakes, which have become one of the Rockets' labels this season, are reflected in today's game, and the most typical scene is as follows:
Green was snatched by Hayes instantly
Green held the ball at the top of the arc, facing Hayes's defense, the typical small play is large, according to the advantage, but as shown in the picture, Green was snatched by Hayes one-on-one when he changed his direction in front of the body to pull the ball back.
Throughout the game, Green made 4 turnovers, Christopher made 3 turnovers, Porter Jr. made 2 turnovers, and the Rockets played a counter-attack game in 16 turnovers, using the turnovers to score 24-16 and the fast attack score to 15-4, the second detail that the Pelicans were able to reverse.
Talent can't be compensated, but lack of experience, the Rockets actually have a way to improve, but, pay attention to one detail, before this game, the Rockets had a small change, Gordon "into the injury list."
Third, the Rockets may have to trade Gordon.
This season, Gordon basically does not play back-to-back games, the purpose is self-evident, the team is good, I also hope that he remains healthy in order to trade, for the team in exchange for valuable chips in the reconstruction, and today before the game, Gordon could have played, but yesterday, there is no news of injuries, today before the game Rockets officially updated the injury list, Gordon on the grounds of "foot injury", missed today's game.
The Rockets may be trading gordon away
49.1% + 42.7% shooting average of 14.2 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists per game, note that Gordon is currently the anchor of this young team, if he is present, not only can improve the overall strength of the team, but also be able to take on leadership responsibilities at key moments, and today's absence is one of the invisible factors of the team's loss, and the reason for the absence? Gordon may be traded, even if the Rockets and fans are reluctant, but this team and Gordon himself, will be the best choice.
The above three points combined, is the wood 22 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, Green and Matthews 18 points each, Tate 15 points, Porter Jr. 8 points and 8 assists, the team once led by 11 points, but still was reversed.