In an NBA regular season game that ended today, the Rockets, who have lost three in a row, narrowly defeated the three-game Jazz 114-108 at home to earn their first win of the season. Kevin Porter Jr. played 35 minutes, shooting 8-of-19 from the field, 1-of-4 from three-point range, 9-of-9 from the free-throw line, and had 26 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Jaylen Green continued to play efficiently, playing all 36 minutes, shooting 9-of-16 from the field, 4-of-8 from three-point range, 3-of-3 from the free-throw line, and scoring 25 points, three rebounds and three assists.
In addition to the excellent performance of the two guns in the backcourt, this year's rookie is not too much. Tanhualang Smith gradually got into the groove, shooting 6-of-10 from the field, 3-of-5 from three-point range, 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, and scored 21 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks, and No. 17 pick Ethan once again showed his efficiency, scoring only 18 minutes of playing time, but scoring 11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals, clearly overriding Martin Jr., who scored only 3 points in the starting 34 minutes and 1-of-9 shooting. It was with the excellent play of these two rookies on the defensive end that the Rockets finally won the game.
Although compared to the infighting in Zhong because of the passing problem, Tanhualang even wanted to beat the team boss, but Jaylen Green was very atmospheric, took the initiative to clap Smith when he made a free throw, and Smith also understood that his playing style and current ability can only be green leaves, rest assured to assist Green, so that he will get more opportunities.
In this game, the Jazz continued the hot form of the three soldiers, with all seven players on the team scoring double-doubles, but due to back-to-back physical problems and too many mistakes, they eventually lost the game. But the Rockets can defeat strong opponents, showing that the current team's talent has indeed exploded, Jaylen Green, Porter Jr., Smith, Ethan and even the suspended Shin Kyoto have the strength to score more than 20 points, Smith and Ethan are defense-first players, plus Hollins' adjustment on the defensive end, the team's offensive and defensive strength is more balanced, and it is not surprising to take the physically damaged Jazz.
But through the four games of the new season, it can be seen that the Rockets have several players who are really embarrassing. First of all, Martin Jr., who has been making transfers in the offseason, Stone not only did not punish him, but also gave him a lot of playing time and starting positions, but his performance was difficult to say, and he was 1 of 9 in this game, and he always missed empty three-pointers. If these opportunities are given to the more efficient Ethan, I believe that averaging 20+10 per game will not be difficult.
Another criticism is Christopher, from last season to now, the playing style is still like a lone wolf, holding the ball and rushing in, except for not scoring is a mistake, there is no improvement in organizational skills, and if you continue to play like this, you will be traded sooner or later.
The last to name is Matthews, who basically can't contribute any value other than receiving the ball and shooting three-pointers, and the defensive ability of last season is gone, and the Rockets really shouldn't cut Maledon too early, and Matthews and Knicks are inferior to him.
However, the current Rockets strength has indeed improved significantly, and Jaylen Green is the best performer in the class of 2021, and the improvement is the most obvious; Porter Jr. is no longer impatient, plays calmly and shoots efficiently; Shenjing's confrontation has been significantly enhanced, showing 20+10 capabilities; Smith gradually cashed in on his talent and developed towards a 3D anti-aircraft battery; Ethan has not disappointed, efficient and versatile, the first choice of the future team's forwards. These five will be the core team of the future Rockets, and if they can pair one or two All-Stars on the inside and point guard in the future, they will instantly have the hope of hitting the playoffs and even the championship, and the Grizzlies are their best role models!