If the Rockets want to win, they still need outside firepower, and the inside line can't kill people one by one. Before the game, the American media posted data that the Rockets had a 16-5 record this season when the number of three-pointers they made was higher than that of their opponents.
Jalen Green said after the loss to the Timberwolves that the offense was not going well and affected the team's defense, and they didn't put much effort on the defensive end. Smith Jr. also mentioned defensive issues, saying he would take on the Bucks' challenge with anger.
Alperen Sengun is less offensive when he is away from the basket, his defense itself is not very good, and the physical exertion is even more difficult on offense. Some fans hope that Udoka can give Green and Smith Jr. some ball control and stop making a two-man turn.
Udoka is going to be the second Popovich, and stubbornness is his label. Udoka doesn't think there's much of a problem with his tactics and that young players need to learn to play aggressively like Xi veterans.
Udoka once invited Da Lo to play in Houston, and Stone also prepared a big contract. However, Da Luo refused at the last minute, and he decided to stay with the Bucks. Before the game, Da Luo also admitted in an interview that he was close to joining the Rockets, and he also publicly praised Sengun as a player who is difficult to defend.
Before the game, Udoka confirmed that Eason and Dillon remain sidelined. The Rockets have no specific performance metrics for this season, and Udoka decided to rest Eason to see if he can play in the next game against the Heat. Dillon's situation is a bit more complicated, with a truce expected for a while.
The overall strength of the Bucks is very strong and there are star players, and many Rockets fans thought before the game that they were more than lucky. Unexpectedly, the Rockets could still cause an upset in a 5-on-8 situation, and they defeated the Bucks at home. Fans complained about the referee, and the Rockets were really at home as away. The Rockets' four teenagers, Son, Green, Smith Jr. and Whitmore all scored in double figures, and they combined for 63 points and 30 boards.
Sengun had 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, shot 7-of-21 from the field, and had 3 turnovers.
Green had 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal, shooting 5-of-12 from the field and 1-of-6 from three-point range. Green didn't have any problems playing this game, but his shooting touch was a little worse. Udoka thought Holiday was playing well and gave Green a little more rest, and he only played 28 minutes.
Smith Jr. had 14 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block, and this game was really tough.
Whitmore had 12 points and 3 rebounds, and his physical fitness was really good, and the Lakers cried and fainted in the toilet.
Amen has improved, with 4 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists, and a plus/minus of +7 is the first on the team.
Holiday had a poor game in the previous games, but he redeemed it in this game, scoring 11 points on 3-of-5 three-point shooting. Udoka let him play for 21 minutes.
Udoka gnawed at the old man, and he let Jeff Green play nearly 35 minutes, and the latter was really reliable, with 16 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
Udoka's favorite Van Jordan had another inefficient day, finishing with 14 points, seven assists and two steals on 4-of-13 shooting.
Tate had 4 points and 8 rebounds.
After the start of the game, Brother Alphabet scored continuously, and the Rockets were still Sengunga Van Jordan's main attack, but these two were not in shape to keep hitting the iron. Green made three free throws after the Rockets came back from a timeout, and then he broke through to score five straight points. Udoka replaced the bench and rushed to a good effect. Whitmore broke through for a layup to make it 2+1, and Portis was reduced to a background board. Holiday threw in a three-pointer and Smith Jr. made it from the outside. Whitmore made a steal and scored on a driving layup to give the Rockets an 11-point lead.
In the second quarter, Amen assisted his teammates to make it 2+1, Whitmore hit a three-pointer, and Holiday was still throwing another three-pointer. The Rockets duo turned back on stage, and this time they found their senses. Sengun hit a drifting shot, Van Jordan hit a three-pointer and a jumper. Green hit a jumper, broke through, walked to the free throw line and scored two points with ease, scoring double-doubles. Smith Jr. sent a big hat at the buzzer, and the Rockets led by 20 points at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Bucks launched a counterattack, and the Rockets' offense kept paying fouls, and Brother Alphabet chased after a three-pointer to chase the difference of 10 points. Jeff Green stepped up and scored back-to-back points to stabilize the situation for the Rockets. Brother Alphabet made free throws, Connaughton hit a three-pointer, Green didn't score a three-pointer on the Rockets' side, and then he received a pass from Van Jordan to complete the aerial relay to stop the Bucks. Holiday hit another three-pointer back from the game, Amen dunked and assisted on Whitmore's layup, and the Rockets entered the fourth quarter with a 16-point advantage.
Whitmore made two free throws in the final quarter, and Smith Jr. also made two free throws. The Bucks, who trailed by 18 points, did not give up, and Brother Alphabet hit a free throw to narrow the gap to within 10 points. Sengun was replaced with 5 fouls, Green stepped up and hit a three-pointer to break the goal drought, Tate actively grabbed the board and scored a basket, and the Bucks, who were hindered in the counterattack, hurriedly called a timeout.
Van Jordan scored a three-pointer, Sengun hit a single, and Smith Jr. hit two free throws. Brother Alphabet turned and scored a step-back jumper, causing Smith Jr. to foul and hit two free throws, and the difference in the final two minutes was only 6 points. Smith Jr. hit a three-pointer with a big heart, Sengun missed, but fortunately the Bucks didn't shoot. Jeff Green and Van Jordan made steady free throws, and the Rockets had the last laugh.