Da Lo refused, Alperen Sengun's defense was a shortcoming, and Udoka had considered putting Smith Jr. in the center position long before the start of the season. This time, Sengun was injured, and Udoka decided to put Smith Jr. on the job.
Udoka said before the game that he had seen Smith Jr. have an advantage as a center forward as early as the summer league, and he believes the youngster can do his job. Udoka said: As long as it's not one of the real big men like Jokic and Embiid, we are confident that he can do a good job defending.
Jalen Green has been on fire lately, and CJ McCollum is also going to take a hit, and he talked about it on his show before the game: Houston doesn't have Sengun now. Sengun is the engine of the Rockets' offense, and he's the Rockets' version of Jokic. Green played well, and I don't mean Jeff, I mean Jalen, and he's shooting solid.
Now it's more interesting to see the Nets turn down Bridges for Jalen Green because the Nets wanted draft picks, they wanted to be younger, and they turned it down. Judging by the way Jalen Green plays now, he has a higher ceiling now than he did a few months ago.
On the Thunder's side, Alexander's truce looks like good news for the Rockets. Alexander is the absolute core of the Thunder, averaging 30.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game this season while shooting 54% from the field. In fact, Alexander's recent form has been mediocre, with just 23, 12 and 24 points in his last three games. On the contrary, Giddey has been in good form lately.
Jaylen, you're the king of Houston! Paul George's poisoned milk is coming true.
The prince wants to ascend the throne! Jaylen scored 37 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 1 hat, and aimed at the Rocket throne in one attack, this young man is so handsome to play!
17 points in the third quarter, 5 points in overtime, plus/minus +12 first on the team, Jalen Green began to show leadership temperament, and Sengun was difficult to be the cornerstone although the data was good.
Dillon chipped in 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks, and his crucial eight points in overtime helped Udoka win 10 in a row. Udoka has a sense of knowledge for Dillon, who is also a man of righteousness.
Amen had 25 points, 15 boards, 4 assists and 1 steal, and Smith Jr. had 16 points and 3 boards.
Van Jordan had 13 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals, and also contributed to the Rockets' victory.
The Rockets started the game with a 7-0 offensive run that kept the Thunder at bay and led by 11 points. In the second quarter, the Thunder began to fight back, Joe violently dunked 2+1 to ignite the whole court, and Udoka called a timeout when he was chased to a 3-point deficit. Hayward hit a three-pointer and the Rockets trailed by one point at halftime.
In the third quarter, Green recovered his hand to stop the bleeding for the Rockets, and Giddey broke out on the Thunder's side, he played 2+1 to make Amen the background board, and then steal Van Jordan to make it 2+1 to force Udoka to take a timeout. Green immediately responded with a three-pointer, and Giddey hit a fast-break jumper and scored. Green made a 2+1 rebound, and Giddey scored a layup. In the last 1 minute of the quarter, Green hit a three-pointer to chase the difference by 3 points, and Wiggins Jr. scored a layup, and the Rockets trailed by 5 points.
In the fourth quarter, Wiggins Jr. scored consecutive points, and the margin came to 8 points. Dillon hit a three-pointer to stop the bleeding. Amen hit two free throws to chase the difference to two points, and the Thunder opened the score with a three-pointer. Landale caused Chet to leave the game with six fouls, and Green broke through back-to-back to tie the score. Giddey was still on the Thunder's side, and the Thunder led by five points in the final 2 minutes. Amen and Dillon stepped up to score, the Rockets chased to a one-point gap, and the Thunder quickly called a timeout. Smith Jr. made a key 3-pointer and Amen made 1 of 2 free throws. Giddey assisted on Williams hitting a three-pointer and the Thunder tied it. Green missed the stunner and both teams went into overtime. The Rockets were in overtime and won the game.
The Thunder lost, Giddey scored 31 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block, and he can be a good partner with Jalen Green. The Rockets looked at Giddey back then, and Stone liked tall point guards, but his market rose too fast, and he was finally taken directly by the Thunder with the No. 6 pick.
Jalen Green, Smith Jr., and Amen, all of whom are high-pick rookies, are cashing in on their talents, Sengun is playing his worth, Eason and Whitmore are also very fragrant, and General Manager Stone has proven his vision to keep his job.