A little delay in ignition, but the Rockets take off again

The Rockets quickly put the loss from the previous day behind them shocker against San Antonio. Despite a short night and a late flight to Atlanta, Houston won on the floor of the Hawks in a match that was decided after returning from the locker room.

The game against the Spurs seems to have left some clues for the Texas franchise. The Rockets are in trouble to start the game Alperen Sengun on one leg after a new ankle injury sustained the day before. Atlanta took advantage of the opportunity to start off on the right foot and took a 7-0 lead after two minutes, forcing Ime Udoka to take a timeout. Nickeil Alexander-Walker takes care of everything for the Hawks, and it takes talent to Kevin Durant for Houston to find solutions. Not many in this complicated first quarter for both teams. Because Atlanta is also suffering, due to numerous absences (Jalen Johnson, Mr. Okongwu, Kristaps Porzingis, Zachary Risacher…). The Rockets make up for their clumsiness with a six-block defensive performance in the first quarter alone, finishing with a cumulative 19/58 shooting and a perfect 23-23 tie.

The second act is not much more exciting, and the defenses have a little more advantage. Only once in 12 minutes was the deficit more than one possession. But the Rockets fail to capitalize on a four-point lead on a possession that began with another counter, this time by Josh Okogie. CJ McCollum is the only player to find momentum (15 points on 6/11 at rest) as Houston struggles to establish its offense. The score at the break is worthy of the NBA from another era: 43-42 for the guests. Houston shoots 38.3%, Atlanta 33.3%…

Kevin Durant forces a decision

Is there a short break during half time? The name of Udoka’s instructions? Visitors come back with a better, conquering face. This always involves fighting, especially in defense. Houston adds undisputed dominance in the offensive rebounding (10 shots in 12 minutes, 14 in the matchup for the Sengun-Okogie tandem!) to give themselves second chances and turnovers to free up shooters.

And is there a better scorer than Kevin Durant to punish even the slightest delay? The veteran was red hot in the third quarter with 16 points, including three shots from long range. Okogie and Reed Sheppard follow the movement and contribute 15-3 that makes the difference (78-63, 36′).

Now under control, the Rockets are rolling. Reed Shepard continues, Doc Clint Capelacheered during the first-quarter giveaway, brings back fond memories at State Farm Arena.

Even with “KD” on the bench to rest, the Texans take off with another 12-2 run and go up by 22 lengths. The Hawks are unresponsive in attack or too individual initiatives. Too little to doubt one of the leaders of the West, who leaves his opponent at 86 points for a success that will take a long time to appear, but in the end almost peacefully.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Defense power of rockets. While struggling offensively, Houston, on the other hand, imposed its law all evening on the other side of the floor. The players of Ime Udoka showed 14 blocks, the second best performance of the season. Jabari Smith Jr. sets career high with five blocks. Fortress Rocket remained impregnable.

– Kevin Durant as the boss. This is typically the type of game Houston brings back a veteran for. The offensive punch of “KD” was crucial in eventually widening the gap, never to be caught again in what had all the makings of a trap night. KD finished with 31 points, including 19 in the second period, on 7/10 shooting.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.