Houston is still searching for the right alchemy in his XXL version

It is not yet time for alarm in Houston. Lost in double overtime against the Thunder, then by four small points against the Pistons, the Rockets sure, he started the season with two losses, but Making Udoka he prefers to see them as solid foundations on which to build.

The coach now has a unique material in the NBA: his “Ultra Tall Ball” with Thompson Amen, Kevin Durant, Smith of Smith, Alparent Smothered etc Steven Adamswhose cogs still need to be greased.

Finding fluidity in the half court

The first identified project: half court play. If the integration of Kevin Durant is not a problem because his offensive influence does not freeze the team and Alperen Senggun keeps the central role, the team still lacks rhythm in the advanced stages. And against Detroit, the Texans made only 15 assists.

“I think we held the ball a little too long. We should be able to get two shots in to create an imbalance and have open players all over the court.” he explained after the loss to the Pistons. “We had good positions, but only 15 assists, that’s also because the guys who were open missed their shots all night.

With so many imposing figures in the top five, Houston must learn to maintain space for an effective offense. The second key: don’t forget the fast game, a weapon that is still overused. Against Oklahoma City, the Rockets scored just 2 points in transition, and barely 13 against Detroit.

“It’s a balance we have to find: when to play fast and when to slow down,” Kevin Durant confirmed. “I think we’re making good progress. Offensively in the last two games it hasn’t been the way we’d like it to be, but it’s always going to be an area of ​​improvement and we’ll improve on that after these two tough losses.

Amen Thompson, key

In this atypical system, the role of Amen Thompson is crucial. The 21-year-old must orchestrate an attack surrounded by four interior players over 2m08, while maintaining the ability to penetrate and distribute.

“The adjustment is really being able to put the players in the right place, communicate with them and be like a second coach on the pitch for Ime. I’m learning, trying to do well and I know it’s only going to get better Ausar’s twin brother admitted.

Against Oklahoma City, his 0/7 3-point shooting limited his ability to create gaps despite his 18 points and 5 assists. Against the Pistons, quick mistakes slowed him down (10 points, 1 assist) in his sibling duel.

« We want him to have confidence in himself and go to his places”a poursuivi Name Udok. “There were times where we were giving up open shots that we needed to make and we ended up going back to him at the end of possessions. We pointed out everything we needed to work on. He’s a guy who’s also worked really hard on his 3-point shot and has improved that. He’s been shooting well in the preseason, so we want him to stay aggressive.”

The Rockets will have a chance to put all of this into action on Monday, welcoming the top-seeded Nets as their first victim before traveling to Toronto on Wednesday.