Outstanding rebounder, Steven Adams remains the rock for the Rockets

« This sequence sums up his game well », lache Udoka’s name when talking about this action near the end of the third quarter, during the Rockets’ trip to Utah. First with Brice Sensabo who dunked before falling to the wall Steven Adams.

The Texans pivot then got the leather back, passed to Kevin Durant, who passed it back to him in transition, for a hard dunk over the head of Kyle Filipovski.

Action that speaks volumes for her impact on the Rockets’ game in this matchup – finishing with 13 points (2/4 shooting, 9/10 free throws), 12 rebounds and 2 assists…in 17 minutes – and beyond.

« He was great, he really changed the rhythm when he came in. He sets very good screens that free up his teammates. And on top of that, he drives strongly in the center and manages to create actions in the ‘pocket’. And if we miss, he gets a rebound, with a shot for himself or for the others. Overall a great game that we needed », greets the coach.

The coach does well when he mentions the quality of his squad. Because, if the New Zealander is still less expected due to his “goinger” qualities, he is currently on the basis of a historic season in terms of jumps won. Especially offensive.

Work in the trenches

With 5 rebounds recovered after his team’s missed shots, Stephen Adams ranks first in the ranking of the best rebounds in the sector (where Moussa Diabate is well placed). And that while playing 22 minutes per game. He already dominated this category in the 2021/22 season when he wore the Grizzlies jersey. But in equal playing time, he was never so active in the opponent’s racket.

« It’s just a battle down there, it’s trench work », recently described. Battles were often won by his teammates, and therefore by him. At 49.4 shots per game, including 16.6 on the offensive end, the Rockets are the league’s best rebounding team.

That’s how she scores more than 19 points in “second chances”, and no one is better there either. Also, the Rockets, who have decided to focus on inches this season, are making more than 41.5% of their own shots, giving them one of the highest second-chance rates in nearly 30 years.

« It’s about having more possession than the other team. Even if you shoot worse than her, it only increases your chances of winning. », summarizes the man who started his career in Oklahoma City next to Kevin Durant. The latter also says he’s impressed with the longevity of his 32-year-old center, who is entering his 12th season in the big leagues.

Less athletic than before

« Especially when you’re an insider, you’re in the trenches. It’s almost like playing defensively. (tackle in american football) or offensive lineman », compare « KD » after this match against the Jazz.

« I’m still somewhat athletic, but not as athletic as I used to be », recently delivered by Stephen Adams, explaining that he studies data on where shots are fired too short or too long. If a shooter stops to shoot from the wing, for example, the numbers show that a missed shot would likely bounce to the other side of the court, at about a 45-degree angle.

« Where the ball is going to fall, based on the charts I’ve seen, that’s where I start. And from there I start to follow the trajectory of the ball and adjust », detailed the heavy 2m11 pivot who can also elbow while avoiding referees’ whistles.

The challenge of return for which he knows the importance, including on a moral level: ” When you get a rebound, get the ball out and hit a wide open three, there’s nothing demoralizing about it. »

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.