The Rockets had a brief run at the poor Cavaliers

There is no suspense in this matchup between two potential title contenders as the Rockets beat the Cavaliers 117-100. Fake gap as partners Kevin Durant dominated the game.

Thanks to the outside skill of Sam Merrill and Darius Garland, Cleveland started correctly and even took a short lead (12-9). But the physical intensity of the Rockets is quickly taken over by Terry Eason and Amen Thompson, and especially Kevin Durant. The All-Star wing is already hot, and he puts up 9 of the Rockets’ 12-point “run” to make the break: 28-16. The most difficult part is done, and Reed Shepherd takes care of maintaining the gap (32-24).

Despite a sluggish as well as impeccable offense, the Cavaliers’ substitutes managed to get back on track with an incredible goal by Jaylon Tyson (38-36). Kenny Atkinson then decides to bring Garland back into the game and everything falls apart. As in the first quarter, the Rockets made a big run and regained an 11-point lead (47-36). Returning Dorian Finney-Smith joins the party, and at halftime the Rockets have +14 (60-46) without any impression of really pushing.

The return from the locker room is disastrous for the Cavs: lack of intensity, clumsiness, turnovers. Houston took advantage of the opportunity to score 15-0 in four minutes, increasing the deficit from +12 to +27 (85-58). Kevin Durant’s dunk, followed by coach Kenny Atkinson’s technical dunk, symbolizes the Cavaliers’ loss of control. The game is over, and the Rockets are content to dominate the final 18 minutes… So much so that Kevin Durant will sit out the entire final quarter.

After trailing by 29 points in the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers ended up losing by 17 points (117-100). This is their fifth defeat in seven matches.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Sengun spared. A surprise between the presence of Stephen Adams on the floor. In Houston, we decided not to play Alperen Sengun, who felt pain in his lower leg. No need to risk…

– Cleveland at the bottom of the hole. We have undoubtedly witnessed the worst game of the Cavaliers. Mitchell, Garland, but also Mobley and Allen were spooky! We don’t see how the leaders can keep this group intact…

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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.