In this intense NBA season, the Rockets once again fell into a heavy defeat against the Pacers, and the result was 117-123, and the game was like a spectacular drama. The Rockets, who have always been known for their tight defense, looked vulnerable in this game, and Jalen Green, one of the cornerstones of the Rockets, became more and more desperate in the game because of his hesitation. This article will take you through the veil of this game one by one, and analyze the reasons for the Rockets' defeat in depth, as well as Green's embarrassing situation on the court.
In this game, the two sides had ups and downs, and the matchup between the Pacers and Rockets became the epitome of an NBA drama. In the first quarter, the two sides played like fire and water, and in the second quarter, the Rockets had a slight upper hand. However, in the third quarter, the Pacers won 14 points in a single quarter, and the Rockets struggled to catch up in the final quarter, and Van Jordan once led the team to overtake, but unfortunately Haliburton's key three points made the Rockets only overshadowed in the end.
For the victory or defeat of a game, the most calm and objective witness is the data. In this game, Shen Jing scored 30 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals, VanVleet contributed 18 points, 4 rebounds and 9 assists, and Ethan fought for the Rockets with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals. However, even these numbers are difficult to hide the Rockets' predicament on the defensive end and Green's awkward performance.
The Pacers have one of the most offensive firepower in the league, and the Rockets pride themselves on a strong defense this season. Udoka has said that limiting opponents to 30 points per quarter is the bottom line, but the Pacers have scored more than 30 points in all three quarters, which undoubtedly reveals the Rockets' defensive flaws in this game. Especially in the third quarter, the Pacers scored 37 points, and the Rockets were difficult to parry.
In this game, Haliburton became an insurmountable mountain on the Rockets' defense line with his independent offense and excellent passing ability. His autonomous offense made it impossible for the Rockets to deal with, and once packed, he was able to find teammates with amazing passes that would bring the Pacers' overall offense to a climax. The helplessness of the rocket can be seen.
Jalen Green, who used to be the cornerstone of the Rockets' scoring, was disappointed by his performance in this game. In the whole game, Green only played 20 minutes, and the final quarter was even more hidden. This is the fourth time Udoka has dropped Green in the final quarter of the game, and it is clear that Green has lost the trust of his coach. Green's indecision in the game and his timidity on the offensive end became part of the Rockets' defeat.
At the critical moment of the game, the Rockets were unable to stand up, which undoubtedly exposed a serious problem for the Rockets at the moment - the lack of players who can play tough battles at critical moments. It was supposed to be Jalen Green's mission, but Green's performance in crunch time was dwarfed, making one wonder if he still deserved the Rockets' starting spot.
In the game, Ethan's performance became a highlight for the Rockets, with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals on 7-of-13 shooting. In contrast, Jalen Green's hesitation on the offensive end and his reluctance to shoot caused dissatisfaction among fans. As a scorer, no matter how bad the form, he should dare to rise to the occasion, and Green's timidity is disappointing.
After the game, Udoka reportedly criticized Green in the locker room, but also expressed support for Green. This inside information shows that Udoka's patience with Green has reached its limit. In an interview, Shin Jing expressed respect for the Pacers' offensive ability, but was a little dissatisfied with Green's performance. Green's current situation can be described as very awkward.
Green's current position with the Rockets is extremely embarrassing, and after three years of training, he has been frequently abandoned by coaches. Udoka is faced with a difficult decision whether to continue to give Green a chance or remove him from the starting lineup and bring in fresh blood such as Ethan, which has become a matter of great concern. Perhaps, this is a testing period for Green, and the next 10 games will decide his fate with the Rockets.
The game became a tough test for the Rockets and Green. Different from previous match reports, we try to restore the true face of this battle through objective data and detailed descriptions. In this losing game, the Rockets' problems were exposed, and Green's hesitation became a fatal injury that led to the loss. In the future, the Rockets will face big decisions, and Green will need to regain his form, otherwise, he may become a passing guest in the history of the Rockets.