The Rockets' defense exposes problems, and the road to rebuilding is long and difficult!
In the early morning of February 7, local time in Beijing, Houston played against the Pacers. Although the Rockets had a good first half, leading the Pacers by seven points at one point, the situation took a turn for the worse in the third quarter, with a total score of 38-24 and a 129-132 loss. In this game, including the last round against the Timberwolves, the Rockets were suppressed by the opponent's tight defense at the beginning, and in this case, most of the newcomers of the Rockets were physically exhausted and played abnormally.
In the game against Minnesota, only Shin Kyung and Whitmore scored in double figures, with 15 and 14 each, while Jalen Green scored just eight points, Jabari Smith scored just three points and Amen Thompson scored eight points. Judging from the game, Xinjing, Green and Whitmore each got two rebounds. Against the Pacers, Green scored 30 points but made four mistakes. Xinjing scored 20 and made one error. Abdul-Jabbar Smith scored 20 points, but he made three mistakes. Amen Thompson had 13 points and 13 rebounds, but he made three mistakes, including a dribble, which is a real rarity as a ball handler!
Frankly, it wasn't good at home against Minnesota, and it was okay on the road against the Pacers, at least not against them. However, none of the current six people have outstanding abilities, so it is very difficult to rebuild a team, and at present, they have not found their goals.