The Suns in a Quagmire: Worries After Losing to the Rockets
The Suns were counterattacked by the Rockets in a game that looked like they should have won, and the result of this game was unexpected. Even though Durant played well and Booker played well, the Suns still lost 110-114 to the Rockets. Bol Bol's performance was also dazzling, but that didn't save the Suns. The Suns' predicament in the play-in tournament is self-evident, and the threat from the Lakers and Warriors should not be underestimated.
Little prospect of the playoffs?
While the Suns' record looks pretty good, the competition in the West has been fierce this year. Therefore, it is too early to say whether the Suns can make the playoffs. Especially considering the Big Three they have at their disposal, it would be a big shame if they didn't make the playoffs in the end. However, the Suns also had their share of misfortunes, coinciding with a change of lineup from the Rockets.
Behind the tactical adjustments
During the All-Star break, Udoka mentioned plans to change the starting lineup, and the player who was replaced was likely to be Jalen Green. However, management didn't want to move Green to the bench in order to maintain his trade value. But Udoka went on a pseudo-starter role, and while Green still started, his playing time was cut. Not only was Green marginalized in the final quarter, but his playing time throughout the game was greatly reduced. Whitmore and Amen Thompson got most of the playing time that would have belonged to Green.
The key to Team Rocket
The key to the Rockets' ability to beat the Suns is that they can give Jalen Green fewer chances. Green has been the worst performer in the starting lineup this season, lacking consistency on both ends of the floor, unable to provide consistent scoring, and vulnerable to one-on-one beating. Therefore, marginalizing Green is a key move for the Rockets to win.
Excellent performance from the Rockets
The Rockets' performance has been remarkable, with each player showing a high level of competitive form. Van Jordan, Shin Kyung, Smith and Amen Thompson all have excellent stats, especially Amen Thompson, who has been excellent in recent games and has almost reached the level of a top player.
Prospects for the future
The Rockets are expected to trade Jalen Green in the offseason, and they'll be looking for a shooting guard who can play consistently. Meanwhile, Amen Thompson's rise to prominence has added a touch of brightness to the team's future. His stellar performance showed the potential of the Rockets in the future, and if they can get a better player in the '24 draft, the Rockets' prospects will be even more promising.
Conclusion
Overall, the Suns exposed some problems after losing to the Rockets. The Rockets, on the other hand, showed their tactical savvy by restricting Jalen Green in a targeted manner. In the future, the Rockets are expected to become a strong team in the West by further adjusting the lineup and improving their overall strength. The Suns, on the other hand, need to reflect hard, identify their shortcomings, and adjust in time to meet the challenges of the playoffs.