Ime Udoka could hardly imagine a worse start for his team. Not only did his new team lose in Orlando, but also heavily (30 points difference), and with a defense in tatters, even though it was the Rockets’ new strength during the preseason.
The Texans were attacked from the first minutes. They made the effort at the beginning, then let go, leaving the Magic to take offensive rebounds in shambles and even little Markelle Fultz enjoyed himself with three catches on the head of the Houston interiors.
“I told the group: in many ways, this is our worst game collectively and individually,” analyzes the Rockets coach for the Houston Chronicle. “It was too easy for them to score the whole game. They played harder than us, they snatched the ball, took 17 offensive rebounds. They were the aggressors. We expected it, because it’s the season opener and it’s their home. But I didn’t expect to give in like that on a physical level. »
The Magic’s offensive rebounds hurt
There was a little improvement at the start of the third quarter, when Houston came back to within one point after being down by eleven, but it was very meager. Especially since the Magic will conclude this quarter with a 12-0.
“We weren’t at their level of aggressiveness,” notes and regrets Fred VanVleet. “We did some good things, but the main thing was the offensive rebounds at the start of the game and our turnovers. We lost the dynamic and we never managed to find it again. We got closer, then they accelerated. They were ready to play. We didn’t respond even though it was necessary. »
Dillon Brooks also insists on offensive rebounds, which killed the Rockets’ attack. “This is the key point of the match,” assures the Canadian. “We had to find a way to get rebounds to play transitions. We can’t be ten points behind, because fighting to come back is hard. »
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
