Clearly, we can't stop these Rocketswho won for the fifth time in a row (!) and who therefore continue to believe in their chances of Top 10 in the West, allowing themselves as a bonus to correct the Riders (117-103).
As for several weeks, it is Jalen Green (26 points, 11 rebounds) who was the most prominent on the Texan side, with Jabari Smith Jr. (20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks), Amen Thompson (18 points, 8 rebounds) or Fred VanVleet (13 points, 15 assists) to support him. In front, Caris LeVert (21 points, 7 assists, 3 interceptions) stood out, unlike the other executives on his team.
Getting closer and closer to the fourth (and final) spot qualifier for the play-in, Houston thus continues to surf on its good momentum of the moment, while Cleveland is in trouble with its fourth defeat in six games.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Houston has no problem. Everything is going (or rather flying…) for the Rockets, who we didn't necessarily think were capable of finding their cruising speed at this time of the season. However, better late than never and since the All-Star Break, we have seen that it is clearly no longer the same Texan team that appears on the floor. More aggressive, explosive and concerned than ever on both sides of the field, Ime Udoka's men play as they are supposed to and, at 3-pointers, in the paint or on the counter-attack, and even without Alperen Sengun, we feels able to dynamite any opponent.
– Donovan Mitchell still diminished. It was only his second game back, and that doesn't completely justify his team's poor start, its defensive apathy or its lack of offensive inspiration, but Donovan Mitchell is struggling to regain his sensations because of his knee. As the Cavaliers do not need him too much and the playoffs remain a priority over the regular season, fast approaching, “Spida” plans to not play the next two games (at Indiana and against Miami) in order to 'be 100% in a month.
– End of suspension for Tristan Thompson. Almost two months after his 25-game suspension for violating the league's anti-doping protocol, Tristan Thompson returned to the field in relay from Jarrett Allen (but in front of Damian Jones) and, in 15 minutes of play, he had time to accumulate 5 points and 5 rebounds. Good news in view of the playoffs where the Canadian's experience will not be too much.
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.
