THE Rockets almost lost a prestigious match which they had generally dominated for many minutes. Because from the start, the Riders missing open shots at 3-points and the impact of the Texan substitutes hurts a lot. Steven Adams is valuable under the circle and Cam Whitmore is already hot, with 10 points in the first quarter alone (39-32)
To cut off their opponent's momentum and because it worked very well recently against the Wolves and Suns, Kenny Atkinson's players set up their zone defense. It works pretty well. However, to avoid this defense, the Rockets play the transitions hard and go 13-0. During long sequences, the Cavaliers broke their teeth inside (61-53).
In the second half, Ime Udoka's troops managed to attack the area better, with more patience. Not forgetting award-winning baskets from Fred VanVleet. Certainly, Jarrett Allen does a lot of work on the offensive rebound to maintain Cleveland, but it is Houston who is still in control (94-83).
Until an absence in the last act, where the league leaders inflicted a huge 19-0! The Rockets lost their lead and it took a 7-0 with two 3-pointers from Fred VanVleet, again, to respond.
We then enter “money time” and the Rockets will come out on free throws. Already because Alperen Sengun puts his own to give two points in advance. Then because, on a flagrant foul from Tari Eason, at 3-points, Darius Garland finds himself on the line with three attempts.
Three successes and victory is almost assured. He misses the first two and Donovan Mitchell does not score on the final attempt. Victory in snatch for Houston, 109-108.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The regrets of the Cavaliers. Obviously, when we are trailing throughout the match, when we go 19-0 in the last quarter and when we have three free throws with two seconds left to win, not winning is frustrating. Kenny Atkinson and his players did not have a perfect match, far from it, but with confidence, and with Darius Garland not trembling, they could clearly have made a hold-up.
– The enormous efforts of Amen Thompson. This victory is collective since many Houston players were valuable and good. But how can we not highlight Amen Thompson’s performance? 16 points, 16 rebounds including 9 offensive, 4 assists and 4 interceptions. The Rockets fought a lot inside to limit the impact of Jarrett Allen and deprive the outsiders of easy shots near the circle, and Amen Thompson as well as Steven Adams (11 rebounds including 5 offensive) did a good job of that.
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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.
