When Alperen Sengun was injured, the Rockets were in the process of validating a second consecutive success, against the Kings. From ? They added three more victories, against the Spurs, the Wizards and especially against the Cavs.
This is because Houston has regained offensive rhythm since the All-Star Break, being one of the rare teams to play faster in this second part of the season. And with the injury to the Turkish pivot, it was Amen Thompson who slipped into the major five, Jabari Smith Jr. sliding into the pivot position to provide different spacing.
Stretch the game to the maximum
“The fact that Jabari is a different threat on the pick-and-pop helps a lot, especially against teams that play with two interiors, like them (the Cavaliers)” explains Ime Udoka while Alperen Sengun is not a threat behind the 3-point line. “Even before Alpi's injury, the increased pace had already done the guys good. It was probably our most complete match of the year, from start to finish. »
Author of 13 points and 15 assists (for a single ball loss), Fred VanVleet had a blast.
“If they put a pivot that floats on Jabari, we do pick-and-pop. He's one of our best shooters. There is Amen rolling towards the circle. He's one of our best finishers. He can pass after receiving the ball on the pick-and-roll as well. It's just about finding ways to be efficient and putting guys in the right place so they can be successful.” confides the former Raptors playmaker.
But the biggest beneficiary of this suddenly wider field is undoubtedly Jalen Green, who again compiled 26 points at 9/20 shooting, including 4/9 shooting, plus 11 rebounds, against Cleveland.
Jalen Green full of confidence
“Spacing is different now. And above all he has more of the ball” explains Ime Udoka. “Because we no longer go through Alpi, he will have more of an opportunity to carry the ball. He must be able to read situations, take shots but also make shifts. He was already doing it when Alpi was injured. But the threat generated by all these guys, especially Fred, opens everything up for us. »
And that allows the Rockets (32 wins – 35 losses) to continue to believe in the “play-in”, three and a half games behind the Lakers (36-32), who now hold 10th place in the Western Conference.
“Jalen is in great shape”, concludes Fred VanVleet. “ He has this assurance, this confidence, he makes shots at a high level. His 3-pointers are improving. But he's been playing well for a while, on both ends of the court. He defends. He gets rebounds. The better he plays, the easier it is for everyone. And he gives it his all.”
