Can I say something?
These might have been productive losses. Hear me out. What We Learned: Houston Rockets Edition Games 23-25.
Jabari Smith Jr., career game, Fred VanVleet career game, and a balanced attack where Damian Lillard just so happened to own us again.
Jabari Smith Jr. has arrived. pic.twitter.com/ckMQFdlBpn
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) December 21, 2023
Lord, that 2014 playoffs buzzer beater still hurts, especially knowing they got swept after that series.
I cannot hate the offense for their incredible effort these last few games, but its clear this Ime Udoka defense, like any system has the ability to get exposed. It pains me to say this, but Alperen Sengun’s defensive effort has not been up to par these last couple of games.
Ime Udoka on benching Alperen Sengun and what he saw from him on defense:
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) December 21, 2023
"The mistakes I talked about. We want our bigs to be up and stay beneath the rollers. Okongwu got out a few times. Capela same thing. When they're not setting screens and slipping, you have to be able to… pic.twitter.com/qpuTiuDqri
With all of this being said, its great to know that accountability will always be around this Rockets team as long as Ime Udoka is guiding the ship.
I am more than tired of Jalen Green talk, but what he has done (or should I say hasn’t done) this season is becoming a drag. I get that he is in a new system and according to Twitter, this is his first “real” season with structure, which I completely understand, but it feels like we are a house divided.
I see half of #RocketsTwitter coddling him and the other half absolutely dogging on him. I hate the fact that its come to this, but exploring a trade might be the best option IF we want to win now.
But that begs the question. If the Rockets get a “star”, would we even win now? Doubt it. It’s up to the organization as to whether or not they want to continue this project, but giving up on #4 would set a precedent like the Kings did with Tyrese Haliburton.
These streaks continue to pile up and I think this team has an identity now. We are not only the “win ugly” team, but we are the accountability team. Benching your best players (or what should be your best players) is great on the surface, but would I rather see Aaron Holiday than Jalen Green getting real game experience in the clutch?
Who’s to say.
Can we just win a game or lose a game and let that be it?
Shit, these streaks are getting to be quite repetitive.
Your Rockets will take on the banged up Mavericks tomorrow. Heres to hoping Luka doesn’t drop 50 on our head.
See y’all then. What We Learned: Houston Rockets Edition Games 23-25.
