The Houston Rockets' recent victory against the New Orleans Pelicans was a clear demonstration of their dominance, with no suspense from the start. The Pelicans seemed to have no intention of winning, as the Rockets quickly established a lead that they maintained throughout the game, ultimately securing a decisive 17-point win. This victory not only marked the Rockets' fourth consecutive win but also solidified their position as second in the Western Conference.
The Rockets' recent momentum has been impressive, and their performance against teams that are not performing well has been particularly noteworthy. In this game, they led by as many as 30 points at one point, showcasing just how smoothly their game plan was executed. With this win, the Rockets have now achieved four consecutive victories, a streak that has helped them maintain their strong standing in the Western Conference.
The question on everyone's mind is: who were the key players behind the Rockets' success? The data tells us that five players stood out. First among them is Aman. Despite scoring only 9 points, Aman contributed significantly with 10 rebounds, including 6 offensive rebounds, along with 3 assists and 5 blocks. Aman has proven himself to be an invaluable role player, and if he can improve his mid-to-long-range shooting, his potential is limitless.
Second is Shen Jing. Shen Jing had a relatively easy game, contributing 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists. He played with ease and was able to control the game effectively. Third is Jalen Green. Green had an excellent shooting night, making 12 of his 21 attempts, including 6 of 11 from three-point range, for a total of 30 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Green's performance was crucial, providing stability for the team.
Fourth is VanVleet. VanVleet's shooting this season has been inconsistent, but in this game, he shot efficiently, making 8 of his 15 attempts, including 7 of 12 from beyond the arc. His 25 points and 4 assists came without much effort. For the Rockets, it's not about how many points VanVleet scores but rather his efficiency. If he can maintain this level of efficiency, the Rockets will benefit greatly.
Fifth is Whitmore. With Ison and Dillon not playing, Whitmore seized the opportunity and became the first off the bench for the team. He was aggressive in this game, making 9 of his 16 attempts, including 4 of 8 from three-point range, for a total of 27 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
In conclusion, the Rockets' victory in this game not only demonstrated their strength as a top-tier team in the West but also highlighted the individual contributions of these five players. Their collective efforts propelled the team to a significant win and showcased their ability to perform under pressure.