On January 2, 2025, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued with the Houston Rockets facing off against the Dallas Mavericks at home. Despite the absence of Amen Thompson due to suspension, the Rockets demonstrated remarkable resilience and ultimately defeated the Mavericks 110-99, ending their opponents' winning streak. With this victory, the Rockets improved their record to 22 wins and 11 losses, firmly securing third place in the Western Conference, just half a game behind the second-place Memphis Grizzlies, intensifying the competition for the top four spots in the West.
Game Review:
The Mavericks started strong in the first quarter, leading the Rockets by six points with a score of 30-24. However, the Rockets began to exert themselves in the second quarter, with Shen Jing and Jalen Green's outstanding performances helping the team score 37 points and reverse the lead to 61-52. In the third quarter, the Rockets maintained stable offensive and defensive play, keeping their double-digit lead throughout. In the final quarter, despite the Mavericks' efforts to catch up, the Rockets remained steady and secured the win with a final score of 110-99.
During the game, the young players of the Rockets showed significant potential. Shen Jing excelled in his breakthroughs, once falling due to an opponent's malicious foul and being hit in the face. But Shen Jing persisted and continued to contribute to the team. Similarly, Jabari Smith Jr. suffered a bloody nose while fighting for rebounds, demonstrating the indomitable spirit of the young Rockets players during the game.
Western Conference Competition Intensifies, Rockets Aim for Top Four
Currently, the Rockets are ranked third in the Western Conference with a record of 22 wins and 11 losses, only half a game behind the Grizzlies. The race for the top four spots has entered a white-hot stage. Considering the Grizzlies' strong performance in the regular season, the competition between the Rockets, Mavericks, and Thunder has become increasingly tense. Although the Thunder currently leads the Western Conference, if the Rockets can maintain their stable performance, securing a top-four spot will be their primary goal this season.
Six Players Score Perfectly, Impressive Performances
In this game, six players from the Rockets delivered perfect performances, earning full marks in their evaluations.
-
Dillon (Perfect Score): Playing nearly 40 minutes on the court, he scored 19 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, made 1 assist, and had 1 steal. He was particularly impressive from beyond the three-point line, making 3 three-pointers. Although his shooting percentage was slightly average, his active hustle and consistent play were crucial contributions to the team.
-
Jabari Smith Jr. (Perfect Score): Shooting 5 for 8, he contributed 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block, showcasing a balanced performance on both offense and defense. Despite not taking many shots, as a blue-collar player, his role within the team is indispensable.
-
Shen Jing (Perfect Score): This game was Shen Jing's personal showcase, where he made 9 out of 16 shots, scoring 23 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, making 4 assists, and having 6 steals, with the highest plus-minus value on the team. Shen Jing has become the first core player of the Rockets, displaying exceptional all-around abilities.
-
Whitmore (Perfect Score): Coming off the bench, Whitmore efficiently scored 18 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, made 1 assist, and had 1 steal in 24 minutes, converting 3 out of 4 three-point attempts, fully proving his worth. Despite the possibility of future trades, Whitmore's performance continues to provide strong support for the Rockets.
-
Jalen Green (Perfect Score): Although his shooting efficiency was not high, making 9 out of 21 shots, he contributed 22 points and 5 rebounds. Green's key scoring during the Mavericks' pursuit played a vital role in stabilizing the situation for the Rockets.
-
Adams (Perfect Score): Although he only played 7 minutes, veteran Adams contributed 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 offensive rebound within his limited time, performing quite well and demonstrating his experienced value within the team.
Conclusion: Young Rockets Display Potential, Future Looks Promising
This victory is not only another significant win for the Rockets this season but also a comprehensive display of their young players' talents. Shen Jing's outstanding performance, Green's critical scoring, combined with the collective efforts of other players, make the Rockets' future prospects promising. Although they still face fierce competition in the West, as long as they maintain their current determination and form, achieving a top-four finish is entirely possible.
In upcoming games, the Rockets will continue to compete with other strong teams in the West, aiming not only to solidify their top-four position but also to strive for even higher rankings, gaining more advantages for the playoffs.