Translation of the article content into English:
On January 2, 2025, Beijing time, the NBA regular season witnessed a crucial match between two Western Conference powerhouses, the Rockets and the Mavericks. In this pivotal battle for positioning, the Rockets successfully defeated the Mavericks with a score of 110-99, ending their two-game losing streak and intensifying the Western Conference standings. In this game, five players from the Rockets stood out with their key performances, not only contributing critical statistics but also playing irreplaceable roles on the court. Let's take a detailed look at the outstanding performances of these five players.
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Shen Jing: The Core on Both Offense and Defense
In this game, Shen Jing once again demonstrated his comprehensive abilities as the team's core. He not only scored the highest among the team but also played a significant role on both the offensive and defensive ends. With a shooting percentage of 56%, he contributed 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists throughout the game, bringing a positive impact to the team in almost every possession. Although he made some mistakes during the game, it did not affect his overall performance. Shen Jing's key steals and offensive coordination allowed the Rockets to firmly control the rhythm of the game after halftime.
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Dillon: The Efficient Scoring Engine of the Offense
Dillon was undoubtedly an important engine for the Rockets' offense in this game. With a high efficiency of 6 out of 15 shots made, he contributed 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal, especially in moments when the team needed scoring, Dillon's performance was crucial. Not only did he score multiple times on the offensive end, but he also made important steals on the defensive end, helping the Rockets stabilize the situation. His shooting percentage was extremely high, especially at the free-throw line, where he maintained a high level of accuracy. Whether it was individual play or team cooperation, Dillon showcased his strength as a starting player.
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Jalen Green: Sharp Offense, a Firing Point on the Court
As a forward for the Rockets, Jalen Green's performance in this game was also impressive. Although his shooting percentage was slightly lacking, his aggressive offensive desire and sharp breakthrough ability still put immense pressure on the opponents. Throughout the game, he contributed 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 0 assists, with a shooting percentage of only 42%. However, his role on the court was irreplaceable, especially in the fourth quarter when Jalen Green's several key scores helped the Rockets maintain their lead.
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Whitmore: A Magical Performance off the Bench
As a substitute player, Whitmore was undoubtedly the "secret weapon" for the Rockets today. With a shooting percentage of 78%, his offensive efficiency was extremely high. After entering the fourth quarter, Whitmore continued to score, allowing the Rockets to widen the gap with the Mavericks. In the entire game, he shot 7 out of 9, contributing 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist, especially in moments when the team most needed offensive support, Whitmore played a key role.
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Smith: Steady Performance, Providing Crucial Support
Smith's performance in this game can be described as gradually improving. Although he was somewhat lukewarm in the first half, as the game progressed, Smith found his form and gradually became an important point in the Rockets' offense. Throughout the game, he contributed 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 0 assists, with a shooting percentage of 62.5%. Not only did he score multiple times on the offensive end, but he also made contributions through steals and defense, especially in the third quarter when his key scores helped the Rockets expand their lead.
Summary
Through this game, the Rockets displayed their multi-point blooming offensive capabilities and solid defensive performance. Shen Jing's all-around abilities, Dillon's efficient scoring, Jalen Green's sharp offense, Whitmore's explosive bench performance, and Smith's stable contributions all played a part in stabilizing the game's rhythm for the Rockets. This victory not only improved their ranking but also greatly boosted the team's confidence. Despite the Mavericks' efforts to catch up in scoring, the Rockets still emerged victorious with a score of 110-99. If the Rockets can continue such teamwork in upcoming games, they will become a strong force in the Western Conference.