On December 27, 2024, Beijing time, the Houston Rockets won a fierce match against the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 128-111, further consolidating their rise in the Western Conference. Despite the absence of key players Zion and Ingram from the Pelicans, the Rockets demonstrated strong team collaboration and individual abilities throughout the game. In particular, the outstanding performances of Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet gave the Rockets' offense a significant boost. On the other hand, the Pelicans struggled offensively and failed to make timely adjustments defensively, ultimately leading to their defeat.
Game Review:
From the start of the game, the Rockets quickly established a lead, with Green and VanVleet's outside shooting providing stable scoring support for the team. Green showcased his offensive talent in the first half, hitting several crucial three-pointers and contributing a total of 30 points. VanVleet not only contributed 25 points but also made key steals and rebounds on defense. The interior protection provided by Alperen Sengun and Bruno Fernando was also crucial, helping the Rockets establish a strong defensive front under the basket.
Although the Pelicans fought tenaciously under the leadership of CJ McCollum, they were unable to find their rhythm on offense due to the absence of their main players. Especially in the third quarter, the Pelicans attempted to close the gap by strengthening their defense, but the Rockets' quick counterattacks and accurate three-point shots kept the Pelicans from getting close to the score. Despite McCollum scoring 18 points throughout the game, his inefficient performance on the court directly affected the overall play of the Pelicans. Ultimately, the Rockets easily won the game away from home with a score of 128-111.
Three Unbelievable Facts:
Unbelievable Fact One:
The depth of the Rockets' lineup, especially the performance of the bench, was astonishing in this game. Although Jalen Green and VanVleet are the core of the team, the victory did not solely rely on them. The interior performance of Alperen Sengun and Bruno Fernando also brought a significant advantage to the Rockets. Sengun contributed 9 points, and Fernando grabbed 13 rebounds, both making important contributions on defense and becoming invisible heroes for the team's victory. The depth of the Rockets means that even if the main players experience a slump, the bench players can step up to replace them, ensuring the team's competitiveness.
Unbelievable Fact Two:
The absence of key players Zion and Ingram greatly impacted the Pelicans' offensive system. Although McCollum tried his best and scored 18 points, he was unable to help the Pelicans regain their offensive fluidity. In multiple offensive plays, the Pelicans failed to make effective shooting choices at the right moments, resulting in scoring difficulties. More fatally, the Pelicans' defense was completely unable to contain the Rockets' offense. The Rockets had a high three-point shooting percentage of 40% throughout the game, especially under the leadership of VanVleet and Green, leaving the Pelicans' defense virtually non-existent. The defensive imbalance of the Pelicans allowed the Rockets numerous opportunities for easy scores, ultimately laying the groundwork for this loss.
Unbelievable Fact Three:
While the contributions of the entire Rockets team cannot be overlooked, the performances of Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet were undoubtedly the biggest highlights of the game. Green, with his precise three-point shooting and breakthrough ability, ultimately contributed 30 points to the Rockets, always stepping up whenever the team needed points. VanVleet displayed his comprehensive skills, contributing 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. He not only led the team on offense but also made multiple steals on defense, helping the Rockets maintain their offensive efficiency. The powerful performances of these two core players gave the Rockets an overwhelming advantage on both ends of the court.
Summary: The Rise of the Rockets and the Dilemma of the Pelicans
Through the review and analysis of this game, it is not difficult to discover that the rise of the Rockets is inseparable from their strong lineup depth and the performances of their core players. The double-star combination of Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet is undoubtedly the core of the Rockets' future competitiveness, while the excellent performances of bench players like Alperen Sengun and Bruno Fernando have brought more flexibility and depth to the team. The victory of the Rockets demonstrates that they do not solely rely on one player but showcase their overall strength through the cooperation of the entire team.
On the other hand, the Pelicans, in the absence of their main players, faced a downturn in offense and a defensive imbalance, directly leading to this loss. Despite McCollum's best efforts, the team as a whole lacked the support of key players, making it impossible for them to maintain competitiveness against the Rockets' onslaught. For the Pelicans, how to recover their health and adjust their tactical system in future games will be an urgent issue they need to solve.
