In a game where the Rockets trailed by 6 points in the first quarter, they still managed to secure a comfortable home victory against the formidable Western Conference team, the Mavericks. After this win, the Rockets remain in third place in the West, continuing to pose a threat to the Grizzlies and Thunder. Meanwhile, the Mavericks' loss dropped them to fifth place, while the Nuggets' victory, assisted by the Rockets, propelled them to fourth in the West. It can be said that the Rockets' performance in this game was quite stable, as they turned the tide from an initial deficit.
Not only did the Rockets' defense perform at a top level in this game, holding the high-scoring Mavericks to under 100 points, but their offense also flourished. Despite the absence of two key scorers, Ethan and Amen Thompson, who average over 10 points each, other Rockets players such as Shen Jing, Dillon, and Jalen Green stepped up to maintain a strong offensive presence. The team's substitute power forward, Whitmore, once again delivered an outstanding performance.
In just 24 minutes, Whitmore scored 18 points on 9 shots, making 7 of them, including 3 out of 4 three-point attempts. This is a significant improvement from his initial 6% three-point shooting percentage at the start of the season, demonstrating his growth into a reliable shooter. In addition to his 18 points, Whitmore contributed 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal, solidifying his role as the second unit's most dependable scorer.
Whitmore seems to have recaptured the form of last season when he was the first choice for scoring off the bench, averaging 13 points per game. With the Rockets fielding an incomplete lineup, Whitmore bravely stepped up to help the team secure crucial points. Although he spent considerable time with the G League's Vipers, the two months of training there clearly yielded significant gains for him.
He has adjusted his mindset and regained confidence in his offensive abilities. Under Whitmore's support, the Rockets secured a valuable victory with an 11-point advantage over the Mavericks. Post-game, Whitmore was interviewed and spoke modestly about his 9-for-18-point performance, stating that he merely made a small contribution and had no major impact on the game. He emphasized that one game's performance should not define anything and expressed interest in seeing what would happen next.
Whitmore's humility is evident, as he single-handedly scored 18 points to aid the Rockets in defeating their opponents. Without his 18 points, the outcome of the game could have been uncertain. For the Houston Rockets, Whitmore is undoubtedly the chief scorer of their second unit. Despite recent trade rumors involving Whitmore, it is clear that he is a reliable offensive asset within the Rockets' bench lineup.
His modesty further demonstrates Whitmore's excellent mentality and high emotional intelligence, as he refrains from attributing the victory solely to himself. This 20-year-old player is deserving of greater responsibility and recognition.