The Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-115 in a thrilling home game. The Rockets dominated the Lakers in the first half, but the Lakers fought back in the second half. Fortunately, the Rockets managed to hold on in the final moments, securing a hard-fought victory.
After the game, the Rockets experienced three joys and one concern. Green, who had been struggling, finally stepped up in the closing moments of the game. He scored crucial points to maintain the lead and finished with an impressive stat line of 33 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block. His newfound defensive intensity was also a pleasant surprise.
Adams played a pivotal role as a surprise asset, grabbing 7 offensive rebounds and drawing several fouls while battling for rebounds. His presence in the paint was crucial, and his ability to protect the rim greatly benefited the team. Without him, the Rockets would not have won.
Amen's performance was also outstanding. He drew an offensive foul on James at a critical moment, stopping the Lakers' momentum. With 16 rebounds, including 6 offensive rebounds, and a shooting efficiency of 11 out of 19, he demonstrated his versatility on both ends of the court. He has solidified his position as a key player for the Rockets' future.
However, Shen Jing's performance was disappointing. He struggled offensively, getting repeatedly blocked by Davis and lacking a reliable shot. Defensively, he was unable to contain the opposition's attacks and had difficulty controlling rebounds. His inability to defend effectively made him a liability on the court. It seems that Shen Jing still has room for improvement when facing stronger opponents. Without Smith to cover for him, Shen Jing faces significant challenges.