On January 2nd, Beijing time, according to NBA reporter Shams, the Suns' total salary for this season exceeds 220million,andtheyalsoneedtopayover220 million, and they also need to pay over 220million,andtheyalsoneedtopayover180 million in luxury tax, totaling a staggering $400 million. Currently, with a record of 15 wins and 17 losses, the Suns are only ranked 11th in the Western Conference, missing out on the playoff play-in tournament. Additionally, they only lead the 12th-ranked Kings in the West by one game. In the past 23 games, the Suns have managed only 7 wins and 16 losses, with this win rate ranking just 25th in the league during the same period. It is clear that the Suns will make changes before the trade deadline, aiming to reduce their payroll and regain their future first-round draft pick. This summer, the Rockets acquired the right to swap first-round picks with the Suns in 2025, as well as unprotected first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 from the Nets. The Rockets' goal is very clear: they hope to acquire Suns forward Kevin Durant. Currently, the Rockets are temporarily ranked third in the West. This season, the Rockets have repeatedly faced reversals by opponents in the fourth quarter, which is largely due to the lack of a star player on the team. Although names like Butler and Fox have appeared in the trade market, the Rockets' management and coaching staff have higher expectations for Durant. Moreover, the Rockets' management has maintained sufficient patience in trading for Durant. American media outlet BR has also made predictions, suggesting that the Rockets, Suns,…

The Houston Rockets achieved a significant victory over the Dallas Mavericks, with a final score of 110-99. The Rockets' performance was led by Jalen Green with 22 points and 5 rebounds, and Whitmore with 18 points and 3 rebounds. After the game, Whitmore exchanged jerseys with Lively from the Mavericks, indicating a good personal relationship or mutual admiration between the two players. During the first half, the Rockets led by 9 points with a score of 61-52. Notably, the Rockets' free-throw opportunities outnumbered the Mavericks', with 19 attempts compared to the Mavericks' 3. This advantage helped the Rockets maintain their lead despite struggling with three-point shots in the first quarter. In the second half, the Rockets continued to dominate, with multiple players contributing to the score. By the end of the third quarter, the Rockets had extended their lead to 14 points. Despite the Mavericks' efforts to rally in the fourth quarter, the Rockets remained in control, with Whitmore's efficient scoring playing a key role in securing the win. The Rockets' young players are showing signs of growth and development, suggesting that the team could be a consistent playoff contender in the coming years. However, to become a championship-contending team, they may need to see further improvement from players like Green, Whitmore, and others, or potentially acquire an established superstar through a trade.

On the morning of December 24, NBA regular season continued with the Warriors hosting the Pacers. The Pacers have been in hot form recently, winning 5 out of their last 6 games. The Warriors, on the other hand, have been performing averagely, with somewhat insufficient overall competitiveness. In the first half, neither team managed to pull away, with the Pacers holding a slim 8-point advantage. In the second half, the Warriors' comeback attempt was mediocre, as they only managed to close the gap by 4 points in the third quarter and fell further behind in the fourth, ultimately losing 105-111. Curry had an average game, shooting 2 for 13 from the field, scoring 10 points with 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Kuminga came off the bench to shoot 9 for 16, scoring 26 points with 8 rebounds and 4 assists, the highest scorer for the team and the only player to score over 20 points. The Lakers hosted the Pistons, where despite a clear difference in overall strength, the Lakers lacked overall competitiveness and a stable offensive output. At halftime, the Lakers held a slight 2-point lead, but the fourth quarter saw a thrilling climax with suspense building! In the final moments, James attempted a buzzer-beating three-pointer that bounced off the rim a few times before missing, which could have potentially sent the game into overtime. The final score was 114-117. James scored 28 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists, while Christie scored 17 points. The Pistons won due to strong bench performances from players like Beasley, Fontecchio, Osar,…

The Houston Rockets faced off against the Dallas Mavericks in a Texas derby on January 2nd, as the NBA regular season continued with intense competition. The Rockets secured a significant victory over the Mavericks with a score of 110-99, completing their third double-kill of the season. This win not only solidified the Rockets' position but also presented favorable opportunities for the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers to push for the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings, where there is now a two-win difference between the fourth and eighth positions, significantly altering the landscape of the conference. In the game against the Mavericks, five Rockets players scored in double figures, contributing to their third double-kill of the season. The match was intense from the start, with the Mavericks initially leading 7-2 after a three-pointer by Klay Thompson. However, the Rockets fought back with inside scoring and gradually closed the gap. Both teams engaged in fierce battles throughout the game, with the Mavericks maintaining their lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Rockets managed to catch up and eventually overtake the Mavericks, leading by 9 points at halftime. The Rockets continued to expand their lead in the third quarter, ending it with a 14-point advantage. In the final quarter, despite the Mavericks' attempts to close the gap with consecutive three-pointers, the Rockets maintained a strong inside attack and secured the victory with a comfortable margin. Notable scorers for the Rockets included Alperen Sengun with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Jalen Green with 22 points and…

On January 2, 2025, Beijing time, the NBA regular season saw a match between the 21-11 Rockets and the 20-13 Mavericks. Both teams were on a two-game losing streak and were eager to bounce back. Who would win this battle? The Rockets' Thompson was suspended and Ison was out due to injury, with the starting lineup being VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon, Smith, and Shen Jing. On the Mavericks' side, Doncic was out due to injury and Marshall was suspended, with the starting lineup being Irving, Dinwiddie, Clay, Washington, and Lively. In the first quarter, Lively scored 4-0, followed by Jalen Green's layup and Clay's three-pointer, giving the Mavericks a 7-2 lead. VanVleet and Smith made free throws, while Washington and Clay continued to score, extending the Mavericks' lead to 10 points. Jalen Green, Smith, and Dillon narrowed the gap to 2 points. Gafford scored a layup, and Dillon scored 4 points in a row, leveling the game. Hardy and Kellebel scored, but Jalen Green, Shen Jing, and Dillon responded, allowing the Rockets to take a 1-point lead. Grammes, Hardy, and Powell scored 7-0 to regain a 6-point lead, ending the first quarter with the Mavericks leading 30-24. In the second quarter, Adams scored from the offensive rebound, maintaining a 4-point lead. Grammes continued to score, although Whitmore responded, the gap widened to 9 points. Holiday scored a layup, and Dinwiddie responded with a three-pointer, giving the Mavericks a 10-point lead. Shen Jing and Whitmore narrowed the gap to 2 points. Irving scored a layup, and Shen Jing, Whitmore, and Jalen…

NBA Western Conference Latest Rankings: Rockets Create NBA Miracle, Nuggets Receive Big Gift, Suns in Peril Beijing Time January 2, 2025, Today there are 8 NBA games, involving the Nuggets, Rockets, Mavericks, Kings, Pelicans, and Jazz. After the games, the Western Conference rankings have changed.‌ The Rockets hosted the Mavericks at home, with the Mavericks missing Doncic and Marshall, and the Rockets missing Amon Thompson and Ison. In the first quarter, the Mavericks suppressed the Rockets and took a 6-point lead. In the second quarter, the Mavericks once led by 10 points, but then the Rockets launched a terrifying offensive to overtake the score. At halftime, the Rockets led by 9 points. In the third quarter, the Rockets expanded their advantage, leading by 14 points after three quarters. In the fourth quarter, the Rockets stabilized their advantage and eventually defeated the Mavericks by 11 points. Shen Jing made 9 of 16 shots for 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 steals, while Irving made 7 of 13 shots for 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. After the victory, the Rockets have a record of 22 wins and 11 losses, maintaining their third place in the West. This season, the Rockets have faced the Mavericks twice and won both times, faced the Clippers three times and won all three, faced the Grizzlies once and won, and also defeated the Thunder once. The Rockets' performance against strong Western Conference teams has been outstanding, and their growth rate this season can be called a miracle. After the…

On January 2nd, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued with the Rockets hosting the Mavericks. Both teams had similar records, with the Rockets at 21 wins and 11 losses, and the Mavericks at 20 wins and 13 losses. Additionally, both teams were in poor form recently, having suffered two consecutive defeats. Therefore, this intra-Texas battle was sure to end the losing streak for one of the teams. In the first quarter, the Rockets started coldly while the Mavericks took an early lead with a hot hand, leading 16-6 for a 10-point advantage; however, Green and Xiao Smith's scoring helped the Rockets stop the bleeding, followed by Dillion scoring six points to tie the game. But in the final stages, the Mavericks had another small run to lead 30-24 and end the first quarter six points ahead. In the first half of the second quarter, the Mavericks relied on consecutive three-pointers to lead 40-30 by 10 points; then the game took a sharp turn as Whitmore and Shenjing played very actively for the Rockets, combining for a 17-4 run to overtake the score. Then it was Green, Whitmore, and Dillion who exploded, helping the Rockets end the half leading the Mavericks 61-52 by nine points. In the first half of the third quarter, Xiao Smith, Shenjing, and Dillion worked together to help the Rockets take a 16-point lead; after Irving and Clay scored consecutively to narrow the gap, it was again Dillion, Xiao Smith, and Shenjing who stepped up to stabilize the situation. In the final stages, Dillion and Tate's…

The Houston Rockets faced off against the Dallas Mavericks in a decisive match, ultimately securing a victory with a score of 110-99, ending their two-game losing streak. This season, the Rockets have now achieved a double-kill over the Mavericks, with Luka Doncic continuing to sit out due to rest, and Washington also sustaining an ankle injury after playing only 16 minutes, forcing him to withdraw from the game. Without Washington's strong presence at the power forward position, the Mavericks' depth appeared to be stretched thin. Kyrie Irving was also off his game, performing poorly in the first half before finding some momentum in the second half. On the Rockets' side, they were without Ison and Amen, who was suspended for two games, leaving the "Door God" duo absent. Despite these absences, the Rockets' starting lineup remained intact, featuring Van Jordan, Jalen Green, Dillon, Smith, and Shen Jing. With Doncic out, the Rockets' strategy against the Mavericks was straightforward: focus on defending Irving, occasionally double-teaming him and forcing other Mavericks players to take on the offensive load. Initially, this tactic proved effective, but the Mavericks' outside shooting was accurate. Players like Dinwiddie, Thompson, and Washington were on fire, with LeFevre also scoring consistently, allowing the Mavericks to lead 30-24 in the first quarter, largely thanks to Jalen Green's scoring efforts. In the second quarter, the Mavericks extended their lead to as much as 40-30, a 10-point advantage. Coach Udoka was forced to bring back Jalen Green and other starters, pairing them with the scoring prowess of White Moore. The combination of…

New Year, New Outlook: The Kings are Different, Without the Best Coach Mike Brown at the Helm, they艰难战胜残阵独行侠，终结了自己的六连败，本以为这场胜利将会成为他们吹响反击的号角，不曾想，球队的内部率先扛不住了。As the most direct beneficiary of Brown's dismissal, Fox also fell into social media, helplessly stating that he was unaware of the management's decision to fire the head coach, but still did not receive more sympathy from fans. It was after this scene of "no silver three hundred taels" was made public that the Kings also realized the reality of the team. Regardless of how the team performs in the future or what kind of indescribable games they play, Fox's mind will not stay in Sacramento Kings. From the moment he rejected a 3-year $165 million early renewal, he and his agent team have been planning for a long time. For this All-Star-level guard, many teams have pursued him on trade day, with the Lakers, Spurs, and Rockets becoming the main potential suitors. However, Pelinka does not have any attractive target players for the Kings, and the three future first-round picks are simply outmatched compared to the other two teams. Although the Spurs are interested in pursuing Fox, their current task is not to make a playoff push, but to continue training Wenyibanya and finding role players suitable for him. Currently, the rest of the 14 players in the team are capable of fighting, and if they want to show offensive aggression, they cannot rely solely on Fox. More draft picks may have other intentions. After a simple analysis and comparison, the Houston Rockets have the best chance of winning. First of all,…

The Phoenix Suns have suffered another loss, with their draft pick now having a 1.5% chance of securing the number one overall pick in this year's draft and a 7.1% chance of landing a top-four pick. Some Houston Rockets fans are hoping to secure one of the top three picks and bring Dylan Harper back to Houston, envisioning him as their new "prince." Dylan Harper, dubbed the "Little Harden" by draft experts, recently scored 16 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists with 3 steals and 1 block, committing only 1 turnover, leading his team to victory. Harper, 19 years old and standing at 1.98 meters tall, is a versatile guard capable of playing both shooting guard and point guard roles, reminiscent of James Harden. This season, Harper has played 13 games for Rutgers University, averaging 34 minutes per game with 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks, boasting a 52.5% field goal percentage, 37.3% from three-point range, and 75% from the free-throw line. Harper possesses good athleticism, able to drive to the basket and finish after physical contact with defenders. He utilizes the Euro step effectively, drawing fouls and converting them into free throws. This season, he averages 6.5 free throw attempts per game, inflicting damage on opposing frontcourts. Harper also has a reliable outside shot, averaging 1.9 three-pointers made per game. He demonstrates excellent court vision, willingly sharing the ball, and is actively involved in defense, seeking opportunities to steal and block shots to prevent opponents from scoring. Harper's scoring prowess is…