Text/Water Clear
Facing the Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, no one was optimistic about the Rockets before the game, and the team trailed by 19 points 41-60 in the second quarter, and was still passive at 88-101 in the final quarter, but just when the fans thought they were about to suffer three consecutive defeats, the team magically completed a big reversal, and three gratifying details are worth highlighting.
Gordon had 32 points, three rebounds and three assists to win by 10 points in the final quarter
First, the value of Gordon.
Wood, Matthews and Brooks were the rocket's three best performers during their seven-game winning streak, but today, throughout the first three quarters of the game they performed as follows: Wood was 4 of 13, 6 of 3 points, contributing only 12 points; Matthews was 1 of 6, 4 of 0 outside the three-point line, contributing only 5 points; Brooks performed decently, but it was only 6 points with 2 of 7 three points, so in this dilemma, the Rockets were able to bite the point difference, Gordon was 7 of 13 in the first three quarters, 3 of 6 from three points, and 22 points, playing a leading role.
What's more gratifying is that there are still 6 minutes and 25 seconds left in the final quarter of the game, and after Gordon came on again, he made 3 of 3, including two three-pointers, especially the two free throws in the last minute and foul tactics, which directly affected the end of the game, 10 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists in the final quarter, which is an absolute leader.
The value of Gordon's excellent performance, the rebuilding Rockets do not have his future space, so before the trading door is closed this season, Gordon will basically be traded, and the better he performs, the more quality the chips he can exchange for the Rockets, which is of great significance to the rebuilding Rockets.
Second, the adjustment of Silas.
During the Rockets' 15-game losing streak, Silas's coaching ability was doubtful, but after he reassured fans with a wave of seven consecutive wins, today in the face of the dilemma of falling behind in the final quarter, he dared to change the team, using Shen Jing, Martin Jr. and Augustine almost played the final quarter, and when he needed to change back to the starters, he only replaced Christopher with Gordon, and Tate replaced Nuwaba in the last 2 minutes and 44 seconds, directly abandoning the in-form Wood, Matthews and Brooks trio, the effect:
Shen Jing 11+6+4; Augustine 22 points
Augustine scored 2 of 2 three-pointers in the first three quarters, and 4-of-5 in the final quarter to score 16 points alone, becoming the first contributor to the reversal; Shin Kyung only had 4 points to output, but he had 3 rebounds and 3 assists, and the defensive end did a good job of protecting the basket; Martin Jr. contributed 5 points, 3 rebounds and 1 block; Nuwaba contributed 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal on 3 of 4. It was thanks to the explosive performance of four substitutes who combined in the final quarter with 32 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists that the Rockets were able to wait until Gordon returned to finally complete the reversal.
From seven consecutive wins to today's big reversal, Silas's coaching ability has been recognized by everyone, and he can lead the rebuilding Rockets on the right track.
Third, the resilience and unity of the rocket.
The most important point is that the Rockets have shown the resilience of "Texas Junior Strong" in this game, and as a rebuilding team, it is too valuable.
After the Rockets led 21-18 in the first quarter, Trae Young led the Hawks to a 17-2 offensive and defensive flow, at one point to 38-24, the Rockets did not give up, chasing the score to 28-38.
At one point in the second quarter, the Hawks led by 19 points at 60-41, and the Rockets did not give up, chasing the score to 58-69 at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Hawks again led by 17 points at 97-80, and the Rockets still did not give up, chasing the score to 88-101.
In the final quarter, the Hawks led by 12 points again at 105-93, and the Rockets continued to fight back until they finally completed a big comeback.
Silas abandoned the three main players in the last quarter, and they did not have any complaints
What is even more commendable is that when the team counterattacked in the last quarter, Silas used five substitutes, and even did not use Wood, Matthews and Brooks at the last moment of the game, the above three not only did not have any dissatisfaction, but also frequently got up to cheer for the substitutes, and the excellent unity atmosphere in the dressing room was vividly displayed.
As a rebuilding team, being able to develop indomitable resilience and a good locker room atmosphere will accelerate their pace of reconstruction, which is great news for the Rockets.
So, the victory itself has little impact on the team's goals this season, but being able to complete a 19-point reversal, The leadership ability shown by Gordon will enhance the value of his trade, Silas's on-the-spot adjustments, especially the team's resilience and unity, the above three details are commendable, because this will greatly accelerate the team's reconstruction process.