The Rockets are off to a fast start with a 5-3 record. Jalen Green has been one of the leading factors for Houston. Defense has also been key. However, they have struggled to hold onto the lead in their first eight games.
Green is currently averaging 22.6 points and five rebounds on 39.7% from the field and 38.2% from three. The fourth-year guard has struggled in two games this season; Golden State is his worst matchup. However, struggling offensively this year has looked different for Green than in the past. His confidence hasn’t dipped after underperforming. Houston has been in the clutch in nearly every game they’ve played, and the former G-League Ignite player ignited Houston in the closing minutes to win, leading the team in clutch points with 4.5 in those minutes.
Houston’s defense has been stingy. Backed up by Tari Eason and Amen Thompson off the bench, this is another big factor in why the Rockets have been able to win their close games. They have the fourth best defensive rating in the league at 108.0. Their defense becomes a necessity to win when their offense starts to underperform and fall apart, which has happened often this season.
Holding leads should be Houston’s biggest focus going forward. They have had several games up by 20 points and then either lost or let the lead fall apart. This has not only been a problem this year. Dropping leads was a trend last year for the Rockets as well.
Last night they played their most well-rounded game, beating the San Antonio Spurs ,127-100. Houston needs to be able to hold leads, and if they can, they will be more of a threat.
The Rockets have made it a point to make the playoffs, and through a handful of games, it looks possible.
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