In a confrontation at the bottom of the table where the absences of mark are legion, it is the Rockets and their pretty dynamic which got the better of clumsy Pelicans (118-108). Despite a huge offensive game from Brandon Ingram at 40 points, Houston quietly won a 6th straight game on the shoulders of his veteran duo, Eric Gordon (23 points, 5 assists) and Christian Wood (23 points, 8 rebounds).
Jonas Valanciunas (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Willy Hernangomez (10 points, 14 rebounds) did the job well in the paint but the New Orleans outside sector was particularly deficient with Devonte ‘Graham and Nickeil Alexander-Walker who ripped open, just like the rookie Trey Murphy III who ended up as a cowl …
Conversely, the Rockets were able to find address and a balanced attack with six players at ten points or more, including Garrison Matthews (13 points, 7 rebounds) or Alperen Sengun (10 points, 4 rebounds) out. bench.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Rockets’ recovery continues. According to one of the stats provided by ESPN, the Rockets would be the first franchise in all US sports to pull off such a turnaround, going from 15 straight losses to 6 straight wins. For veteran Eric Gordon, the reasons for this dramatic turnaround are quite simple:“Defensively, we fight, and offensively, we have an altruistic state of mind. ” The base what …
– The experiment comes in. What if Jalen Green’s injury absence had been a blessing for Houston? The Rockets’ 2nd draft pick formed a very young backcourt with Kevin Porter Jr at the start of the season, but he’s been on the flank for five games. Without their 19-year-old star, the Rockets went on a winning streak. Without Kevin Porter Jr. either last night. “At the start of the season, we didn’t know what we were doing honestly”, explains Stephen Silas. “Some of our guys hadn’t been through those moments. But the more we live them, the better we become. “
– The depression for the Pelicans. With 4 wins in its last 6 games, New Orleans seemed to regain some color lately. But last night in Houston, the performance made by the Pelicans was very bland. Other than Brandon Ingram and the Valanciunas – Hernangomez interior doublet, there isn’t much that has worked. A very difficult first experience for Willie Green, who is still waiting for Zion Williamson.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Christian Wood. Great architect of the Rockets’ turnaround, Christian Wood still sent heavy last night, with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks, after his double-double face in Orlando. The interior was especially very good at 3-points where he finished 5/6 after having drawn the defense of the Pels.
✅ Eric Gordon. Always on the right foot for the veteran Houston back. At 23 points and 5 assists, Eric Gordon stabilized the Texan boat perfectly, all at a 7/14 balance. His changes of pace are a model of its kind, he who can happen almost by walking at the start of the action, and finish in the layup with his power and his support.
✅ Brandon Ingram. This is almost the only good news of the evening on the Pelicans side. With 40 points on the clock, plus 5 rebounds and 4 assists, he multiplied in attack, but that was not enough. More effective at 2-points (12/18) than at 3-points (3/10), the former All-Star has deployed his entire offensive arsenal. In vain…
⛔ Devonte’ Graham. The former Charlotte had already experienced fairly significant air holes with the Hornets, which had earned him a change of dairy this summer. Last night was one of those games without for Devonte ‘Graham who finished 9 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds, with a weak 3/13 on shots including 3/11 on 3-points.
⛔ Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Holder at the start of the season, NAW is now coming off the bench and this logical demotion has not revived the Canadian back, who has just made a twelfth game in a row under 50% success on shots. With 9 points at 3/13 on shots, including 3/8 at 3-points, he is well and truly in the bottom of the wave.
THE FOLLOWING
Houston (7-16) : the Rockets stay at home and receive the Nets on the night of Wednesday to Thursday (2:00 am).
New Orleans (7-19) : The Pelicans are heading home for the Denver reception on Wednesday night through Thursday (2:00 am).
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