0-1, folks.
It’s no big deal. Let’s start with that basic premise. The Rockets took the defending champions to double overtime. There’s no shame in that.
Is there a creeping fear that the Rockets have once
again built the definitive second-best team in the NBA? Are we fated to play the Andre the Giant to some Golden State or Oklahoma City-based Hulk Hogan (minus the heinous racism) forevermore?
(Having a midlife crisis and it’s just rediscovering wrestling, PS).
Well, it’s just one game. It really isn’t a big deal.
The Rockets are really good. God him (or her) self couldn’t 1. Cook a burrito so hot that even (s)he couldn’t eat it or 2. Build an NBA team that’s guaranteed to win the championship. You can only build an elite team and see how the universe plays out.
That said, the Rockets will need to be mindful of a few realities moving forward to put themselves in an optimal position.
1. Reed Sheppard is still small
I’m resisting the urge to be “out” on Reed Sheppard. The “he’s not going to get bigger” rationalization veers dangerously close to the “Alperen Sengun’s feet won’t get faster” line of thinking.
That said, Sheppard was a “gimme” for the Thunder last night. When he was on the floor, it was 4 on 5 when the Thunder had the ball.
The circumstances have also changed. The Rockets had time to see if Sengun could overcome his athletic limitations. He has, but the team doesn’t have two years to develop a problematic rotation piece. Kevin Durant is officially a Rocket, and we’ve entered into a brave new world.
That’s not to say ship Sheppard as soon as possible. It’s not an overreaction to one game. It’s just something the Rockets should keep an eye on. If Sheppard continues to look like a hole in their otherwise-sturdy defensive armor…
Well, let’s leave it at that.
2. Tari Eason needs to play within himself
If Sheppard doesn’t pan out in Houston, the sky won’t fall. If Eason doesn’t:
Well, my wife won’t hear the end of it anyway. I’ll be devastated, and I’m willing to bet I speak for a lot of us.
Yet, last night was a bit troubling. Eason played outside of himself. He was 1/6 from the field and turned the ball over 4 times. He seemed entirely too eager to hunt baskets, and a bit less of a Tasmanian devil on defense compared to usual.
Eason’s contract controversy was not a product of his production. Any trepidation from the organization surely comes from his injury history. He doesn’t need to prove himself a a primary offensive option to earn a lucrative deal.
If anything, trying to establish a larger offensive role is likely to hurt his case. The Rockets simply need Eason to be Eason. If he can do that and stay on the floor, it’ll be best for all parties.
Here’s hoping he adjusts his mindset moving forward.
3. The jury is out on Point Amen
Thompson’s box score from this game is…well, a bit difficult to look at.
He had 5 assists to go with 4 turnovers. He took seven threes, and he missed them all.
(The shot that was originally marked a 3 and changed to a 2 was the most cosmically unjust moment in the history of moments, but it was the right decision.)
The eye test was a little better. Thompson made some solid passing reads out of pick-and-spread actions. Moreover, his willingness to shoot was encouraging. It’s not as if Jalen Green never had an “0-fer”.
What feels most likely is that Thompson will split the difference. He may never function as a primary playmaker, but if he’s a perennial All-Defense wing with secondary playmaking abilities, the Rockets should be satisfied.
Especially because…
4. Alperen Sengun has no ceiling
Let’s end on a positive note.
Thirty-nine points, 12/24 shooting (5/8 from deep), 11 rebounds, 7 assists (4 turnovers). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Durant suited up for this game:
And Sengun was unequivocally the best player on the floor.
Forget superlatives. They don’t exist. Sengun is a player who could win a Most Valuable Player award someday.
Once the Rockets start winning games, it could come sooner than you’d think.
