The Houston Rockets have experienced an incredible change in how they are faring among the teams in the Western Conference, managing to shrink the deficit between themselves and the reigning champions, the Golden State Warriors, in their quest to make the play-in rounds. To begin with, they lagged by seven game records from the Warriors on March 1. However, 11 recent wins out of 12 games made Rocket Strand very close to Warrior, as it all came down to a 1-game winning lag between them and set the stage for a thrilling showdown on April 4. Let’s consider the next three obstacles the Rockets try to overcome, and we can see the three downsides they may face as they move on.
Pro: The most distinctive for me was Jalen Green, as he had a remarkable performance.
As a matter of fact, in March, Jalen Green had the same scoring output as big man Jokic, who is among the league’s MVP candidates, scoring 27.8 points per game. Green had a hard offensive work, which was mostly exhibited through his jump shot accuracy, becoming the pivot or top league producer for Houston’s offence. Although the recent momentum change of the last few games shows some promise, whether he can maintain this level of performance for a longer period or not is still a question, Green needs to prove if he indeed has the shooting consistency, which I believe he will.
Pro: This season, the Golden State Warriors’ weaknesses are becoming obvious.
Even though the playoff team status does not seem to bother such teams as the Golden State Warriors, the last two-week record of the team is the most uncertain (10-8 with 10 victories and 8 losses). Notably, their returns have mostly been against weaker opponents or teams that have problems with some key players missing. Meaning, it better reveals the Rockets’ deficiencies that can be conquered.
Con: Q: What do the remaining schedules have, and where do I have room to improve?
The Rockets’ recent winning stint is largely attributed to the fixtures with the less-seeded teams, which is the time for them to see more not-tables in March. Nevertheless, their forthcoming opponents are much stronger, so this will be complex. Contrariwise, the Warriors have a winning scheme, and, delightfully, one that could deal them a successful hand if they played to it.
Pro: It is hoped by them that Alperen Sengun will come back.
The possibility of Alperen Sengun’s return, who has had an ankle injury since February, immediately shapes a huge key for the Houston Rockets. Sengun’s Scouts as a critical player in the team’s game before the injury reinforced his value for the team’s success, which could be a booster in the playoff battle.
Con: Tearing apart of Teamwork
While Senguren gives the team optimism, it also might very well become a detrimental factor, causing it to deviate from its style as well as disrupting its chemistry. The squad has changed to a speedier tempo, and players have switched a series of tasks, which has caused doubts that in the event Sengun returns, the team rhythm will be upset.
Conclusion:
Along with this, as the Houston Rockets battle against the Golden State Warriors for the final spot in the Western Conference playoff, there’s no room for second-guessing. While the Rockets have to encounter problems like Jalen Green’s stupendous game and even have a chance at the Sengun’s return, there are also some issues, such as a tougher schedule and team cohesion. Game is not a best-suited word. The duel between the Rockets and the Warriors will be a difficult game that may determine which team will advance to the playoffs.
Comments