Rockets-Warriors: 5 takeaways as Rockets get back on track in Game 2

HOUSTON — The essence of coach Ime Udoka’s message to his staff, to the world even, heading into Sport 2 of the Rockets’ first-round sequence in opposition to Golden State was two easy phrases: Make. Pictures.

An enormous “duh?” Not essentially. Inside Udoka’s recommendation was his resolve that Houston didn’t have to make wholesale modifications, revamp very a lot or panic in any means after dropping Sport 1 Sunday evening at residence to the lower-seeded Warriors.

If the No. 2 seed within the Western Convention couldn’t keep the course after an preliminary, disappointing toe dip in playoff waters — the Rockets’ common age is simply 24.4 and the franchise hasn’t attain the postseason since 2020 (with a 95% roster overhaul) — it probably would have misplaced multiple sport. It may need misplaced confidence, swagger and too abruptly its means.

As a substitute, the Rockets saved issues easy. They made extra pictures — 39 up from 33 — in a extra useful array, trying 11 extra 3-pointers and making 9 of them. That did it – their meager factors complete from the opener, 85, turned sturdy in a wire-to-wire 109-94 victory Wednesday at Toyota Middle.

Good factor too, as a result of groups that dropped the primary two residence video games in an NBA best-of-seven sequence have prevailed simply 5 instances in 35 tries. Heading to San Francisco down 2-0 would have been a inexperienced mild for the pink lights, as within the applicable time to panic.

Listed here are 5 takeaways from Houston’s improved efficiency — with an help from Jimmy Butler’s aching pelvis — that evened this sequence and arrange Saturday’s Sport 3 at Chase Middle (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).

1. No extra first-game jitters

Regardless of how a lot gamers put together, whatever the recommendation they search, that first NBA playoff sport could be overwhelming. Rockets guard Jalen Inexperienced went on the entire nerve-wracking trip in Sport 1.

“That first game, the lights were bright, the crowd was here,” Inexperienced stated. “The court looked huge. I couldn’t really settle in. My legs were a little shaky. But that’s part of it. I went through it and feel like I did a good job of answering back.”

Solely the rim regarded big to Inexperienced in Sport 2. After taking pictures 3-of-15 within the opener, the No. 2 choose within the 2021 Draft hit 13 of his 25, together with eight of 18 3-pointers. He completed with 38 factors, becoming a member of solely Houston legends Hakeem Olajuwon (who did it 4 instances) and James Harden (as soon as) in reaching 35 factors in a playoff sport earlier than turning 24.

Middle Alperen Sengun had a greater playoff debut Sunday however improved on it Wednesday with 17 factors, 16 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Drafted 14 spots after Inexperienced, the 6-foot-11 large man continues to be simply 22.

“When they’re both going, we’re hard to beat,” Udoka stated. “With them, it’s experiences, getting them under their belt for the first time and just kind of going through it. … Once you get out of the way that first game, the playoffs are here, do what you’ve been doing your whole career.”

2. Butler’s fall marks Warriors’ loss

In need of dropping Stephen Curry, the Warriors can least afford to be with out Butler, their February addition who suits completely into the resuscitated staff’s system. However that’s precisely what occurred late within the first quarter, after Houston’s Amen Thompson seemingly bought pushed into Butler and undercut him whereas Butler was within the air.

Thompson went down face first and Butler went down even tougher on his tailbone. He managed to shoot his free throws following the foul however limped off to the locker room quickly after and was completed for the evening (pelvic contusion).

Golden State didn’t unravel, however it did miss the veteran wing. Bear in mind, these guys had been 23-7 when Butler performed over the season’s two months or so, 25-27 earlier than he arrived or when he sat. Butler scored 25 factors in Sport 1, simply three on this one.

His absence allowed the Rockets to load up defensively on Curry greater than common. And Warriors coach Steve Kerr missed that flooring chief when Curry sat, particularly with second-unit guys.

3. Rethinking Golden State’s rotation

Butler wasn’t the one participant on his staff to exit early. Brandin Podziemski, affected by abdomen hassle (presumably meals poisoning), went again to the locker room within the first half. He returned within the second half however performed barely two minutes, lacking a pair extra pictures on a scoreless evening.

Butler reportedly was headed for an MRI examination Thursday. In Butler’s absence, Kerr turned to Jonathan Kuminga (who had fallen out of the rotation in current weeks). However Sport 3 isn’t until Saturday, so most of the components are transferring.

“If Jimmy’s out, we have to rethink … everything,” Kerr stated. “Like rotations, who starts and the best combinations, and all that stuff. It’s too early for me to even talk about [a Butler layoff].”

Kerr needed to go deep into his bench, with seven reserves logging 10-plus minutes even earlier than elevating the white flag.

Mentioned Kerr: “This is the playoffs. It’s an incredibly physical sport. Stuff happens. People get injured. It’s all part of it. There’s no time to lament anything. You can feel bad for your player, but you have to move on to what’s next. Hopefully Jimmy will be able to play, but if not, we’ve got to go through our options and put together a plan.”

4. Sequence goes from bodily to chippy

Right here’s the black-and-blue rely from Sport 2: 35 fouls, six technical fouls (three per staff), one flagrant foul and one towel thrown.

The flagrant was assessed late within the sport, when Jalen Inexperienced pushed his left arm between Buddy Hield and Draymond Inexperienced, clipping the Warriors’ middle within the face. The house crowd didn’t suppose so — Draymond’s response, slowed down in replay, regarded like thespian work — however their vote didn’t rely.

At 91-79 with 7:16 left, the Warriors nonetheless had time. However their Draymond Inexperienced missed one of many two free throws and, on the following possession, missed a 3-pointer. Houston ran off the following eight factors.

The towel throw was nonetheless to come back. It was a part of a kerfuffle triggered by Rockets guard Fred VanVleet jawing with Draymond Inexperienced because the groups went right into a timeout. Gamers and coaches crowded onto the ground for some phrases and shoves, till Tari Eason tossed a towel at some Golden State personnel to show up the warmth.

Nothing got here of it, although. However count on extra our bodies crashing to the courtroom and a few legit dislike because the sequence continues.

“Yeah, I don’t mind it,” Udoka stated of the orneriness. “It’s kind of who we are. Minus the towel throwing.”

5. A quick and shining shootout

Three of the 4 scoring totals thus far have been 95 or much less. Each different offensive transfer has to slice by means of a thicket of arms and palms. However for an excellent span of 58 seconds close to the top of the second quarter, it rained factors.

In fast succession, Sengun, Hield, VanVleet, Curry, Jalen Inexperienced and Curry once more splashed 3-pointers. The lead stayed the place it was at 12 factors and the tempo was unsustainable — 9 factors per staff per minute, instances 48 minutes, do the mathematics — however it was a short respite from the beating and rasslin’.

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Steve Aschburner has written concerning the NBA since 1980. You may e-mail him right here, discover his archive right here and follow him on X.