After losing 15 straight games, the Rockets have now won two in a row and the turnaround started with a lineup change, writes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Free agent addition Daniel Theis, who had been the starting center, hasn’t played the last two games as coach Stephen Silas opted for a smaller starting lineup with Christian Wood in the middle. Wood set two career highs this week with six assists Wednesday and 33 points Saturday.
“We’re moving the ball, we’re taking open shots and we’re making shots,” Silas said after Saturday’s win over Charlotte. “How many games in a row did we shoot under 30% from three? We shot 47 (percent) tonight. Part of it is playing Armoni (Brooks) a little bit more, playing Garrison (Mathews) a little bit more. But also having some space out there so we can get our drive-and-kicks. Once a few go, you get a lot more confident about shooting your shots. Pretty confident shooting right now.”
There’s more from Houston:
- Another part of the new lineup is Mathews, who was claimed off waivers before the start of the season and given a two-way contract, Feigen adds. With Jalen Green sidelined by a strained hamstring, Mathews made his first start Saturday and provided 20 points while going 5-of-9 from three-point range. “He’s showing up when his name is called,” Wood said. “That’s all you can ask for a guy like that. He’s shooting the ball great. I told him, whenever he sees the rim and he’s open, let it go. Same with Armoni Brooks. Whenever those two guys see it, shoot it. Don’t hesitate. Don’t try to take a dribble. Just shoot it. That’s what you’re on the floor for. That’s what you’re great at.”
- Silas told reporters that he hasn’t talked to John Wall about his interest in starting to play again, Feigen states in a separate story. Wall spoke to general manager Rafael Stone on Friday, and another meeting is planned today. According to Feigen, it will focus on what Wall’s role might be on a team that remains committed to its young backcourt. “Being around John and him working out all the time and him being around the team and him being the competitor that he is, John just being John, of course you know that he is itching (to play),” Silas said. “As far as a conversation between he and I as far as him wanting to come back, no.”
- Saturday’s game against the Hornets was special for Silas, who still feels a strong connection to the organization after spending 10 years there as an assistant coach, Feigen adds in another piece.
If Rockets want to make playoffs in 2023 or 2024, Jelen Green has to come off the bench.
I project Rockets to miss the playoffs for 7 consecutive years, but the Rockets owner really wants to win ….
Next year, West is tougher than you think.
Lol
7 years? Where are you getting this from? Like me saying I project PG3 the be MVP for the next 7 years. It’s just a silly guess that is unlikely.
Yes the Rockets don’t look good right now but Green is showing glimpses along with a lot of the team, it only takes one signing or trade and a couple of players to click to change everything. This very tough west is ageing thick and fast. With a young Rockets team.
I’m not saying you’re wrong but it’s an ice cold take. I like the direction they’re going. But I think for the future they need to ship Wood while his value is high along with Gordon and Augustine. Wall won’t move but he’ll be back in the line up.
Rockets are comparable to Suns.
The Phoenix Suns, after missing the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons, are headed to the N.B.A. finals – According to June 1 2021 newspaper.
You may be able to compare. But not really. You don’t know what will happen in 6 months, Let alone 10 years. If you said, they’re tanking and hoping for next season I’d understand. But comparing them and saying they’ll be waiting that long is way off the mark. To long of a period to predict.
Are you an algorithm?
I would love to be a fly on the wall as you go about day to day life.
Just like a Brundle fly.
Rockets will make the playoffs again, someday. Could be next year. Could be the following year. 3 years from now. Maybe 5 years. Could be 8 years. Maybe 15 years. But mark my words, it’ll happen, eventually.
If they manage to get lucky enough to draft banchero and move Wood for a good prospect it’ll most likely be sooner rather than later. But I can’t see them being much of a playoff threat for a while. Good prospect but a long project as it stands.
Rockets Suck ………
When will they retire CP3 jersey ????
And have the Disgraced Rocket Homer on this board. Raise it to the rafters.
Get on you knees and beg for a PointGod. First apologize LOL
And after that OKC can retire Chris Paul’s #3 as well, right?
If you play Theis you can’t help but lose, benching him is always great for the winning, right?