Dominant Preseason Performance
The Houston Rockets capped off a flawless 4-0 preseason campaign with a 133-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night. Despite resting their regular rotation, the Rockets' deep bench unit stepped up in a big way, led by standout performances from rookies Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson.
Sheppard, the Rockets' first-round draft pick, poured in a game-high 29 points and showcased his two-way potential with 4 steals and 3 blocks. Amen Thompson, the team's other lottery selection, has also impressed throughout the preseason, solidifying his case for a significant role this season.
Offensive Fireworks
The Rockets' preseason dominance was fueled by an elite offensive attack. They led the NBA in points per game and offensive rating during the exhibition slate, while also ranking third in collective true shooting percentage. This scoring outburst came without the team's veteran stars, suggesting the Rockets' offensive ceiling could be sky-high once the regular season begins.
Defensive Adaptability
While the Rockets are known for their defensive identity, there were some questions about how rookie Sheppard would fit into that system. However, he quieted those concerns with his impressive two-way performance against the Hawks, racking up multiple steals and blocks. This adaptability bodes well for the Rockets as they look to seamlessly integrate their young talent alongside veteran leaders like Kevin Durant.
TL;DR
- The Houston Rockets finished the preseason with a perfect 4-0 record, led by standout performances from rookies Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson.
- The Rockets' offense was dominant, leading the NBA in points per game and offensive rating during the exhibition slate.
- Rookie Sheppard silenced doubts about his defensive fit, showcasing his two-way impact with multiple steals and blocks.
- The Rockets' preseason success suggests they have the talent and versatility to be a force in the upcoming NBA season.