Four highlights of the debut, the Rockets started a good start! Shin Kyung s transformation into Shepard was robbed by two-way surprises

The 4 highlights of its debut, the Rockets welcomed a good start! The inside core Shin Kyung scored 19+6+5 in the first half to show a comprehensive transformation, and the highly anticipated Shepard once again disappointed that he was stolen by the two-way surprise.

The Rockets got off to a good start

With Durant absent from the sidelines, the Rockets made their preseason debut with the Hawks at home. Finally, under the leadership of Shin Kyung, the Rockets defeated the Hawks 122-119 to get a good start.

Durant missed this game, Shepard and Ethan joined hands to enter the starting lineup, playing with three stable starting teams, Shin Kyung, Amen and Jabbarry Smith Jr.

While winning a good start, the Rockets showed four highlights, among which the inside core Shin Kyung scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the first half, showing a comprehensive transformation, but the highly anticipated backcourt star Shepard was disappointed and was stolen by players with two-way contracts.

Highlight 1: The three-point shooting has been one of the biggest shortcomings of the Rockets. In the offseason, Jaylen Green and Dillon were let go of two important three-pointers. In addition, Van Jordan was seriously injured, and two key projection points, Durant and Finney Smith, also missed the game. The Rockets' projection resources should have been very tight, but the Rockets showed a huge improvement in three-point shooting in this game.

Especially in the first half of the two sides' real swords and guns, the Rockets made 8 of 13 three-pointers, with a shooting percentage far exceeding the average level, and made at least 2 three-pointers from multiple points.

If such a shooting state can be continued, the Rockets will inevitably be unstoppable on the offensive end in the new season, especially after the return of important three-pointers such as Durant and Finney Smith.

Highlight 2: The inside advantage is huge

The offseason was cut by Landal and the introduction of old player Capela, the Rockets' inside advantage was further magnified. It can also be seen from the rotation lineup of this game that Uduka is trying to gradually transform the "two tower strategy" of the strange formation last season into a regular rotation.

Whether Shin Kyung's partner with Adams or new player Capela achieved good game results in the game, especially with Xiao Jia playing the No. 3 position, the "three high lineup" brings huge rebounding and defensive advantages to the Rockets on both offense and defense.

Adams still made an unsolved end in the inside. In 12 minutes of the game, he scored 8 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in all four shots. Capela also scored 8 points and 5 rebounds in 4 of 5 shots.

The inside core Shin Kyung has continued his good form in the European Championships to the new NBA season. He played in 17 minutes of halftime, made 5 shots (2 of 2 three-pointers), easily scored 19 points, plus 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks, with gorgeous data, plus or minus value + 18, first place in the game.

Compared with the gorgeous data, what is even more surprising is that Shin Kyung did not feel any discomfort when he played the point guard for a long time. Instead, he efficiently sent 6 assists, made only 1 turnover, and made two shots in three-pointers.

Obviously, Shin Kyung, who was defeated in the European Championships, has once again completed a comprehensive transformation and is ready to enter the ranks of superstars in the NBA.

Highlight 3: Exaggerated front depth

In the absence of Durant and Finney Smith, the Rockets still showed exaggerated front depth, with Ethan and Jia playing the starters and delivering stable offensive and defensive performances.

New aid Okogie also seamlessly integrates into the system, and veteran Jeff Green can still play, the Rockets' forward depth is exaggerated, even if Amen still transforms into point guard.

Highlight 4: Two-way surprises steal the show

Since it is only a preseason, examining the player's status is the primary goal, especially after Van Jordan was seriously injured, Shepard will have to bear greater responsibility in the new season, and his performance in his debut is still disappointing.

He made 2 of 6 shots and scored only 7 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist, and made 3 turnovers and 3 fouls. He made 1 of 4 three-pointers on the offensive end. The organization kept stopping the ball, and the opponent was staring at him on the defensive end.

Although his confidence has improved, there is still a clear gap from the level the Rockets hope he will reach. In contrast, guard JD Davidson, who was carrying a two-way contract, performed well, with 6 of 9 shots in the game, 5 of 7 three-pointers, efficiently scored 17 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists.

Whether it is the efficient three-point shooting when playing the role of off-ball, or the breakthrough and solid assist during the ball, it is in sharp contrast to Shepard.