The Rockets "Big Five" lineup has everything in place, they just need the "point guard" talent

In the first opening game of the 25-26 NBA season, the Rockets lost to the defending champion after double overtime and almost took away the victory. It was a pity, but considering that the Thunder was the champion last season after all, the loss was acceptable. Durant is the former scoring champion, MVP, and FMVP, but Alexander is also an MVP and FMVP, and the Thunder's lineup is also very strong. Although Jaylen Williams is not playing, Cutt perfectly assumes the important role of second-in-command, and Alexander's mid-range shot is still unsolvable.

The two teams performed equally well at critical moments, but the Rockets' current problem is more fatal. After Amen Thompson came off the court with cramps, it is easy to make mistakes without a ball handler. After all, Sheppard is still too young.

Judging from the scene, the Rockets' five major lineups really made the Thunder suffer: they scored 31 free throws, 16 offensive rebounds, and sent out the Thunder's twin towers. The five-fight lineup took full advantage of their height, size, and strength, but once Amen came off the court, their biggest shortcomings were exposed; Sheppard was frequently targeted when he came on the court, was repeatedly called out by his opponents, and even made fatal mistakes at critical moments. He made 3 of 11 in the game, including two turnovers; in fact, it is understandable, because young people have to pay a price in order to grow.

The five major lineups do have advantages, especially the three-point improvement of Shen Jing and Smith Jr., and their defensive resilience. Once Amen is not on the court, the ball has to be handled by a long man like Durant, and it is easy to make mistakes when attacking from the top of the key. However, there are almost no mature point guards in the lineup. Sheppard holds the ball for too long and does not grasp the timing of passing the ball to his teammates well, so he will be intercepted.

In the final analysis, the Rockets currently lack a good point guard. It is best for VanVleet to return from injury as soon as possible; otherwise, it will be difficult to go further with Amen alone. After all, he is not a professional No. 1 player. Perhaps, in subsequent games, we will see many of the same scenes as today, with too many mistakes causing the "cooked duck" to fly away.

Prior to this, there was Brogdon on the market to meet the Rockets' needs, but this team no longer has salary space; in other words, the Rockets can only strengthen this position through trade. Time is fate, VanVleet was injured at the wrong time. If he had been present in this game, Amen's three-pointers would not have been 0 for 7. After all, some shots may have been left open; Sheppard's fatal mistake probably would not have occurred, because the player present at the critical moment was VanVleet.

No matter how you put it, they are all men who helped the team win the championship in the finals. Their ability and mentality will naturally surpass Shepard, let alone a player of the same level.

For the current plan, the Rockets can only dig internally and rely on Amen and Shepard; however, some tuition fees still have to be paid, just like today.

Fortunately, this is just a game where the Rockets haven't had enough break-in. What if they wait until they get better? The outcome is unpredictable.

In the western arms race in the new season, there is destined to be a competition between the heroes, and the Thunderbolts will be the first echelon. As for who will win the championship, it still needs a little bit of luck, what do you think?