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Houston Rockets VS St Pete Serpents
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Transcript
00:05Welcome to the New Year's Eve festivities here on 2K Sports.
00:10We're ready to bring the year to a close in style.
00:13Bryan Anderson with you.
00:15Hall of Famers Doris Burke and Grant Hill joining us tonight
00:18along with the fourth member of our team, Allie LaForce.
00:22And we got a quick moment to take a look at the long-term
00:25rebounding numbers over several seasons for Clint Capella.
00:28You know, a trend like this isn't going to please the coach or the front office.
00:33He's been a little more focused on other parts of his game,
00:36and rebounding is something he needs to put more emphasis on.
00:40And I'm sure they've talked to him about it.
00:42Now let's take a look at the Rockets' opening lineup.
00:45Inside, Smith and Shingun.
00:47A man Thompson out there with Josh Okogie.
00:49And it's Durant in at the three spot.
00:51They've got Keyon Ellis.
00:53Hayden Watson is out there with Andre Drummond.
00:55Then there's Torian Prince.
00:57And it's Gillespie in at the one spot.
01:00Happy New Year's Eve, everyone.
01:02With the new year approaching, so is the trade deadline, Grant.
01:05Yeah, it's sooner than you'd think too, B.A.
01:08Some teams will have a new look in the new year.
01:11And of course, that's just the business of basketball, as they say.
01:15You know, inside is where Thompson excels.
01:18And the concentration allowing him to finish there.
01:21Pass to Gillespie.
01:22Now Watson.
01:25Now Ellis.
01:26The baseline J is on the way.
01:28First shot won't go.
01:32With some arc.
01:34And he sinks the layup.
01:36Well, Josh Okogie, because of his ability to elevate a threat from the interior,
01:40that's a nice finish.
01:41Josh.
01:43Outside Watson.
01:46Played it in with a nice touch off the window.
01:49Just taking it right to the rim.
01:51And no one was there to greet him.
01:52And I think defensively, that is not the way you want to start.
01:56Giving up high percentage looks, that doesn't typically end well.
02:00And they may have talked about shot selection coming into this.
02:04It's Watson on the wing.
02:06To the paint.
02:07Here's Drummond.
02:07And the layup is good off the glass.
02:10You can see the jumper.
02:12Andre Drummond says, I'm willing to take it.
02:15Thompson outside.
02:17Back to Durant.
02:21And it's slammed in by Durant.
02:24He just rises up and throws it down hard with one hand.
02:28That is such a go-to move for him.
02:30He holds nothing back on those.
02:33Now here's Ellis.
02:34In his last outing, eight points for him.
02:36And three for four to start.
02:38Showing some rhythm.
02:40All right, guys.
02:40We're lucky to have Shams Charania joining us now.
02:43Our 2K insider calling in with a story.
02:45What do you got, Shams?
02:46You look at the Houston Rockets.
02:48Already one of the most physically imposing teams in the league last season.
02:52And they got even bigger signing Clint Capella.
02:55Of course, the trade for Kevin Durant.
02:58And bringing back Steven Adams.
03:00They're a team that nobody looks forward to facing, guys.
03:03Leveraging that tall timber.
03:05All right, Shams.
03:06Appreciate the report.
03:07First trip to the free throw line for him in this one.
03:10The first free throw is good.
03:12What we know about Torian Prince is he's a terrific competitor.
03:16Who knows he's going to lay it all out on the floor every night.
03:20For coaches, that is such an invaluable trait.
03:23Both shots good from the strike.
03:26And here are the Rockets now.
03:27They dropped both games against his team last season.
03:31Just a shellacking they don't want to repeat.
03:34Thompson passes to Smith.
03:38The jump hook.
03:40Ooh, Lance soft on the front of the rim and drops in.
03:43And that's where Shingun does the majority of his scoring.
03:46I mean, he's a problem down low.
03:49Here's Drummond.
03:51Here's Gillespie.
03:52Thompson with the block.
03:56Pass to Durant.
04:00And there's the rejection.
04:03And they get it back.
04:04Smith no good.
04:05No defender in sight.
04:07He tries to take initiative, but ultimately comes away empty handed.
04:12Gillespie passes to Prince.
04:15And the rebound goes to the Rockets.
04:18Thompson with it.
04:19And Drummond picks him up defensively.
04:21Now here's Durant.
04:22And so ball out of bounds.
04:24Thompson touched it last.
04:25And the latest power rankings.
04:27We're still in December, but we are starting to see things take shape in the NBA.
04:32Taking a look at Houston.
04:33They've come down in the rankings a little.
04:35Landing in the fifth spot for now.
04:37Well, right now for this home ball club, they've played with a lot of effort over this last stretch.
04:42Sometimes that's the only edge you need to beat teams that are similar in talent.
04:48They're the class of their division right now.
04:52Here's Okoge.
04:54Yes.
04:54And it's Shane Goon picking up the assist.
04:57Okoge's got his second bucket on the night.
05:00It's all about heart and hustle.
05:02Okoge gets out in transition.
05:03That's a nice finish.
05:05Tries it from 19.
05:07Baskets good.
05:11And so Thompson will bring it up for Houston.
05:16And the slam dunk by Thompson.
05:19That is Thompson's game.
05:21Rocking the rim and giving his team some energy.
05:24Pass to Drummond.
05:26The ball's knocked loose.
05:31Durant with it.
05:32We saw him with 19 his last time out.
05:35Smith no good.
05:39Ellis outside.
05:41Now Drummond.
05:44Shoots.
05:45Oh, he nails that one.
05:47Three for four now.
05:51The Rockets have got 7 of 11 shots to find the mark.
05:57Here's Durant.
05:59Can't nail the jumper.
06:01Boy, taking what's there.
06:03Very good shot selection.
06:05Just not the result you hope for.
06:07And Durant with the block.
06:09I think it's probably the most underrated aspect of Kevin Durant's game.
06:12He's elite defensively and sends that shot back.
06:16He drops it from range.
06:18And a look at how the hustle game has been going for the Rockets.
06:21They've been pretty intimidating on the defensive end.
06:24Knocking away shootings containing shooters and making it tough to find looks.
06:29And the other thing that's working for them tonight, getting out into the open floor.
06:33A lot of the damage coming in transition.
06:36Grant, is it fair to call Kevin Durant one of the most unique players we've ever seen?
06:40Without a doubt, B.A., most definitely.
06:43The blend of size and perimeter skill.
06:46Unprecedented.
06:47KD able to rise up his score over most any defender.
06:51And so Ime Odoka decides to call timeout.
06:54He's going to take a minute to regroup with his players.
07:01And the Rockets going with a whole new group out there.
07:05Now let's check out the Western Conference standings and see how they look here in December.
07:10Taking a look at the Rockets.
07:11They're currently in fourth place and trying their best to get a better seating.
07:15When I look at Houston, you really have to think that most teams would love to be in the position
07:20they're in.
07:21But the reality is, they're not most teams.
07:24For them, it's first place or bus.
07:26Especially since they were in the top spot earlier this season.
07:30I'm sure they thought they'd be there all year, but now they've got some ground to make up.
07:34Drummond, high post.
07:37Now to Achimura.
07:39Over Green.
07:41And it's Achimura missing.
07:43Listen, that's a good shot for him.
07:45He just couldn't connect.
07:48And it's Green missing.
07:50Nothing more important than contesting layups and dunks.
07:53A great job defensively.
07:58Here's Gillespie.
08:00Playing Detroit, he was nearly unstoppable.
08:02Oh, Green with a block.
08:05Pass to Van Vliet.
08:07Here's Shepard.
08:09And a foul called on the way up.
08:11So he'll take two from the free throw line.
08:14The Shepard's so creative with the ball.
08:17He confuses the defenders.
08:19Houston shooting their first free throws.
08:21First trip to the line in this one.
08:23Green's checked in for the Rockets.
08:37Good on both.
08:38Boy, when you watch this guy shoot free throws, you can see very repeatable motion.
08:43And that is what leads to this kind of consistency.
08:46And let's swing it over to the sideline and hear from Allie.
08:49Thanks a lot.
08:50Fred Van Vliet is the leader for the Rockets.
08:52Their coach, Ime Udoka, says Fred sometimes goes against his natural inclination.
08:57Playing the good cop because Ime himself is so hard on that.
09:00But adds, Fred is a grumpy dude.
09:02He always finds something to be mad at.
09:04We need that with our team.
09:06Back to you, Brian.
09:07They love his disposition.
09:09All right, Allie, thank you.
09:10Here's Van Vliet.
09:12Drummond grabs the miss.
09:14Drummond's got five rebounds tonight.
09:19Here's Achimura.
09:21And he misses the go-ahead basket.
09:24Houston has gone one for three from beyond the arc.
09:28Here's Shepard.
09:29Houston with another miss.
09:32Got an eight of 16 attempts to fall.
09:36Prince, the pass to Drummond.
09:38And the jam by Drummond.
09:41Boy, how about the quick elevation by Andre Drummond.
09:45Doesn't miss an opportunity when it's that easy.
09:49Pass to Capella.
09:53Here's Shepard.
09:55Outside for Green.
09:58And here's Capella.
10:00That one goes in.
10:02And the Rockets lead by one.
10:04Good pass in to set that up.
10:06Teamwork on display.
10:08Mitchell, the pass to Drummond.
10:10Here's Gillespie.
10:11Guarded by Van Vliet.
10:13Now here's Drummond.
10:15To the right side.
10:17Now Achimura.
10:21Pass to Prince.
10:25Over Green.
10:26And that's not gonna go.
10:28And that concludes a back and forth high-scoring first quarter of play.
10:33The Rockets on top, up by one.
10:35And the second quarter is on its way when we return.
10:50Let's get you back to the action on the floor as the New Year's Eve festivities continue.
10:56And taking a look at Houston's performance here.
10:58Guys, what have they been doing?
11:00Or not doing?
11:00Oh, what I love was that first quarter was all about leaking out and capitalizing in transition.
11:07And why wouldn't they?
11:08You see their effectiveness in the open floor.
11:10Very difficult to slow down.
11:16We're gonna get a nice 50% for the game.
11:19We've got Mitchell.
11:20Zeke Nagy out there with Rui Achimura.
11:23Then there's James.
11:24And it's Herger.
11:25In at the three.
11:26Small forward.
11:27Now here's Mitchell.
11:31And out of bounds.
11:32The Rockets will take it.
11:35And now a moment for the 2K leaderboards.
11:37The top scoring teams in the NBA.
11:40We knew the scoring talent on this team would be tremendous.
11:43But they may have even exceeded our own expectations.
11:47Rashawn Holmes.
11:48He's checked in for Nagy.
11:49Rashawn Holmes.
11:57Houston in the lead.
11:58This is how the floor looks for the Rockets.
12:00Starting the second.
12:01Van Vliet and Shepard.
12:02They're the guards.
12:04Tari Eason is out there with Alperon Shingun.
12:06And it's Capella in at the five.
12:08Down low.
12:09Here's Holmes.
12:10The Rockets getting their last shot to go.
12:14Achimura.
12:15The pass to James.
12:16Shoots over Shepard.
12:17That one's good.
12:18From James.
12:19On the assist from Achimura.
12:21James has got his first points of the game.
12:24Well Rui Hachimura has a chance to set up a teammate.
12:27And look at the delivery.
12:28Well done.
12:31Van Vliet finds Eason.
12:35Here's Capella.
12:38Six on the shot clock.
12:42Shingun.
12:42No good.
12:45Pass to Hurdle.
12:46Back to Achimura.
12:47Down low.
12:48Holmes.
12:49Oh, it's Holmes with the big jam.
12:52And once he gets to the rim, it's fairly automatic.
12:56Nothing fancy right there.
12:58Just takes his two points.
12:59Moves off.
13:01Here's Van Vliet.
13:02And no good.
13:05To the middle.
13:07Here's James.
13:08Takes the assist and lays it in.
13:10Nice setup.
13:12James has got four points in the corner.
13:14They're playing great team basketball.
13:17It's good movement.
13:19It's sharp, crisp passing.
13:20And so Ime Odoka decides to call timeout.
13:23We might see him looking to make some tweaks to the strategy.
13:33Holidays checked in for Shepard.
13:35Well, a chance to check out some stats for Andre Drummond.
13:39Effective field goal percentage is a great way to measure his performance over the previous ten games.
13:44It's been much improved, a sign that his game has been evolving.
13:56Capella finds Shangoon.
13:58Houston working the ball around.
14:01Holiday has the open look.
14:03And it's rebounded by Gillespie.
14:06Gone three of three to begin the second.
14:08Here's Watson.
14:09From down in the low post, it goes.
14:13Watson's got his second basket of the game.
14:15Dora's offensive rebounding was down for a few years.
14:19But it's making a comeback.
14:20What teams realize, Brian, is that you can absolutely corner crash.
14:25Create extra opportunities for yourself without putting your defense at a deficit.
14:30Turner gets the bucket.
14:32And what's working here?
14:33Each guy is willing to make the next pass.
14:37Holiday passes to Shangoon.
14:39And the shot is good on the assist by Holiday.
14:42Holiday.
14:43Six points for Alper and Shangoon.
14:45You gotta love how Shangoon attacks on the interior.
14:48Turner gets the bucket.
14:50That's been the story of their offense so far.
14:53Getting a number of looks from point-blank range.
14:57Three-pointer Holiday.
14:59Grails it from deep.
15:01Slow reaction from the D.
15:02And it cost him three.
15:05They've gotten each of their six shots to fall here in the second.
15:10Pass to Gillespie.
15:11And here's Watson.
15:18Six to shoot.
15:20Back to Herter.
15:22Ellis outside.
15:23Hires the three.
15:24And he drains it.
15:26A solid five for six now.
15:27Both teams are starting to find a rhythm here.
15:31And this is partly what the game has become, right?
15:34A matter of dueling three-point opportunities.
15:37Van Vliet misses.
15:39You gotta love how they've been crashing the boards.
15:42Fighting hard for every miss.
15:44Basket counts.
15:45Boy, absolutely no rim protection leading to a lot of easy buckets here.
15:51Now here's Van Vliet.
15:53No points so far.
15:57Watson inside.
15:59Working on Chengu.
16:00And he lays it up and in.
16:02I'll tell you what.
16:03Their execution just continues to impress.
16:06Rockets trail by nine.
16:10Van Vliet drives.
16:12The Rockets with another miss.
16:14Boy, this guy has completely lost his focus.
16:17Nothing working.
16:19Here's Watson.
16:20A chance to extend the lead to double digits, but it's no good.
16:24Driving in.
16:26Eason.
16:27Good.
16:28Yeah, nice job there.
16:29Just very lackluster defense.
16:31The home team calls timeout.
16:40And a new group getting ready for the Rockets.
16:43Smith, he's checked in for Clint Capella.
16:45Kevin Durant comes in for Eason.
16:47Okogie's checked in for Holiday.
16:49And it's Thompson in for Van Vliet.
16:53And you watch Alperen Chengu.
16:55He's a beast on the blocks, Grant.
16:57Yeah, B.A. He throws his weight around.
17:00But what separates him is his skill.
17:02Against the best post defenders in the league, he comes up with creative ways to score.
17:08Ellis, good.
17:08Good.
17:09He's getting it done offensively.
17:11Making winning plays at every turn.
17:15Oh!
17:15And the jam by Thompson!
17:18That's unreal.
17:19I mean, Thompson, that boy's gonna hit his head on the rim one day.
17:22Oh!
17:23What a sensational move.
17:25Captured from the connected cam.
17:27Sponsored by AT&T.
17:29Now here's Ellis.
17:31Thirteen points in the game.
17:33The three is up.
17:35Kevin Durant with a rebound.
17:38And so it's Durant who brings up the ball for Houston.
17:41They'll face the Jazz after this game.
17:43That'll be at home.
17:44It'll be a quick stopover at home before they have to get back out on the road.
17:48And down it goes.
17:49Two points.
17:50Well, that's just a pretty pass.
17:52Kevin Durant carrying the scoring load when he has to.
17:55But boy, can he get others involved.
17:59Drummond passes to Watson.
18:02Ellis outside.
18:04Here's Prince.
18:06Shoots over Durant.
18:07That's good on the jumper.
18:09Prince has got six points.
18:11They've now had assists on each of their last three buckets.
18:18Here's Durant.
18:19Making it look easy inside.
18:21Durant.
18:22Well, Kevin Durant has an ability to put the ball on the deck and finish off the drive.
18:27Prime example there.
18:30Outside Watson.
18:32Ellis on the wing.
18:34Takes the three.
18:36It's hauled in by Houston.
18:41Here's Okoge.
18:42In his last outing, eight points for him.
18:44Hits a three pointer.
18:45This quarter, they're doing some real damage from outside the arc.
18:50Trying to stay within striking distance here.
18:53Prince.
18:54The pass to Ellis.
19:01It's Watson on the wing.
19:03Unloads.
19:04And it's good as he snugs it right through the net.
19:08Give him eight.
19:09I'll tell you what.
19:10They are on fire this quarter.
19:12Taking total command of this game.
19:16Here's Smith.
19:18Oh!
19:18The dunk by Smith.
19:20Yeah, pretty slick move by Smith.
19:22You gotta have a strong handle to go up against NBA defenders.
19:25Ellis outside.
19:28Pass to Gillespie.
19:29Here's Prince.
19:30Goes up on the wing.
19:33Okoge pulls down the board.
19:34Probably not the shot they had in mind.
19:37But you can't fault him.
19:38He had a clean look.
19:40Now here's Durant.
19:42And another basket for Houston.
19:45Now forget the analytics.
19:46If KD's shooting it, I'll take it all day.
19:4930 seconds left in the first half.
19:53Pass to Prince.
19:55Now Ellis.
19:56Tries it from 19.
19:58The shot comes out.
19:59That's not a bad shot, but this isn't really his shot.
20:03The three.
20:04Durant.
20:05KD splashes the triple.
20:08Kevin Durant has absorbed a big time scoring role everywhere he's been.
20:13This guy is so special offensively.
20:15Gillespie passes to Ellis to win the run.
20:18Gets the three to fall.
20:21Gillespie's got himself on the board with a three there.
20:24That's how you up the ante.
20:26Come right back at him.
20:27And you would expect nothing less from these two.
20:30Taking pride and making plays.
20:33So the clock runs out with the score tied going into the half.
20:37Well, now a minute to check in with Allie LaForce.
20:39She's courtside.
20:40Hey, Allie.
20:41KD, you're really getting up and down the floor out there.
20:43How much fun is it when the offense is flowing like that?
20:46Well, I think this team is very well disciplined.
20:50And they do all the details.
20:52And we just wanted to play harder, man.
20:54And I think we got some steals.
20:55We got some fast break points.
20:56And we're playing together.
20:57Everybody touching the ball.
20:59It's just fun when we're playing like that.
21:00So we got to continue to do that.
21:01Well, the discipline is paying off.
21:03Thanks, Kevin.
21:04Allie, as always, thank you.
21:05We'll be right back to begin the third quarter right after this.
21:08Let's turn your attention to center court.
21:11And get ready for the battle.
21:13Half court shot.
21:14Drum roll, please.
21:17And thinking about the shot.
21:25You saw that.
21:27Give it back for the participants.
21:42Glad you could join us.
21:44The story tonight for the Houston Rockets through two quarters, a tightly contested matchup.
21:50I only have two words for you.
21:52Elbow fammich.
21:55Establish yourself inside.
21:56Good things will happen.
21:57That's right, Ernie.
21:58I said fammich.
21:59They've had some success, but they've been counterpunched at times as well.
22:07All right.
22:08Next, let's look at some of the possible entrants into this year's dunk contest.
22:14Some impressive names on here.
22:16Shaq, any interest in lacing up your sneaks?
22:19And finally competing in one of these?
22:21I don't want to embarrass these young guys with my hops, Kenny.
22:24You know this two-inch vertical I have to say to.
22:27It's their time to shine.
22:29Yeah, nice out.
22:30Nice out.
22:32And that's it for halftime.
22:33Thank you for joining us.
22:34We send you back to Bryan Anderson for the start of the third quarter.
22:52And as we get into this third quarter, as we've seen so far, neither team able to create much separation
22:57on the scoreboard.
22:59You know Kevin Durant has really been making it happen here, guys.
23:02He was getting into the lane easily that first half.
23:05Just relentless.
23:07Now this guy is such a good finisher on the move.
23:09And so far, the defense has not been able to counter it.
23:27Here's Gillespie.
23:28Torian Prince is out there with Peyton Watson.
23:30Then it's Andre Drummond.
23:32Then there's Keyon Ellis.
23:33And it's Gillespie in at the point guard position.
23:37Now here's Ellis.
23:38Comes up empty down low.
23:40Boy, he won't miss many of those, but it certainly happens and did there.
23:45And for Houston.
23:46Katie and Smith, the lengthy duo at forward.
23:49Josh Okogie is out there with a Ben Thompson.
23:51And it's Shane Goon in at the pivot spot, manning the middle.
23:54Yeah, what an athlete Smith is.
23:56Excellent at rising up to punch it home.
23:59Andre Drummond is out there with Peyton Watson.
24:02Then there's Keyon Ellis.
24:03Then there's Prince.
24:04And it's Gillespie in at the point guard position.
24:08Now here's Watson.
24:11Shot clock at six.
24:15And that one goes.
24:16He's now recorded his fifth bucket and eight tries.
24:21Second half of basketball.
24:23Just over a minute played so far.
24:25So the Rockets five now.
24:27Inside Smith and Shane Goon.
24:29Thompson out there with Josh Okogie.
24:31And it's Durant in at the three.
24:33Time now to hear from our reporter, Allie LaForce.
24:36Hey guys.
24:36The Rockets have brought in the right veterans.
24:39Coach Ime Udoka said, quote,
24:40Their approach rubbed off on our entire team.
24:43We can only teach so much.
24:44But you have to have guys that have carved out their niche in the league.
24:48With that edge.
24:50And that defensive mentality.
24:51It was invaluable for our team.
24:53Back to you.
24:54They've got that grit.
24:55Thank you, Allie.
24:56This isn't how they wanted to start the second half.
24:59Only one of four.
25:00Here's Durant.
25:02And another basket for Houston.
25:03Well, such a great decision maker, right?
25:05Durant feels out the situation.
25:07Goes with the pull-up game.
25:09The home team calls timeout.
25:19And right now, let's take a look at the teams that do the best job protecting the rim.
25:24Number one, Houston.
25:25This is not the team you want to challenge at the rim.
25:28They're the best team in the league at blocking shots.
25:35So it's the home team now.
25:38It's Watson on the wing.
25:41Drummond passes to Ellis.
25:43Here's Gillespie.
25:44Over Thompson.
25:46Can't hit that one.
25:48Trying to get it going.
25:49Only one for five to start the second half.
25:55Durant against Prince.
25:56Durant with the bucket.
25:58And now it's a six-point rocket lead.
26:01And Kevin Durant just lighting up the stat sheet right now.
26:04He's in a rhythm and that's trouble.
26:06Drummond passes to Watson.
26:12Pass to Ellis.
26:14Launches it.
26:15Good!
26:16Now seven for eleven on the night.
26:18Boy, he's been lights out.
26:19You want to talk about an efficient offensive game.
26:22Wow.
26:24Here's Thompson.
26:26Ellis with a rebound.
26:29Gone one of two shooting from the perimeter since halftime.
26:33From deep.
26:35And the rebound goes to the Rockets.
26:38Durant's got six rebounds here tonight.
26:42Here's Thompson.
26:43Pass to Okoge.
26:46Offline with a three.
26:47Boy, normally he makes that defense gets lucky there.
26:53Drummond passes to Ellis.
26:55Outside Watson.
26:58And that one goes out of bounds.
27:00Last touch by Ellis.
27:01And you have to be more careful with the basketball.
27:04These are possessions that you don't get back.
27:15The Rockets lead by three.
27:18Pass to Thompson.
27:20Houston working the ball around.
27:22Here's Sengun.
27:24And they're going to count that bucket.
27:26And they'll send him to the line.
27:28It could be a three point play.
27:30Yeah, good physical play from the big man.
27:33Sengun refused to be stopped.
27:35And he's got his first opportunity at the line here tonight.
27:38And so Ime Udoka decides to call timeout.
27:41He's going to gather the troops and talk it over.
27:47And the Eastern Conference has been great to watch so far.
27:50Here's how things are shaking up midway through the season.
27:53You take a look at the home team.
27:55At the midway point of the season, they're in fourth place in their respective conference.
28:03And what separates Sengun from most other pivots is his level of skill.
28:08Plus his basketball IQ.
28:10A really polished player.
28:12With the drive.
28:14Gillespie can't get it to go.
28:16And that closeout certainly made a difference.
28:18Well, no question.
28:20He altered that shot.
28:21And most of the time, that's just as good as blocking it.
28:25That's just perfect execution.
28:27Nice job hustling.
28:28And as a result, he gets rewarded with the bucket.
28:31You don't give the defense any chance to set up.
28:35Sometimes you just love an easy look.
28:37Well, you simply have to stay connected to him.
28:40His shooting stroke is that pure.
28:44Shoots from the line.
28:46Thompson, no good.
28:49Gotten two of four threes to fall here in this third quarter.
28:53Gillespie passes to Watson.
28:56It's Prince on the wing.
28:58Pass to Gillespie.
29:00Outside Watson.
29:02Down to five on the shot clock.
29:04Here's Gillespie.
29:07Here's Prince.
29:08And the shot clock expires.
29:1124-second violation.
29:13Mitchell's checked in for Gillespie.
29:15And then for Houston, Eason comes in for Smith.
29:17And Van Vliet is subbed in for Okoge.
29:23Now here's Durant.
29:25He's got 21.
29:27Eason finds Durant.
29:30Oh, KD!
29:32Filthy!
29:33Yeah, Kevin Durant.
29:34You allow him a path to the cup, look out.
29:37Gone cold here in this third quarter.
29:39Just three of nine.
29:42Ellis passes to Watson.
29:44Back to Ellis.
29:47It's Watson on the wing.
29:49Shoots over Eason.
29:50And it's Watson missing.
29:52This guy just simply can't find his rhythm.
29:55And sometimes that happens.
29:58Eason can't get it to go.
30:00Gone four of eight from three.
30:02A nice percentage.
30:04From Pete Mitchell.
30:06It's hauled in by Houston.
30:08Durant's got eight rebounds in the game.
30:10Thompson outside.
30:13Pass to Eason.
30:15The three!
30:17Here's Shangoon.
30:18Another basket.
30:20He's now six for seven in the contest.
30:22Yeah, great positioning and timing from Shingu there.
30:25And his height helps a little too.
30:28It's Prince on the wing.
30:32Ellis passes to Prince.
30:34From Pete Mitchell.
30:36Hits the trifecta.
30:38Mitchell's got five.
30:39Back to back threes.
30:41Making their defense work on the perimeter a bit.
30:46Here's Durant.
30:47And the layup is good.
30:49And the Rockets lead by eight.
30:51They've been a little soft with their defense on the interior.
30:54The home team calls timeout.
31:05Both teams will make substitutions.
31:17One-forty-nine left in the third quarter of the game.
31:23Pass to Mitchell.
31:24There's the three.
31:26Fires in the triple.
31:28Mitchell's got six here in the quarter.
31:30A dozen consecutive points off of threes.
31:33This defense looks rattled.
31:35And it's slammed in by Durant.
31:38The to-do list when you're trying to guard Kevin Durant is long.
31:42And he's used that added strength to power through contact.
31:46Kevin Durant.
31:47And some stats here, guys.
31:49The scoring breakdown for Houston.
31:50Well, how about the work they've done from the in-between area?
31:54They are making it rain and the storm ain't over yet.
31:58But they've also been scoring on the break with how difficult it is to get buckets in the half court.
32:03Any time you can push the ball in transition for easy ones, that's big time.
32:07Now here's Durant.
32:0927 points for him.
32:11It is unfair that a seven-footer can be that smooth, that agile, off the bounce.
32:17Kevin Durant doing some nice work.
32:19Here's Herter.
32:22That one falls.
32:23Nice setup by Mitchell.
32:25Give him eight points now.
32:26It's interesting.
32:27They definitely had more three-point attempts in the first half.
32:31Not sure why they went away from it.
32:33Here's Durant.
32:35Achimura with a rebound.
32:37Two for one opportunity here.
32:39Hey, if I'm in their shoes, I go for it.
32:42Oh yeah, that'll do it.
32:43Wow, an emphatic two-handed slam.
32:51There's 42 seconds left to play in the third quarter.
32:56Here's Durant.
32:58That one's good for two.
33:00Durant's got 14 points now in the second half.
33:03They have no answer defensively inside.
33:06Pass to Gay.
33:11It's hauled in by Houston.
33:1619 seconds left in the third.
33:19Van Vliet.
33:21And he can't get that one.
33:23Achimura with the defensive effort.
33:27Back to Herter.
33:30Outside Mitchell.
33:31There's the triple.
33:33Nails it from beyond the arc.
33:36Mitchell's got 11 points.
33:38Kevin Durant has been leading the charge for Houston.
33:41On the glass, he was an absolute tyrant.
33:43Just owning the boards.
33:45All right, stick around.
33:46We'll be right back after this.
33:49We'll be right back after this.
33:53We'll be right back after this.
34:08We'll be right back after this.
34:17The Rockets lead by four.
34:19Rui Hachimura is out there with Kevin Herter.
34:21Then it's Zeke Najee.
34:23Then there's Mitchell.
34:24And it's Gillespie in at the point.
34:26Yep, that one's good.
34:27That's ten straight points they've given up in the painted area.
34:31Here's Gillespie.
34:35And here's Mitchell.
34:37Soft touch off the glass.
34:38And he's coming off a huge performance,
34:41and his confidence couldn't be any higher.
34:44And his coach knows that, too.
34:45Well, the best players, to me, deliver night after night after night.
34:50So as long as he's hot, keep riding it.
34:53And it's Shepard missing.
34:55Gotten seven of 12 three-point attempts to fall.
34:58To the inside.
35:00Lays it up and in off the pretty assist.
35:03Zero rim protection.
35:05Unforgivable in a tight ballgame like this.
35:07You know, we talk about execution offensively coming down the stretch.
35:11To me, it's as important defensively, and they didn't have it.
35:15Here's Shepard.
35:21Inside.
35:21Capella.
35:22It's deflected.
35:24And he's able to get it back.
35:25And that one drops for him.
35:30How about the unselfishness of this team?
35:32Yeah, the willingness to make the next pass has this defense scrambling.
35:37And that was the right decision.
35:39When you're in need of a bucket, you go to your most trusted guys.
35:43Well, you've got to earn trust and equity by making shots.
35:47Nice delivery there.
35:48I mean, I guess they're willing to give him that shot.
35:51They may want to rethink that strategy, though.
35:55Right side, Mitchell.
35:56From outside the arc.
35:57He gets it.
35:58He's seventh for eight and really going at him out there.
36:01After an ice-cold start to this game, he is pouring it on here in the second half.
36:07Houston has gotten five of 11 threes to drop so far in this game.
36:11And Ime Udoka has pulled timeout.
36:14He's looking to make some very important adjustments here.
36:17And something fans don't always get to see.
36:20Some of the closely guarded secrets that happen in that huddle.
36:23It's tough to hide your communication.
36:26Teams go to great lengths to try to do it, but sometimes to no avail.
36:31Drummond's checked in for Najee.
36:33And a change for the Rockets.
36:34Durant's checked in.
36:35A moment to hear from Allie LaForce.
36:38Hey, guys.
36:38During that last break, I heard Ime Udoka as he talked to the team.
36:42He tried to loosen the tension a little, asking his guys,
36:44are we having fun?
36:45I know I am.
36:47Just relax out there and follow the game plan.
36:49We've got this.
36:50Allie, thank you.
36:52Now you see the wherewithal of Fred VanVleet.
36:54Finds the soft spot in the defense and converts.
36:58Pass to Drummond.
37:00Here's Gillespie over VanVleet.
37:02Shot is good by Gillespie.
37:04The defense can't be so relaxed at this stage of the game.
37:08Not against him.
37:09I think he takes that kind of defense as a sign of disrespect.
37:13And he was more than happy to accept the challenge.
37:17Now here's Durant.
37:18Lays it up and banks it in.
37:20Durant's got 33 points.
37:22Even though they have the lead,
37:24this guy keeping his foot on the gas pedal.
37:26I love it.
37:27Mitchell, the pass to Herter.
37:29Count that bucket.
37:30In crunch time, trying to get the foul, the bucket, or both.
37:35And here's Durant.
37:36He'll bring it up for Houston.
37:38Their biggest lead of the game was nine.
37:41Drummond grabs the miss.
37:43Drummond's got eight rebounds in the game.
37:45Hachimura finds Drummond.
37:46Now Herter.
37:47Contended by Easton.
37:49And there's Herter.
37:50That's good.
37:51On the assist by Drummond.
37:53Drummond's got his third assist of the night.
37:57The Rockets have gone five of eight from the field so far in the fourth.
38:00Here's Durant.
38:01The foot back.
38:03Drummond grabs the miss.
38:05Got all seven of their shots to go.
38:08Impressive here in the fourth.
38:09And it's slammed in by Hachimura.
38:13Hachimura can make play after play above the rim.
38:16This guy's got a natural, gifted, athletic frame.
38:19Rockets trail by three.
38:24Now Van Vliet.
38:27Here's Capella.
38:28Houston with another miss.
38:31And they've been producing at a high level.
38:34No question.
38:35They're in a nice rhythm offensively.
38:37Pass to Gillespie.
38:38Now Mitchell.
38:39Fires the three.
38:41And how about that?
38:42Eight for nine now.
38:43He's delivering for his team when it matters most.
38:48Houston has gotten five of 11 threes to drop so far in this game.
38:53Durant.
38:54No good.
38:54Yeah, they just can't seem to end the drought no matter where they shoot it from.
38:58And I think you can start to feel their frustration mounting with every missed bucket.
39:03It becomes more and more desperate.
39:05And for so many teams in the NBA, establishing the three-point shot is goal number one on offense.
39:11He's definitely doing his part tonight.
39:14No doubt it's a growing trend, Greg.
39:16And he is highly accurate tonight.
39:19Van Vliet misses.
39:21Gone four of four from outside during the fourth.
39:25Achimura.
39:26The pass to Drummond.
39:27And Drummond with the chance.
39:29Boy, power play by Andre Drummond.
39:32He has made a career out of stress testing the rims.
39:40Shingun.
39:41Oh, the jump hook.
39:43You know it.
39:43He is torching a defense that simply has no answers for him.
39:48The home team calls timeout.
39:57Houston making some changes.
39:59Smith, he's checked in for Capella.
40:01Okoge comes in for Easton.
40:03And it's Amin Thompson in for Van Vliet.
40:13Gone four of four from outside during the fourth.
40:16Now Mitchell.
40:23And no one in the vicinity.
40:26And no one in the vicinity.
40:26That's been typical of their performance today.
40:29They're sharing the ball and creating good shots.
40:35Duran.
40:36Whoa!
40:37Kevin Durant.
40:38Nasty.
40:39Well, Kevin Durant with a little crafty creativity.
40:44KD at the rim.
40:45Thanks to AT&T for that fantastic look from their connected cam.
40:51Grant, wouldn't be a bad idea here to slow it down.
40:54Yeah.
40:54Coach is definitely looking for patience and execution.
40:59Tosses it up.
41:01It's cleared away by Thompson.
41:04He forced that one.
41:05Not a productive trip up the floor.
41:07And in a way, by taking that one, he's bailing out the defense.
41:11It's just too easy to stop.
41:14I mean, what a generational talent.
41:16KD deadly from the corner.
41:20And stolen by Durant.
41:24Here's Thompson.
41:26Locked!
41:31A minute 35 left to play in the fourth quarter of this one.
41:34Mitchell fires!
41:37Another chance!
41:39Shingun pulls it down.
41:41Rockets trail by six.
41:44Now Smith.
41:46Oh, no good on the layup!
41:55Outside Watson.
42:00Mitchell outside.
42:01Pocket six.
42:02Oh, the long ball!
42:04No good!
42:06And here's Thompson.
42:07He'll bring it up for the Rockets.
42:09Knocks it loose.
42:10Scolen by Ellis.
42:14And he pummels the iron.
42:16Bookends the break.
42:17And they just continue to attack.
42:19Even late in the game.
42:21While they're up big.
42:22And as a result, they may be facing just a little bit less resistance right now.
42:27Now they are having their way.
42:29And the Rockets call time here.
42:31They're trailing by eight.
42:33And the Rockets call time here.
42:34The Rockets call time here.
42:52And the Rockets call time here.
42:52And the Rockets call time here.
42:54And then they're going to attack.
43:00crazy just run the clock don't turn it over stepping up and nailing an important shot to
43:06put this away they have playing with great energy and great effort and as a coach you'd love to see
43:12this from your team every single night now here's duran count it
43:17this is why you want ball movement and player movement and that's made it hard for the defense
43:28to key in on any one individual oh it misses
43:35puts up the tray oh it misses
43:47so the home crowd happy here as they get the victory even early on in this game they appeared
43:53happy to be playing at home and it makes a huge difference once they started to get it to a
43:58groove you never really felt like they wouldn't come out on top thank you for joining us that'll
44:04do it for now for ali la force grant hill and doris burke i'm brian anderson saying thanks for tuning
44:10in and time now to present our player of the game
44:18you
44:18you
44:18you
44:18you
44:28you
44:28you
44:28you
44:28you
44:28you
44:28you
44:28you
44:29you
44:30you
44:30you
44:30you
44:30you
44:31you
44:31you
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