On October 7, the Houston Rockets showcased their growth in the preseason opener, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 122-113. The game highlighted the transformation of Alperen ?engün, who impressed with his newly developed three-point shooting. Early in the game, the Hawks underestimated ?engün's perimeter skills, allowing him to hit two smooth three-pointers, something he struggled with last season (23.3rom beyond the arc). His progress was clear, reflecting a major shift in his game after a successful summer in the European Championship.
展开剩余77%Beyond his shooting, ?engün showed off his ability to drive through defenders, including a tough finish over a double-team. He finished the game with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. His court vision was also on display, particularly with a highlight assist to Jock Landale, showcasing his passing ability and basketball IQ.
Meanwhile, two other Rockets' newcomers also made a strong impact. Clint Capela, back with Houston, showed his value in the third quarter with a thunderous alley-oop dunk from ?engün. Capela also provided defensive stability with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block. His return, alongside Steven Adams, solidifies the Rockets' interior depth, an area that was a concern last season.
The biggest surprise came from JD Davidson, the 2022 53rd overall pick. Davidson, who had spent time in the G-League, exploded with 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, including five three-pointers on seven attempts. His clutch shooting in the fourth quarter helped seal the win for the Rockets.
While the Hawks fought hard with performances from Trae Young (24 points, 8 assists) and Kristaps Porzingis (18 points), Houston's team play stood out. The Rockets posted 28 assists with only 9 turnovers, showing improved offensive cohesion. Even without stars Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet, the Rockets' bench depth was on full display, with Jalen Green contributing 15 points and Tari Eason grabbing 10 rebounds.
This game, while a preseason matchup, revealed much about the Rockets’ evolution. ?engün’s expanded skill set, the addition of Capela’s defense, and Davidson's breakout performance showcased a new level of team play. The Rockets’ future is looking bright, and their transformation is palpable both on the court and among their fans, who erupted in excitement at every highlight play.
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