Rockets
The Rockets want to spend less time working against the shot clock and more time attacking before the defense gets organized. Their opener offered a good example of why.
Houston scored 29 fast-break points in Wednesday’s 128-110 win over the Mavericks, a total it reached only twice last season, according to William Guillory of The Athletic. Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Durant each scored 30 points, benefiting from the quicker approach.
“When we do that, when we get into it fast, it looks good,” Smith said. “That starts on the defensive end with finishing possessions with rebounds and getting out and not having to run sets and plays. Just playing freely.”
The return of Fred VanVleet, who missed all of last season, helped Houston balance speed with control. He finished with six points and 11 assists in nearly 30 minutes without committing a turnover. Newcomer Marcus Smart added another experienced decision-maker, turning the ball over once in 26 minutes.
Durant appreciated having someone who could recognize when to run and when to settle things down.
“It’s just his calming force. I’m one of those players that’s on edge a lot. I’m ready to go all the time. He comes out and settles the game down,” Durant said of VanVleet.
Guillory notes that Durant and Alperen Sengun ranked third and fourth in the NBA last season in shots attempted during the final five seconds of the shot clock. Creating easier opportunities earlier in possessions could reduce how often Houston needs them to rescue the offense.
“All scorers want the easy ones like that to get them going,” Durant said. “Then, when you get a few isos, it feels good when you touch the ball.”
Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s relationship with Sam Presti helped Oklahoma City stay committed through its rebuild, Tim MacMahon of ESPN writes.
Early in their partnership, Presti gave the guard a children’s copy of The Tortoise and the Hare, using its message to explain the organization’s patient approach. That trust held even through difficult decisions this summer.
MacMahon reports that Gilgeous-Alexander privately advocated keeping Luguentz Dort, but understood when payroll concerns led Oklahoma City to trade Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.
“It feels like a partnership,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I don’t work for him. He doesn’t work for me. We’re in this thing together.”
Nets
Julius Randle says Brooklyn’s priority has been clear since he arrived: Win games.
“It’s not like we’re putting development at the forefront,” Randle said, via Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “Obviously we’re all trying to get better and develop, but it’s what does it take every single day to come in and do the right things to win basketball games.”
Wednesday’s home loss to the Hornets made that task tougher, with six straight games against projected Eastern Conference playoff teams coming next. Houston holds swap rights on Brooklyn’s 2027 first-round pick, reducing the incentive for another losing season.
Moritz Wagner emphasized the importance of translating preseason preparation into results. “You’ve worked so hard the last two, three weeks, you want to execute the things you worked on,” he said.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
