KD or Not, Rockets Know What Has to Change in Game 2 vs Lakers
Sengun must lead the offense consistently. Houston needs quicker decisions, better defense on shooters, and decisive rebounding to force a Game 2 turnaround.
Hours before tipoff in Los Angeles, Kevin Durant remains listed as questionable- likely a true game-time decision- and Houston is still sitting in that uncomfortable middle ground. If he plays, it’s hard to imagine he’s anywhere near 100-percent, meaning you’re not getting a full takeover version of Durant- you’re getting controlled bursts. Helpful, stabilizing, but not something you can blindly lean on for 40 minutes and pray for 30-point night.
If he sits, then there’s no excuse for the offense to look like it did in Game 1. It has to run through Sengun. Not occasionally, consistently.
He’s your best chance at creating structure, drawing attention, and generating clean looks. When the doubles come, the shooters have to be ready- not relocating late, not hesitating- in their spots, hands ready, decisions quick. Because the shooting has to be better.
It just does. Houston got 7-for-7 from Eason, including two threes, and still struggled to find offense for most of the night. Meanwhile, Thompson, Smith Jr.