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The Rockets pulled off an unlikely upset in Game 6, going into the Chase Center and knocking off the Warriors in what was a must-win outing, one that staved off elimination and forced a Game 7 back on friendlier ground in Houston.
With two straight wins after falling behind, 3-1, in the series, the Rockets have some momentum going back to Toyota Center.
Coach Ime Udoka has said that was the team's approach all along. No matter what came along over the course of the series, the goal was to maintain focus and play with an even keel.
"It was a mantra going into the series. Play through everything," Udoke told reporters after the 115-107 victory in Game 6.
Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka (right) talks with forward Amen Thompson (1) during the second quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
He continued: "You know, it's going to be a physical game. Don't ask for anything. We want to be physical. So if the refs allow it or that's how the style of game is played, that favors us more often than not.
"And so yeah, I think guys are past that point and there was some chippiness a few times here and there but seems like it's a norm every now and then in this game, in the series. So I think guys are past that. They understand what's on the line, and what to play through, and if they don't, I kind of remind them."
One thing that has worked out for Houston through this series is that the rotation has been almost entirely intact. There have been no injury issues. That should be the same in Game 7.
The team made its official injury report to the NBA on Saturday night, and there were no changes. Jock Landale, who has been out with a knee injury but returned to action with five minutes played in Game 5, was back on the injury report for Game 6 and remains there for Sunday.
Jae'Sean Tate is also out, with an ankle injury that will at least keep him out for this series. Whether the Rockets will have another series ahead will be decided on Sunday, in Houston.
Continue reading...
With two straight wins after falling behind, 3-1, in the series, the Rockets have some momentum going back to Toyota Center.
Coach Ime Udoka has said that was the team's approach all along. No matter what came along over the course of the series, the goal was to maintain focus and play with an even keel.
"It was a mantra going into the series. Play through everything," Udoke told reporters after the 115-107 victory in Game 6.
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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka (right) talks with forward Amen Thompson (1) during the second quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
He continued: "You know, it's going to be a physical game. Don't ask for anything. We want to be physical. So if the refs allow it or that's how the style of game is played, that favors us more often than not.
"And so yeah, I think guys are past that point and there was some chippiness a few times here and there but seems like it's a norm every now and then in this game, in the series. So I think guys are past that. They understand what's on the line, and what to play through, and if they don't, I kind of remind them."
One thing that has worked out for Houston through this series is that the rotation has been almost entirely intact. There have been no injury issues. That should be the same in Game 7.
The team made its official injury report to the NBA on Saturday night, and there were no changes. Jock Landale, who has been out with a knee injury but returned to action with five minutes played in Game 5, was back on the injury report for Game 6 and remains there for Sunday.
Jae'Sean Tate is also out, with an ankle injury that will at least keep him out for this series. Whether the Rockets will have another series ahead will be decided on Sunday, in Houston.
Continue reading...
