3 consecutive wins! Durant 30+5, Shen Jing 25+10+9, Sheppard 13+4 evolved into Paul

The Rockets in Group C of the Western Conference of the NBA Cup were at home and finally defeated the Trail Blazers 140-116. To be honest, if the outcome had not been decided in the last 5 minutes, the Rockets would have sent in a substitute. The Blazers couldn't score more than 110 points today. The Rockets scored nearly 140 points when the main players were on the court. After Durant joined, the Rockets' offensive efficiency went from 23rd in the league last season to first in the league. Defensive end Van Jordan was reimbursed for the season and Dillon was traded to the Suns, but the Rockets' defensive efficiency is still seventh in the league.

In addition, the Rockets have gradually overcome the impact of Van Jordan's retirement. Now Amen plays the point guard and holds the ball for half the game, and then Shen Jing and Durant also organize together. The Rockets' starting point has evolved from point guard to all members. Okogie's start is indeed very effective. The Rockets have 8 wins and 1 loss since he started. Then there is Shepard, who has fully realized his talent as the third overall pick in the last 6 games. There's a reason why the Rockets drafted him with the third overall pick. Shepard's shooting, steals, and flash of passing are like a cross between Curry and Paul.

From starters to substitutes, the Rockets have slowly formed a brand new team. It is not impossible for them to compete for the championship this year. Today's game has said it all. The Rockets were a little slow to start at the beginning, but the Trail Blazers were accurate from the outside. But then Durant scored 16 points in a single quarter. Under his leadership, the Rockets quickly overtook the Trail Blazers and opened up a 9-point advantage. Shepard also hit a three-pointer. In the second quarter, the Trail Blazers counterattacked comprehensively and once tied the score difference. But relying on rebounds and Okogie's active performance, the Rockets still led by 9 points at halftime. In the second half, the Rockets gave no chance. Durant, Shen Jing, Amen, and Smith all delivered, and the Rockets led by 23 points.

But when Durant came off the court to rest, Ethan left the game due to injury today. The Rockets' rotation was a bit inadequate. Udoka played two short backcourts in Shepard and Holiday, and the Trail Blazers took advantage of the opportunity to counterattack and catch up to 12 points. There was no way Durant could come back, so he and Shen Jing teamed up to pull the Rockets back to 15 points. And Shepard was fully trusted and was always present at critical moments. And Shepard lived up to expectations. He received a three-pointer, scored from mid-range with the ball, and then completed a death-stealing steal, and the game was completely killed.

After Shepard completed the steal, Durant, Shen Jing, Amen. Adams and other teammates all came up to celebrate, giving high fives and head pats as rewards. Durant really likes Shepard. When Xiao Xie stole a one-stop layup and scored, Durant smiled like a child and high-fived Shepard in celebration. The atmosphere in the Rockets is really good right now. For the Trail Blazers, Avdija had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Sharp had 19 points, Holiday had 13 points, and Grant had 13 points. For the Rockets, Durant had 30 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, shooting 12 of 19 from the field, and single-handedly challenged the Trail Blazers.

In addition, Shen Jing scored 25 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. In the end, he stayed on the court to get an assist to complete a triple-double, but Holiday missed the shot and was eventually replaced by the Rockets coaching staff. Smith performed well and scored 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Amen had 19 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists. Sheppard started low and went high today, but he made 5 of 12 from the field and 3 of 9 three-pointers to score 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. Then Okogie had 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals, and Adams had 5 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks, monopolizing the rebounds. Ethan had 3 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. To be honest, he played quite a lone wolf. Sheppard asked for the ball several times in the second quarter but refused to give it to him, and finally left the game injured.

It seems that Ethan is quite serious, although Ethan's style of play is a bit lone wolf. But his three-pointers, defense and rebounds are really inseparable from the Rockets. Overall, with an 8-3 start, the Rockets are pretty good. Especially Shepard, who really didn't need to wait for three years to become a super player. He was able to play in just 11 games. His first move was a bit like Paul's, and he stole the ball fiercely. Then the offensive end is very similar to Curry. To be honest, if the Rockets can train Shepard, the upper limit will be high. Who in the league can stop the Rockets?