Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets played an intense battle for supremacy in game 6 of first round playoff game. Notably Emi Udoka inserted the veteran big man Steven Adams that made a real big difference tonight that help secured the win aside from the amazing performance of point guard Fred VanVleet with 29 points. This is not to downplay Warriors game and their efforts which they did everything they could but the defense of Houston Rockets with their two bigs in veteran Steven Adams and Sengun made a big difference with their rebounds and unrelenting defense.
Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Playoff Game 6
This is not to take any shade with what Lakers have done for unexpected playoff exit but they could have learned a thing or two that playing small ball is not the answer especially with Rudy Gobert not being challenged by Jackson Hayes that found himself not playing in game 5 between Lakers and Timberwolves. JJ Redick as a rookie coach was obviously outcoached by Timberwolves coach by playing all the starting 5 players in second half with barely no substitution except for Gabe Vincent and unable to adjust with Rudy Gobert’s dominance with 24 rebounds and 27 points in this contest. Jackson Hayes like Steven Adams could have made a difference by providing quality rebounds and altering shots in the paint that will free Lebron James at the 5 to focus on his offensive game. Instead Lebron found himself minimally contributing in the 4th quarter which was his usual time for being effective, engaged and score more points but that was not the case because of the defensive assignment to anchor the defense which might have contributed to their loss.
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