Houston Rocket's X Factors?

The Houston Rockets have now made their debut in the playoffs, and they have a difficult challenge. Steph Curry, famously, owned the Toyota Center, and the Golden State Warriors came to town, winning one game. Jimmy Butler shows why he is so valuable in game one, along with the depth that has been able to figure out their roles. Leaving Houston to try to figure it out as the series progresses. There was no doubt that Sengun, Eason, and Thompson would be able to shine against them, but the question remained of Jalen Green. He has built a reputation for being inconsistent. Now, Green is responsible for taking over the scoring load needed to win the series. With game one being bad for him, where he scored seven points, Jalen then went off in game 2, scoring 38 points and 6 assists, making him an it factor in their win. Along with Dillon Brooks, the veteran is looking to reestablish his reputation by having a great season and stepping up in the playoffs. Fred VanVleet, the veteran on a team option, has a lot to prove to earn the money he is expecting. The Rockets have a lot to prove in this year's playoffs.

Jalen Green has been inconsistent this season. This inconsistency is a concern as the playoffs approach. Green earned a flexible extension with the Rockets. This lets Rafael Stone make changes if the experiment fails or if a better player comes along. In the second game against the Warriors, he scored well at the basket. Green controlles his speed and finished strong. Jalen was able to play off Sengun, which made it easy for the offense to flow, which was not the case in game one. He scored off-ball by making spot-up threes. He also hit mid-range shots, which is impressive since he usually struggles with them. Jalen Green's passing ability is exciting for Rockets fans. He can attract defenders and create openings. This skill shows great promise for the team going forward. Dillon Brooks isn’t alone in wanting to prove himself. Jalen Green also aims to rebuild his image in the league.

Dillon Brooks has a lot to prove this postseason. It seems that few people take him seriously. Which is stupid considering he was a part of the rise of the Memphis Grizzlies in the early 2020s. He was the team's backbone and heart. After the 2023 playoffs, he had a back-and-forth with LeBron James. Everyone laughed at him. Brooks is good at being a spot-up shooter as he helps draw attention from the franchise players. Along with being a talented shot creator who can create his shots and make mid-range jumpers. He plays with a lot of energy on defense. This has led to fights with Kevin Durant and Draymond Green. He is an important veteran along with Fred VanVleet.

This isn't 2019. Back then, Fred VanVleet played a key role in helping the Toronto Raptors win a championship. In his first game, he struggled with shooting, going 2-13 on threes. So far in this series, he has only made three three-pointers. The half-court offense has not been effective, as FVV has not been hitting his shots. The veteran guard needs to bring more to the game for the Rockets to advance to the second round.

Jabari Smith Jr. is a young player who has gotten lost in the sauce but has been able to serve as a spark plug off the bench. Jabari Smith Jr. has been incredible the past three games against the Golden State Warriors. He went on to become one of the most underrated players on the team due to the amount of depth in Houston. Being able to shine on the defensive end, shoot his midrange jumpers, and three-pointers. Smith Jr. is everywhere on the court, hustling and getting five rounds a game. The 21-year-old has managed to surprise everyone at home!

The Houston Rockets are a deep team with energy players who can help lead to wins. Tari Eason is a good young player who is productive off the bench with his ability to defend. Steven Adams is a good backup big man and a traditional big who can set screens and get rebounds. Amen Thompson a wing defender who has been one of the bright spots on this team. Tari Eason who brings the toughness needed off the bench. Alperen Şengün the All-Star has been everything Houston has needed in the offense end. The Rockets are a team with a good mix of young and old players. With such x-factors, they could find themselves making a deep run.

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