Rockets head coach Ime Udoka highlighted Dorian Finney-Smith’s impact despite limited scoring in Houston’s 117-100 victory over Cleveland. “He’s not going to be a guy…you see what happened when he was in the game. The shots and rhythm are going to come back eventually…adds to the depth…great to have him back and knock the rust off little by little,” Udoka said.
Udoka emphasized the importance of recent wins following a challenging stretch. “You lose a few overtime games…record looks a lot different…you just try to clean up the things you can control,” he said, praising the team’s focus and ability to maintain leads despite previous setbacks.
Reed Sheppard’s defensive instincts were a key topic in the press conference. “He has great instinct…10 of their 12 turnovers were steals…we want him to be more solid on-ball, not fouling shooters as much. He’s gotten better at that,” Udoka said, noting Sheppard also recorded four steals and a block in the game.
Udoka praised the Rockets’ evolving guard play and ball-handling rotations. “It’s improving…multiple guys handling, multiple guys screening…Reed and men specifically have taken on that duty and improved as the year’s gone on,” he explained, highlighting the flexibility and growth of the backcourt.
The Rockets’ spacing and offensive balance were also key to their success. “Kick out threes are a big thing…multiple guys can be put in the action…it keeps teams off balance and allows Steven to get behind, get on the glass,” Udoka said, referencing Steven Adams’ contributions on offensive rebounds and smart floor positioning.
Reflecting on team defense, Udoka stressed communication and IQ over raw stats. “Not going to see his value in the stat sheet…communication, IQ, toughness…great to have him back and knock the rust off little by little,” he said, highlighting the intangible contributions that helped Houston control the game.
Udoka also pointed to the Rockets’ ability to manage possessions and spacing. “Spacing and shooters…multiple guys handling the ball…keeps teams off balance…when he doesn’t come up with it, a lot of guys are freed up for rebounds as well,” he said, underscoring the synergy between scoring threats and smart rebounding.
Houston outrebounded Cleveland 51-42 and shot 49% from the field, including 46% from three-point range. The Rockets controlled the game from start to finish, with Kevin Durant leading the way with 30 points and seven assists before resting in the fourth quarter.
