Ime Udoka pointed to execution, trust and shot selection after the Houston Rockets’ 111-94 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Toyota Center. The Rockets led by double digits for most of the game, and Udoka said the start and the spacing around Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun set the tone.
“We wanted to keep our bigs off of Towns,” Udoka said when explaining the decision to put Sengun on Josh Hart. “He usually has an advantage over bigs on the perimeter and picking and popping and so tried to take away those actions.” He added that “Tari did an excellent job” and that Houston was able to “cross match there” to manage the matchup.
Udoka praised Sengun’s decision-making after the center finished with 13 points and 10 assists while taking only five shots. “It’s a phenomenal game. He took what was presented,” Udoka said. “Every time he rolled, we seemed to get something good.”
The Rockets coach said Sengun’s passing made the offense flow. “They’re obviously focused on getting it out of his hands in the pocket and just make the right play,” he said. “And when you have 10 assists from him, eight from Kevin, eight from Amen, you know, the ball is popping, low turnovers, good night.”
Houston’s starters all finished with at least 13 points, and Reed Sheppard added 20 off the bench. Udoka said the variety of handlers helped the Rockets avoid predictable possessions, especially against New York’s different coverages.
“You know, they will load up and go after him on post ups and ISOs as well,” Udoka said of Durant. “Getting him off ball some and being a screener has been good for us.” He added that Houston does not want to “overdose on that,” but said the team has multiple ways to attack.
Durant scored 27 points and also handed out eight assists, while Tari Eason added 17 points and eight rebounds in another energetic performance. Udoka said Eason’s growth has been clear since the road trip, noting, “His energy was up,” and adding that the forward is more effective when he is “being decisive.”
The Rockets also cleaned up a problem that had hurt them in recent games. “The first part of beating those blitzes is making teams pay and just not turning over,” Udoka said, pointing out that Houston had 10 turnovers after 8 in New Orleans, but still stayed organized enough to control the game.
Udoka said the biggest difference came from finishing the job. “That’s been hurt us at times this year,” he said. “Tonight it was obviously an emphasis to maintain that throughout, and I think we did that.” He added, “Don’t get bored with the things that are working,” after Houston held New York at arm’s length late.
