Combined to score 62+20+10! The core of the Rockets changes hands? Durant becomes the second boss, Udoka may have this intention

Rockets coach Udoka has actually said many times before the regular season that he requires players not to regard Durant as the only core of the team. In other words, although the 37-year-old Durant is very capable and is the Rockets' most famous superstar, the Rockets will still have to rely on team basketball to defeat other teams in the new season. Because the Rockets' success last season was based on their strong defense on the one hand, and on the other hand because the Rockets had many players and used coreless tactics. This is also the reason why the Rockets are difficult to defend on the offensive end.

Therefore, in Uduka's view, although Durant is the Rockets' top star, he is only limited to solving problems at critical moments. For example, in the previous game between the Rockets and the Thunder, when the other Rockets players were prevented from scoring at the last minute, Durant stepped up and scored in isolation. Whether he scored with a mid-range shot or a foul, in short, when no one could score, Durant could come in handy, instead of letting him take crazy shots to help the Rockets increase points during regular time.

In fact, you can also see from the previous game against the Thunder that Durant only ranked second in the Rockets' playing time, and Shen Jing played the most playing time in the Rockets. Shen Jing played a total of 49 minutes in regular time and two overtimes, but his physical strength did not seem to have reached its limit, which also shows that he has indeed worked hard on physical fitness during the offseason. Moreover, Shen Jing is the Rockets' first choice on the offensive end, not Durant. We can see this from the data such as shots.

Shen Jing took 24 shots in this game and hit 12 goals; Durant made 9 of 16 shots. Shen Jing had 8 more shots than Durant. In terms of three-point shooting, Shen Jing made 5 of 8 shots and Durant made 0 of 4 free throws. In terms of free throws, Shen Jing made 10 of 11 free throws and Durant made 5 of 6 free throws. After the whole game, Durant only had 23 points, 3 assists and 9 rebounds.

The Rockets' Shen Jing seems to have become their first choice on the offensive end in this game. He scored the highest 39 points in the game. In addition, he had the Rockets' most 7 assists and the second most 11 rebounds. He also contributed 1 block and 2 steals. His plus-minus value also reached +9, ranking first in the Rockets team.

Judging from the data and on-the-spot performance alone, it is obvious that Shen Jing is the core of the Rockets in this game, not Durant. Durant is a bit like a scorer at critical moments, but Shen Jing still has to do all the big things during regular time. This may be a microcosm of Durant's status and role in the Rockets team in the new season.

In other words, Shen Jing may be the Rockets' main offensive point in the new season. He will hold the ball in his hand for a long time to sort out the offense, and he will also hold the ball in his hand for a long time to play in isolation. Durant will step up to replace Shen Jing at critical moments, but in regular time, Uduka seems to be more interested in letting Shen Jing support the team.

However, in this game, the Rockets' dual-core Shen Jing and Durant scored 62 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists. The partnership between the two was very reasonable and well understood.

Judging from this game, the core of the Rockets seems to be changing hands. Shen Jing can beat Durant in terms of data and performance, and Durant is entirely likely to become the Rockets' second boss and become Shen Jing's first assistant. This can be seen from Uduka's tactical arrangements and some of his previous remarks in interviews. He does have this intention.

After all, Durant is 37 years old and may be able to play for three more years with the Rockets at most, while Shen Jing is only 23 years old and will be the Rockets' center and number one star for the next 10 years. Therefore, the core responsibility is now handed over to Shen Jing, which is also very beneficial to the Rockets.