HOUSTON — The last time the Houston Rockets played inside Toyota Center, they were riding high off a six-game winning streak and heading into a four-day layoff before a three-game California road trip.
Since then, fortunes have changed dramatically for the Rockets. They return Wednesday to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. Houston is on a three-game slide after losing to the Los Angeles Clippers, Lakers and Golden State Warriors. For the 2023-24 season, the Rockets are 6-1 at home and 0-5 on the road.
Rockets forward Dillon Brooks is hopeful Houston can get back on the winning track versus his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies, who have struggled this season following his departure and the NBA’s 25-game suspension of Ja Morant. He hopes the Rockets can return to playing more physically and take advantage of the crowd, thus giving them an edge when defending their home court.
“Honestly, just playing together, sharing the basketball and getting great shots,” said Brooks about the Rockets’ keys to victory.
Houston hopes being at home could lead to the re-emergence of third-year shooting guard Jalen Green, who struggled on the road trip. In those three games, Green averaged 15 points a game while shooting under 35% from the field and 25% from 3-point range. He did not play the fourth quarter on Monday in Golden State, a decision by head coach Ime Udoka.
“Just keep that same confidence,” said Brooks about helping his younger teammates get over slumps. “Come out with a fresh mind because every game poses a different challenge.” #Rockets #Sarge @TheRocketsWire pic.twitter.com/kvP7Z8fOeC
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) November 22, 2023
It is the second time so far Udoka sat a starter in the final period. Earlier this season, forward Jabari Smith Jr. was replaced by veteran Jeff Green. Both Green and Smith were top-three draft picks by the Rockets in back-to-back years (2021, 2022).
While with the Grizzlies, Brooks was part of a team with very talented but young players, and he is willing to use that experience to help Green and Smith get over the hump.
“Just keep that same confidence,” Brooks said. “Don’t weather through the slumps of each game; take those as learning experiences. Come out with a fresh mind, because every game poses a different challenge. With this new team and a new core, there are going to be days where you don’t shoot the ball as much or have a great game, but what are you going to bring to the game that contributes to winning?”
“Each and every day, it does not matter if you shoot the ball well or you mess up a lot and turnover the ball,” Brooks said. “If you are contributing to winning, it brings you into good spirits.”
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