The Houston Rockets secured a 114-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. After struggling in the third quarter, the Rockets found their offensive spark through guard Aaron Holiday, who stepped up remarkably in the game’s final moments.
Despite entering the fourth quarter with just four points, Holiday exploded for 14 points in the last 12 minutes, shooting 80% from the field and hitting three of four three-point attempts. His performance was crucial as he led the Rockets in scoring during the fourth quarter and was a significant contributor off the bench for the game, particularly filling in for the injured Tari Eason.
In his third season with the Rockets, Holiday has not consistently played a major role. His limited opportunities have primarily come when key players require rest or when the game’s outcome is clearer. The nature of an end-of-the-bench player’s experience in the NBA can often be unpredictable, but Holiday has typically increased his presence when star players are injured.
This season, with Fred VanVleet and Dorian Finney-Smith sidelined, and with Eason expected to be out for four to six weeks, Holiday has had more chances to prove himself. He delivered an impressive performance on Wednesday, scoring 18 points on just seven shots, placing him as the third-highest scorer for the Rockets behind Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant, all in just 19 minutes of play.
In the first quarter, Holiday was called upon earlier than usual, highlighting the necessity of his contributions. He was effective at the foul line, converting all five attempts and managing to shoot 60% from three-point range throughout the game.
Holiday expressed a selfless approach to his role on the team, stating, “I don’t feel like I’m just a scorer. Whatever they need me to do, I’ll do. Whether that’s play point guard, play off the ball, shoot spot-ups… that’s what I condition myself to do.” This mindset has positioned him to be an adaptable player, helping the Rockets maintain their momentum.
Head coach Ime Udoka praised Holiday for stepping up during critical moments and his consistent readiness to contribute, particularly over the last several games impacted by injuries. “It’s a luxury to have a guy that always stays ready,” Udoka noted.
In contrast, Holiday’s performance against the Denver Nuggets on Friday was less impactful, going scoreless in 13 minutes. With many injuries affecting the team’s depth, the Rockets urgently need dependable performances from Holiday and other bench players as they navigate the coming weeks. His ability to bounce back and deliver solid minutes will be essential for Houston to maintain their competitive edge as the season progresses.