The past week has been a captivating period for Houston Rockets fans, particularly due to superstar Kevin Durant’s endorsement of the team’s “small ball” strategy. This endorsement comes in the wake of a stellar performance against the Charlotte Hornets, where Durant scored 35 points on an impressive 14-for-20 shooting. His public praise for the small ball lineup, especially highlighting teammate Jabari Smith Jr., has prompted discussions about whether this admiration is a genuine appreciation of tactical innovation or a strategic move to ease prior tensions.
In the Rockets’ closely contested 105-101 victory over the Hornets, Durant emphasized the effectiveness of the small ball approach, drawing attention to Smith’s role in the strategy. This gesture raises questions, particularly since it follows controversy stemming from comments allegedly made via Durant’s “burner” account concerning Smith. The dynamics of this compliment could suggest either a truce or a critique of traditional big men like Alperen Sengun.
Currently, the Rockets feature three of the NBA’s top five player duos in total minutes played, including notable pairings like Smith and Amen Thompson, as well as Durant and Smith. This trio has generated an outstanding +193 plus/minus, showcasing their impressive synergy on the court. However, statistical insights reveal a fluctuation in effectiveness when these players are paired with traditional centers, potentially signalling inconsistencies in relying solely on a small ball lineup.
In examining the Rockets’ game against Charlotte, the most productive small ball lineup still recorded a -1 rating overall, illustrating mixed results. Notably, the second quarter saw a significant turnaround, with the lineup featuring Durant, Smith, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jae’Sean Tate, and Tari Eason converting a deficit into a lead. Yet, the inability to sustain this momentum raises questions about the reliability of small ball as a perpetual solution.
Looking ahead, Durant’s enthusiasm may indicate a shift in Houston’s tactical direction, particularly as the team prepares to utilize small ball strategies more frequently. This could lead to potential trade discussions aimed at enhancing their small ball rotation, especially if the strategy proves effective in upcoming matchups.
The coming weeks will be pivotal for the Rockets, as they face crucial games that could either validate their small ball approach or steer them back towards traditional lineups. Durant’s positive outlook on Smith and the small ball strategy might represent a transformative moment for the team as they aim to redefine their identity and seek a competitive edge during the remainder of the season.