Houston Rockets Vets Show 'Why They Are Here' in In-Season Tournament Win: Notebook

Houston Rockets Vets Show 'Why They Are Here' in In-Season Tournament Win: Notebook

HOUSTON — Fred VanVleet drilled a clutch 3-point field goal over the top of Zion Williamson that left 47.3 seconds in the fourth quarter. A few possessions later, he nailed back-to-back free throws to help the Houston Rockets take a 104-100 come-from-behind victory over the New Orleans Pelicans Friday night inside the Toyota Center.

VanVleet scored five of his 20 points in the closing seconds to help the Rockets open their In-Season Tournament with a win. But VanVleet's most significant role came with 9:10 left in the third quarter when the Pelicans tied the Rockets at 60. 

"We talked after the game — these are way more fulfilling than the blowouts," VanVleet said. "Having to work. Having to grind it out. Being up and down. Having ejections, technical fouls, foul trouble, bad shooting. This game had it all tonight, and we were able to stay resilient and come away with a win."  

Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) shoots the ball as New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Pelicans battled from an eight-point halftime deficit to tie the game following Jordan Hawkins' triple. VanVleet saw that his team began to get down on themselves. As one of three veterans, VanVleet took the initiative to help the team regain its composure.

Coach Ime Udoka said VanVleet's veteran presence was huge. He was vocal by getting on players who reverted to their old habits. And when he wasn't looking for his shots, the All-Star point guard made plays with 12 assists to get his teammates involved.

But VanVleet wasn't the only veteran who played a significant role in the win. Jeff Green came off the bench to help Houston slowdown Williamson, who scored 18 of his 24 points during the first half.

And despite having five fouls, Dillon Brooks enhanced his intensity on both ends to contribute to the comeback victory.

Before VanVleet's triple, Brooks helped the Rockets come within two points by connecting on a pair of layups and recording two steals. Houston trailed New Orleans 98-88 with 4:26 left in the final period when Brooks picked up his fifth personal foul.

The game embodied the importance of why the Rockets went out of their way to add veterans to their young roster this offseason. The outcome has led to Houston winning its fifth consecutive game while improving to a 5-3 record after a 0-3 start.

"Dillon playing through five fouls, he came up huge in the fourth quarter," Udoka said. "Obviously, it took experience to get through that. Fred, just a calming presence and getting us into the sets. When he wasn't scoring, he was getting Alperen and other guys the ball to capitalize on some mistakes — that's why they are here."

#Rockets coach Ime Udoka on Fred VanVleet’s play down the stretch. pic.twitter.com/tj9pjwsGXo

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) November 11, 2023

Alperen Sengun embodies veteran teachings:

Alperen Şengün finished the game with 24 points (9-of-13 FG) and eight rebounds. There have been moments throughout his young career where Şengün's stat line was better. But this may have been his best performance. 

Şengün began the night questionable due to a right ankle sprain he sustained during a blowout victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. He played through pain. But while following the examples set by the veterans, Şengün made hustle plays down the stretch.

"It was huge for him to come up with those big plays," Udoka said. "He had to play through a sore ankle. For him to play through that and finish on a high note, it was big time for him to play through that and see the success he can have."

He sacrificed his body for a pair of loose balls late in the fourth quarter but failed to record the steal. However, Şengün was able to recover his defensive assignments to help the Rockets come away with stops. 

The effort Şengün gave late in the fourth quarter was a testament to the lessons he has been applying while learning from Brooks, Green and VanVleet.

"They are on our (butt), which is good because we are learning," Şengün said. "When I subbed in for the last eight minutes, Fred came to me, he told me 'We need you, come on.' We cannot be lazy like last year." 

First In-Season Tournament win:

By defeating the Pelicans, the Rockets extended their winning streak to five while recording their first In-Season Tournament win. 

For a team trying to build a winning culture, Udoka believes the In-Season Tournament could help expedite their goals faster by reaping the benefits of their hard work earlier than waiting until early April.

"We're looking at this as a regular game initially, but once you get closer to it, the financial prize and the bragging rights incentivize itself," Udoka said. "Everything takes a little bit of time like the Play-In was initially. Guys had some questions, but everybody loves it now, and I can see it taking the same shape."