Game 2 between the Rockets and Lakers will reveal key offensive strategies within the first six minutes. Watch for who controls the ball early, particularly if Sengun is involved.
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Itâs time for Game 2 in Los Angeles- and you wonât need long to figure this one out.
You wonât need a full quarter, or honestly even ten minutes. Give it six, maybe less, and youâll know exactly what kind of night this is about to be for Houston.
Start with the first few possessions. Whoâs touching the ball? Not just touching it, but who is this offense actually running through? If itâs flowing through Sengun early, with real intention, thatâs already a good sign of course correction from what we saw in Game 1.
If itâs scattered again with guards just dribbling around, no advantage being created, and shots going up just because, we already know where that leads.
Then itâs shot quality. Not makes- that part can lie. Are they getting shots that make sense, or are we watching another stretch of tough pull-ups and rushed threes? The difference is obvious when youâre looking for it.
Game 1 didnât just get away from Houston late. It started that way.
The Lakers went 15-for-19 from the floor in the first quarter, just shy of 79-percent. Houston went 11-for-21. Thatâs where the tone was set.
On the other side, keep an eye on the Lakersâ rhythm. They shot 61-percent for the game and just under 53-percent from three. Thatâs not normal, even for a good shooting team. If those same looks are falling early again, Houstonâs in trouble. If they tighten up and those shots start missing, now youâve got a game.
Focus on which players are handling the ball and the offensive flow, especially if Sengun is a central figure early on.
The Rockets struggled in Game 1, particularly in the battle between role players, which they will need to address in Game 2.
The Rockets need to ensure that their offense runs through Sengun early to correct the issues seen in Game 1.
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Now, pay attention to pace. This is a sneaky one. Are the Rockets playing on their terms, or reacting to everything LA is doing? Game 1 felt like Houston was a step behind all night.
Youâll see all of it right away.
Six minutes. Thatâs all itâs going to take to tell you if this series just got interesting, or if itâs already starting to slip.