With lower than 15 seconds remaining in Wednesday’s fourth quarter, the Houston Rockets it seemed like they had been headed for his or her sixteenth straight loss to the Warriors of the Golden State. On the time, it was the longest shedding streak amongst all 30 NBA groups.
Trailing by one level and with the ball within the fingers of Steph Curry – one of many biggest 3-point shooters the sport has ever seen, with 3,825 made three-pointers and counting – it seemed just like the Rockets had been meant for an additional. close to accident.
Curry, who was intently guarded by Rockets ahead Dillon Brooks, used his patented stepback transfer to interrupt free on the prime of the important thing. Definitely, Curry thought it might be this shot that may enhance Golden State’s lead whereas probably eliminating the Rockets from the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup.
However Brooks, one of many hardest defenders within the league, made positive Curry did not get a transparent have a look at the basket. Houston’s veteran defensive ace successfully tricked Curry into making an early shot whereas elevating his hand to assist block any view of the rim, inflicting Curry to overlook the shot.
This has been Brooks’ calling card to defend the opposing crew’s greatest participant since he arrived as a free agent in July 2023, and he has not upset.
“Dillon is as powerful as they arrive, and he doesn’t again down from anybody,” Inexperienced advised Rockets Wire after the sport. “Once I noticed it on Curry, I knew he would do his greatest to not give him a clear look, and that’s not straightforward to do on a participant like that.”
The 2024-25 Rockets have already gained as among the best defensive groups within the NBA. So it was solely becoming that once they wanted it most, they buckled down and held Golden State scoreless over the ultimate three minutes of Wednesday’s fourth quarter. That led to a 91-90 victorywhich allowed Houston (17-8) to qualify for the semi-final of the NBA Cup on Saturday in Las Vegas.
“It means quite a bit,” Brooks stated when requested by Rockets Wire if he helped his youthful teammates win in a playoff-type environment. “The work we do and the belief now we have in one another goes a good distance. »
“Fred (VanVleet) and I’ve been saying that since we acquired right here. It took a yr to see the progress and make them really feel the progress. Shifting ahead and persevering with this significant basketball expertise is nice.
Extra: Throughout their victory towards the Warriors, the Rockets energized by a full home in Houston
This text was initially revealed on Rockets Wire: ‘He does not again down’: Dillon Brooks fuels Rockets’ elite protection
