Rockets head coach, Ime Udoka applauded his team’s elite defense in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal win over Golden State Warriors.
The Rockets’ defense showed out with the Semifinals on the line forcing 6 shot-clock violations in the win.
The NBA Cup is a newly introduced in-seasoning competition for all NBA teams in all conferences.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with a double-double as the Houston Rockets secured their place in the Emirates NBA Cup Semifinal.
Alperen finished the night with 26 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST, and 3 STL.
The Rockets finished the game on a 9-1 run over the final 3:23 of the 4th quarter, keeping the Warriors out.
Following Alperen was Jabari Smith Jr with 15 Points, 3 3 Points Made, and 2 Blocks in the game.
With 32.5 seconds left, Alperen reduced The Warriors’ lead to two points before the team earned a foul and Jalen Green made 2/2 free throws to seal the 91-90 win.
Speaking on the close win, Ime Udoka believes despite the poor shooting by the Rockets, the defense was critical in the win.
“That’s a recipe for success on the defensive end.”
Ime Udoka and the Houston Rockets will next face OKC Thunder in the NBA Cup western Semi-Final in Vegas on Saturday.
Furthermore, the OKC Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 118-104 featuring Paul George, for the Semi-Final spot.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokoumpo and his Buck side will face the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern semi-final.
