Averaged only 16+5 per game! Durant took a truce for 2 games, and famous reporters revealed family issues, but there is also good news for the Rockets

The Rockets lost to the Nuggets 109-112, a key battle in the NBA Cup group stage, and ultimately lost by three points. The process of this game was thrilling. The Rockets fell behind by 12 points and achieved a comeback, but they fell behind at a critical moment. This also completely exposed the Rockets' biggest problem at the moment - no one can stand up and end the game at critical moments. If it hadn't been for rookie Sheppard's sudden burst of scoring 20 points in the half, scoring consecutive points with sudden shots, scoring 15 points in a single quarter, and abruptly overtaking the lead. The Rockets may not be able to reach the last moment, let alone lose by a narrow margin.

This is already the Rockets' fourth loss against a top team this season. Previously, they lost a total of 5 points against the Thunder and Pistons, and against the Spurs and Rockets, thanks to Shepard's explosion, they once led by 10 points but were reversed. Now, coupled with this narrow defeat against the Nuggets. Every time I get the last bite, but I always fall short of the key ball handling ability. Many people's first reaction will be to point to Kevin Durant - after all, he was traded to the Rockets just to do this "Mr. Key" job. But in recent games, Durant's condition has been extremely sluggish, and he even seemed a little absent-minded on the court. In the game against the Nuggets, he also made several direct mistakes while holding the ball. Even the most basic dribbling dropped the ball, which was jaw-dropping.

After the game, famous reporter Shams broke the bombshell news: Durant's recent poor state may be related to family matters. According to Shams, Durant has asked for leave from the Rockets for personal family reasons and will miss the next two games, which are against the Suns and Warriors. As soon as the news came out, it immediately attracted widespread attention. Many American media sent their blessings and hoped that Durant and his family would be well. This is obviously not "avoiding war", but a real family matter that needs to be handled by him personally.

Data doesn’t lie. In the last two games, Durant averaged only 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, shooting as low as 33% from the field, and a disastrous 18% from three-point range. You know, this is Durant who has never been so sluggish in two consecutive games in his career. Whether it was during the Nets, Warriors or Suns era, he had never experienced such a long period of cliff decline. Obviously, things off the court have seriously affected his competitive state. Without Durant, the Rockets' next schedule will become extremely difficult.

Especially in the next game against the Suns, Durant will definitely be absent, and the team must make lineup adjustments. But there is also good news. If Durant doesn't play, young people will have more opportunities. Sheppard will most likely be in the starting position. The Rockets may put together a new starting lineup: Shepard + Okogie form the backcourt, small forward Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson return to the fourth position that is more suitable for him, and Shen Jing is still at the center position. This lineup looks young and has explosive athletic ability, but there are question marks on experience and stability. Especially Sheppard, the No. 3 pick in the first round of 2024, has shown amazing talent in recent games as a substitute.

Sheppard has a soft shooting touch and a strong sense of rhythm, and his offensive choices with the ball are becoming more and more bold. Many fans have begun to call him "White Curry." Once he really starts, what kind of chemical reaction he will bring is worthy of the anticipation of all Rockets fans. However, Shepard alone is obviously not enough. During Durant's absence, Shen Jing, Amen and Smith must collectively stand up. Shen Jing needs to play a dominant inside performance, Amen needs to show his all-round defense and fast break ability, and Smith needs to provide stable outside firepower at the small forward position. Only when these three young cores awaken at the same time can the Rockets stabilize the situation during Durant's absence and even bring surprises.

Although this loss to the Nuggets is regrettable, it also sounded a warning to the Rockets: over-reliance on Durant's key ball ability is not a long-term solution after all. Young people have to grow up under pressure, and Durant also needs time to deal with his life. I hope he can resolve his family issues as soon as possible and return to the game in a healthy body and mind. As for Sheppard, if he does start the next game, this may be the moment when he truly declares "I'm here" to the league. The rise of a team often comes from the emergence of one or two young people who dare to stand up in such difficult moments. The future of rockets may really take off from this moment on.