Rockets substitute point guard exploded, Rockets beat the Hawks at home, and the point guard problem was solved

17+3+4! Davidson scored a three-pointer and the Rockets captured the Hawks at home to relieve the urgent need for point guard

In the opening game of the 2025-26 NBA preseason, the Houston Rockets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 122-113 at home, getting off to a good start. With Durant absent and VanVleet out for the season, substitute point guard J.D. Davidson stepped forward and detonated the audience with an all-round performance of 17 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists, becoming the biggest surprise for the Rockets in solving the point guard problem.

Before the game, the Rockets' point guard line was in crisis. Core VanVleet was out for the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Sheppard, who was under intense scrutiny during the offseason, was in a sluggish state and only scored 7 points. When outsiders worried that the offensive organization would stagnate, Davidson used accurate shooting to break the doubt. He made 6 of 9 shots from the field, including 5 of 7 three-pointers. He hit 3 three-pointers in a single quarter in the third quarter, helping the Rockets stabilize the situation during the Hawks' pursuit. His plus-minus of +13 ranks among the top of the team.

While the offensive end is full of firepower, Davidson's organizational skills are equally impressive. At the critical moment of the fourth quarter, he first broke through and assisted Ethan for a layup, and then stole Trae Young and launched a fast break to assist Smith for a dunk, which directly opened the point difference to double digits and completely ended the suspense. This echoes the field control potential he showed in the Development League last season, and also confirms the feasibility of the coaching staff's idea of ​​cultivating young point guards.

The victory in this game cannot be separated from the support of the team. Shen Jing continued his highlight performance in the European Championships, contributing 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, and used high-post support to connect the offensive system; although Amen Thompson made 3 turnovers, his performance of 11 points and 3 assists still showed his all-round characteristics. However, Davidson's outbreak is undoubtedly the most strategically significant. His sudden rise gives Uduka's "multi-point organizational system" a more solid support and eases the team's reliance on a single point guard.

After the game, fans were hotly discussing "whether Davidson is the answer to the Rockets' No. 1 position." Although one preseason game is not enough to determine, he proved his rotation value with three-pointers and key passes. As the season progresses, if this backup point guard can maintain stability, he may really become the most unexpected solution for the Rockets point guard line after VanVleet's injury.