Uduka G6 activates secret weapons, Cole urgently adjusts rotation response, Whitmore is a sight bomber

On the eve of G6, a shocking tactical adjustment was quietly made in the Rockets locker room: coach Uduka intends to restart the "two towers" lineup, and at the same time activates the "secret weapon" Whitmore, and includes Shepard in the control plan; on the Warriors, Kerr accidentally activates Moody during the training period of G5 (25 points + 2 steals in a single game), thus finding a set of "fast-to-high" response ideas. This article will take you to gradually reveal this batch of internal details that are unknown to the outside world: Why did Whitmore, who is 39% in sight, suddenly receive a heavy responsibility? What does Shepard's 2.25 assist/turnover ratio mean? How did Moody's outbreak prompt Cole to rethink rotation? And the hidden deterrence and actual value of the "Two Towers" lineup in the series.

Uduka's "secret weapon": The Rockets made a large number of Whitmore in the regular season G League, and he averaged 39.6% of three-pointers per game, and this shooting percentage was as high as 40.7% in the 2023-24 G League. Although he played 51 games in the NBA regular season, averaging 3.6 shots per game, and a three-point shooting percentage of 35.5%, he often appeared in garbage time and failed to show too much strength. Why is Uduka's focus on the fearless mentality behind his "fast star" - when the Rockets need to stabilize the periphery, his continuous projection can greatly expand space and create singles opportunities for the two towers.

Shepard was unexpectedly awakened: During the Kentucky period, Shepard averaged 4.5 assists in 29.1 minutes, conceded only 2.0 goals, and the assist/turnover ratio was as high as 2.25. This data is at the top level among the NCAA point guards in the same level. Although he only got limited opportunities to play in the regular season after the draft, he contributed 5.3 assists and 2.8 steals in the summer league, proving his dual ability potential in both offensive organization and defensive ends. Many assistant coaches believe that the Series has reached Game 6, and the regular Rockets' backcourt combination needs more changes, giving young point guards a layout, which can provide more uncertainty and rhythm control for the offensive end.

Cole's quick response: In the fourth quarter of G5, which was supposed to be training, Cole unexpectedly gave Moody more time, but he scored 25 points and contributed 2 steals, like a thunderous blow, instantly igniting the passion in the Warriors' locker room. Moody's success made Cole realize that in the face of the Rockets' slow-paced impact of the Rockets' "two towers", more opportunities for outside and conversion attacks can dilute the opponent's inside deterrence. Cole plans to add more small men to the G6 to fight against the Rockets' double towers and zone defense.

This lineup can switch between man-to-man and 2-3 in the same round, making the Warriors' pick-and-roll and outside projections feel like pins and pins. Facing the "two towers", the Warriors' inside offense is often stuck, while "fast-to-high" allows them to score more points in the conversion. The small man on the final quarter of G5 is a microcosm of this idea.

G6 is by no means a mere endgame, but also a wise showdown between two coaching teams: Uduka planned this secret switch in the locker room, advancing the offensive and defensive logic that combines the "two towers" and projection; while Kerr seized the wing advantage of Moody's explosion in G5 and quickly set up a new rotation. In the next game, whether Uduka's calm layout works or Kerr's "fast-to-high" crushing rhythm will be revealed at the moment when the opening whistle sounds.