The Sacramento Kings came in guns blazing against the visiting Houston Rockets. Just like what they’re keen on doing, DeMae DeRozan, De’Aaron Fox exploded late in the game to steal a win from the No.2 seed.
DeRozan and Fox Coming Up Clutch
The Rockets tried making their way back in the third quarter after being down in huge deficits in the first half. However, veteran scoring machine DeMar DeRozan pulled up all of his guns after halftime. The 35-year-old star scored 26 of his 33 points in the second half. What’s even more impressive is that 16 of those points came in late in the fourth quarter to push the Kings to victory.
Although Swipah was ice cold on the field, shooting only 6-for-17, he made up for it by sinking five straight free throws in the final minute to secure the dub.
Everybody knows DeRozan and Fox both had clutch genes in their nerves. But, did you know there is a hidden stat showing how unparalleled their impact in crunch time is?
In the past two and a half seasons, nobody has scored more points in the final 12 minutes of the game … than De’Aaron Fox. In that duration, Fox recorded 1,360 points in the final moments of the game, making him statistically the most clutch NBA player right now.
Nobody came close, except for DeRozan, who got 1,249 points himself. The 6-time All-Star had some pretty good highlights during the clutch, but the same stat also shows he can back it up with numbers.
Both of their performances against the young and talented Rockets team showed their clutchness when they needed it the most. As a team stuck on the idea of going all out to win it all or blow it up to start from scratch, the Kings may still have something in their pockets.
Fox, DeRozan, Monk, Sabonis, Ellis, and Murray. Sounds pretty solid, but not quite there yet.
But, nothing could prepare everyone for how Houston has exceeded expectations as of late.
The Houston Rockets Are So Good
With a young core of Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson, and a few solid youngsters like Tari Eason, Jabari Smith, and Cam Whitmoee, the Rockets are already on pace to become the best young squad in the league.
Who knew they’d become the second seed in the West with their youth? On the flip side, years of tanking finally results to Houston having a great team that has a great potential and a high ceiling.
Championship material? It’s a long shot.
Playoff caliber? For sure.
