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Dual-core + shooter to break double teams? The Rockets’ new tactic is released: 7-for-1 trade is here for this, Uduka is smart

5:33am, 6 November 2025【Basketball】

On November 6th, today the Rockets’ opponent is the Grizzlies. Judging from the record, the Rockets have been in good shape recently. Although Durant performed abnormally in the previous game and his shooting percentage was not high in the game, the Rockets were still able to defeat the Dallas Mavericks at home and win 4 consecutive games. In this game, Durant made only 6 of 18 shots and 2 of 8 three-pointers. He only scored 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. This is also Durant's most average performance in recent games. But with the performance of young players such as Amen Thompson, Ethan and Shen Jing, the Rockets were still able to defeat the Mavericks and win four consecutive games.

In fact, in recent games, we have seen a very simple and clear tactic, that is, Durant and Shen Jing hold the ball respectively to attract double teams. Once the opponent forms a double-team on the two core players, Durant and Shen Jing, two tall players, can immediately pass the ball to their teammates standing in the open space, who can attack the frame or shoot three-pointers from the outside. This is also a very useful tactic for the Rockets.

After all, Shen Jing and Durant are two scoring masters, one inside and one outside. Shen Jing must be double-teamed in the paint to guard him, and the same is true for Durant. It is almost impossible to defend Shen Jing and Durant alone. Therefore, in order to limit their scoring, the opponent can only send two players to double-team. In this case, the Rockets' space will be released and the ball will be distributed to the open shooter. It is very easy for the Rockets to score. This is also the reason why the Rockets can score high points and their three-point shooting rate has been rising all the way, even ranking first in the league.

With the dual-core Shen Jing and Durant, the Rockets have become much easier on the offensive end. In fact, for the Rockets, this is why they dared to use 7 chips including Jaylen Green, Dillon Brooks and draft picks in exchange for Durant this offseason. Because the Rockets lack a decisive outside player with strong offensive ability, Shen Jing is already in place inside. If Durant can attract double-teams and implement Uduka's new tactical concept, then the Rockets can win more games.

Now if the opponent wants to defend the Rockets' Shen Jing and Durant, they will inevitably use double teams, and this is what coach Uduka wants to see. He said that if the opponent can be made to pay more for double-teaming, then the situation may change. With scorers and playmakers like Durant and Shen Jing, opponents always try to use double-teams to restrict the two stars. It was precisely because the opponent double-teamed Shen Jing and Durant that Amen Thompson and Ethan had easy scoring opportunities.

The Rockets must prove themselves and maintain a high shooting percentage, so that their opponents will give up double-teaming. In fact, even if the Rockets are not double-teamed, they can easily score with the isolation of Durant and Shen Jing. Therefore, the Rockets' current new tactic is to use Shen Jing and Durant as bait and passers to help outside shooters score; if they are allowed to play alone, they can also score high points.

In short, no matter which choice it is, the Rockets can always make a difference on the offensive end, which is an ability that the Rockets did not have last season. Coach Udoka is very smart. He actively asked Manager Stone to trade for Durant, probably to enrich the Rockets' offensive tactical system.

In short, judging from the previous games, Durant's role is indeed unmatched. His cooperation with Shen Jing also allowed the Rockets to achieve a pretty good record and performance.