Losing the defending champion by one point may not be a bad thing for the Rockets. The gap between the Rockets and the Thunder is not big.

In the opening game of the new NBA season, the confrontation between the Thunder and Fire was really unambiguous. Both sides stretched their defenses, and the winner was determined after double overtime. It was as if the playoffs continued. Everyone knows that every game in the Western Conference this year will be fought. Any argument about the game does not respect the facts. The two teams are only one goal apart. This game is just a warm-up.

The Rockets' five major abilities can ensure the inside advantage while covering up deficiencies in movement with disciplined rotation and team defense. But the regular season is a long war of attrition. If you want to maintain high-intensity defense for a long time, your physical fitness and health will be a huge test.

Durant is responsible for making up for and switching defenses in the five major lineups. If the defensive end is continuously consumed, it will inevitably affect his efficiency on the offensive end. At the same time, whether Shen Jing can maintain outside stability will also directly determine whether the offensive space of this lineup can be continued. So since the five major hidden dangers are so great, why does Uduka still insist on using them, and even intends to normalize them?

The most direct reason is that he is reimbursed for the season. In the absence of external reinforcements and the only way to tap internal potential, Uduka chose the latter between Shepard and Amen. Judging from Shepard's performance today, this decision was indeed out of practical helplessness. Although he can provide some help on the offensive end, he still struggles with defensive intensity and confrontation rhythm.

However, judging from Uduka's rotation order, the team is still giving him opportunities. If Sheppard can grow in the first half of the season, the Rockets can use the "Big Five" as a win in special periods rather than a normal operation out of necessity. On the contrary, they may have to rely on the recovery of the forward group to reduce the pressure on Durant and the inside, and even consider mid-term trades to balance the lineup structure.

Losing the defending champion by one point may not be a bad thing for the Rockets. The lessons of last season taught the Rockets that relying solely on primitive shooting and defensive intensity, no matter how young they are, their physical strength will eventually be exhausted. If you want to go further in the playoffs, you must expand your offensive level during the regular season. Judging from the content of the game, they have both the best response to the current situation and preparations for the depth of the season. The season has just begun, and the Rockets still have time to find the optimal solution for the No. 1 position.

Van Jordan was injured and Adu just arrived, which is equivalent to adding two unfamiliar teammates to the starting lineup. The opponent is still the defending champion, and it is the opposite home court. The right time, place and people are on the opposite side. In the end, you only lost by one point in double overtime. In the 16-17 season, Lao Du joined the Warriors in his first game and faced the Spurs. The Warriors lost by more than 20 points in that game. How many people felt like you that the sky was falling. However, in the end, they still won the championship. The season is still long. This is the first game. Before the All-Star Game, the run-in was completed, the final shortcomings were found, and then the opportunity was taken to trade. The best state is to start in mid-March.