Scored 10 points + 2 three-pointers! The Rockets have a new starting lineup to replace Adams. Stone’s 3.1 million yuan is really good.

The change of formation has become the main reason why the Rockets were able to beat the Nets today. The previous starting five cannot be said to be bad. I can only say that although the height of the Rockets' top five starting players has increased, their speed has decreased. Last season, the Rockets relied on defense and quick transitions between offense and defense to become second in the Western Conference.

At that time, whether it was VanVleet, Dillon Brooks or Jaylen Green, their offensive and defensive speed was very fast. But now the Rockets use the five major lineups as regular weapons, which is inappropriate for them. The role of the five major lineups is to win by surprise and catch the opponent off guard. However, the Rockets use the five major lineups as conventional weapons. It is almost impossible to win.

Because the opponent has thoroughly studied the five major lineups, as long as the speed and offensive and defensive transitions are improved, the Rockets' five major lineups will be passive due to their slow speed and lack of space shooting ability. So in the first two games, the Rockets' five major lineups seemed to work well, but the Rockets ultimately lost to the Pistons and Thunder and suffered two consecutive losses. This is the reason.

Rockets coach Udoka did hit the south wall before looking back. When playing against the Nets, he took the initiative to dismantle the five major lineups. Adams returned to the bench and became Shen Jing's first substitute; and 27-year-old defensive powerhouse Okogie became the Rockets' new starter. This was the first time this forward-guard swingman started for the Rockets this season.

In fact, in the last game of the preseason against the Eagles, Okogie entered the starting lineup and performed very well. He scored the team's second-highest 28 points in that game, which was eye-catching. Now that Okogie has become the starter for the Rockets, his role in the game is very similar to the Rockets' defensive champion Dillon Brooks last season. He can not only lead the defense and mark the opponent's core arrow, but also can shoot three-pointers from the outside.

Okogie played a crucial role in this game. He played 30 minutes and 40 seconds in the game. He made 3 of 5 shots in the game, 2 of 2 three-pointers, 100% shooting, and 2 of 2 free throws. He scored 10 points, 1 assist, and two steals for the Rockets. He made zero mistakes in the game and had a plus-minus of +11. When Okogie is on the court, the Rockets can beat the Nets by 11 points.

And Okogie does not occupy the ball. He is not only a defensive gate on the court, but also an outside shooter that cannot be ignored. After all, Okogie's three-point shooting percentage is now up, he is also a great threat from the outside, and he has the ability to attack the frame and break through. Such a comprehensive player only signed with the Rockets this summer for a veteran's basic salary of 3.1 million a year. I have to say that Manager Stone's vision is indeed very good. He once again successfully missed out - for 3.1 million in one year, he picked up a starting-level swingman.

Okogie became the Rockets' surprise player on the outside when Finney Smith and VanVleet were unable to play due to injuries. Uduka's current lineup changes are very correct. After Okogie joins the starting lineup, he can improve the Rockets' outside shooting and outside defense capabilities, and the outside speed is also completely activated.

The Rockets played many beautiful offensive and defensive transitions and fast breaks in this game. If Okogie is not there, the Rockets will still fall into a cycle of large lineups and positional battles. Now Okogie's starting lineup has revitalized the Rockets' main lineup. This is why the Rockets were able to beat the Nets and win their first regular season victory.