Kelly Iko
@kellyiko.bsky.social
đ¤ 7209
đĽ 69
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National NBA reporter for Yahoo Sports
reposted by
Kelly Iko
Morten Stig Jensen
about 18 hours ago
Something new! The great
@kellyiko.bsky.social
and I will be chopping it up on Yahoo Sports this season, as we go back and forth on multiple topics throughout the year. First up, Kelly and I discuss the willing mid-tier teams.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
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Why are some NBA teams content with being monsters of the middle?
Kelly Iko and Morten Stig Jensen discuss how teams like the Bulls and Kings seem all too happy to remain in a recurring nightmare of mediocrity.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/why-are-some-nba-teams-content-with-being-monsters-of-the-middle-142459652.html
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
Dan Devine
8 days ago
Next up: I wrote about the Magic, who paid a heavy price in pursuit of a championship-caliber offense:
yhoo.it/4hcoFxz
And
@kellyiko.bsky.social
(!) popped in to write about the Rockets, and whether they really were just a Kevin Durant away from a title:
yhoo.it/3W4uAev
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Orlando Magic 2025-26 season preview: A new powerhouse in the East? Why a surprise Finals run isn't far-fetched
Breaking down the biggest question, best- and worst-case scenarios, and win projection for the Magic in 2025-26.
https://yhoo.it/4hcoFxz
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Excited to announce The IkoSystem is back on
@yahoosports.bsky.social
! Our first preseason edition takes a look at Alperen ĹengĂźn's spacing solvent in Houston', the Devin Booker/Jordan Ott distribution relationship and hope for the Lakers' rim protection.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
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NBA preseason: Devin Bookerâs distribution, Lakersâ rim protection hopes and Houston's spacing solution
A look at Phoenixâs playmaking plan, buying stock in Ayton-Hayes Island and a spacing fix in Houstonâs land of bigs.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-preseason-devin-bookers-distribution-lakers-rim-protection-hopes-and-houstons-spacing-solution-142445225.html
16 days ago
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
Mike Prada
4 months ago
KD to the Rockets is a perfect fit, says
@kellyiko.bsky.social
in our latest Athletic Spotlight video. Watch the full video here.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
The Athletic
4 months ago
The Rockets intend to sign F Jabari Smith Jr. to a five-year, $122 million extension that contains no team or player options, sources tell
@kellyiko.bsky.social
.
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
The Athletic
4 months ago
SOURCES: The Rockets maintained a firm stance in their refusal to include these young players in the Kevin Durant trade: â˝ď¸ Reed Sheppard â˝ď¸ Jabari Smith Jr. â˝ď¸ Tari Eason H/T
@samamick.bsky.social
,
@kellyiko.bsky.social
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
Jon Krawczynski
4 months ago
www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Kevin Durant trade latest: Why Timberwolves canât be completely ruled out just yet. Reporting with
@samamick.bsky.social
and
@kellyiko.bsky.social
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Kevin Durant trade latest: Why Timberwolves should be considered dark-horse fit
Minnesota does not want to make a seismic change if Durant isn't on board. The question is whether thereâs any chance he comes around to it.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6431028/2025/06/16/kevin-durant-trade-timberwolves-possibility-nba-rumors/?source=emp_shared_article
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
Dan Devine
4 months ago
Good read from
@kellyiko.bsky.social
on how, even in curtailed minutes and with a shifting role, Isaiah Hartenstein has made a major impact for the Thunder in these Finals:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
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Isaiah Hartenstein provides the key to unlock the Thunder offense in Game 5 win
Hartenstein's impact went beyond the box score, as his screening and decision-making played a huge role in giving OKC a 3-2 series lead.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6431313/2025/06/17/isaiah-hartenstein-thunder-nba-finals-game-5/
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
The Athletic
4 months ago
In contrast to the trade deadline, Durant's preference wonât likely be a deciding factor in a trade. This makes a deal with the Rockets and Spurs unlikely for now. Full intel from
@samamick.bsky.social
,
@jonkrawczynski.bsky.social
and
@kellyiko.bsky.social
⤾ď¸
www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
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Kevin Durant potential trade destinations, and the obstacles that exist
Durant is widely expected to be traded from the Suns soon. But for as great as he is, itâs easy to see why a deal is tough to get done here.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6426397/2025/06/14/kevin-durant-suns-trade-nba-rumors-wolves-rockets-spurs/
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
The Athletic
5 months ago
SOURCES: The Suns have been aggressive in recent efforts to trade Kevin Durant, per
@kellyiko.bsky.social
. Phoenix has reached out to the Houston Rockets to discuss a deal, with the Suns looking to regain full control of their draft capital.
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
The Athletic
5 months ago
The true measure of the Nuggetsâ greatness is amplified when Nikola JokiÄ and Jamal Murray are working in tandem. But Sunday in Denver, Lu Dort won the Murray matchup â pivotal to Oklahoma City taking Game 4. More, from
@kellyiko.bsky.social
⤾ď¸
www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
Sam Amick
5 months ago
Diving into the Rockets offseason, with intel on all of the star player scenarios that might be in play if they take a swing, at
@theathletic.bsky.social
(yes, including that Giannis guy) W/
@kellyiko.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...
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Rockets, Ime Udoka put playoff disappointment aside to focus on critical offseason
"Everyoneâs goal is to be better and come back better," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said of the offseason.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6346932/2025/05/12/rockets-ime-udoka-amen-thompson-offseason/?source=emp_shared_article
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
John Hollinger
6 months ago
Great stuff here from our
@kellyiko.bsky.social
on Dillon Brooks and the Rockets
www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...
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Rockets feed off Dillon Brooks' composure, force Game 6 in emphatic fashion
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6325628/2025/05/01/dillon-brooks-rockets-playoffs-game-5/
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
The Athletic
6 months ago
Steve Kerr pulled the plug with 18 minutes still left in Game 5. The Rockets' defense was stifling Golden State's stars. Meanwhile the Warriors didn't bring the proper level of defensive focus.
@kellyiko.bsky.social
and
@anthonyvslater.bsky.social
have more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...
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In Game 1, Amen Thompsonâs usage (16.8) was less than it had been all season long. Putting the ball back in his hands, playing off his drives and finding easier shots for his teammates is a smart counterpunch for Game 2. New for
@theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/MtTAA
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Amen Thompson can be counterpunch Rockets need vs. Warriors in Game 2
Putting the ball in Thompson's hands and encouraging him to attack the core of the Warriors' defense is intriguing.
https://shorturl.at/MtTAA
6 months ago
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For
@theathletic.bsky.social
w/
@dannyleroux.bsky.social
â Examining Houstonâs cap structure in the short and longterm: Fred VanVleetâs future, looming extensions, Suns leverage and much more.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/620...
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Analyzing Rockets' cap situation, re-signing Fred VanVleet and leverage over Suns
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6206243/2025/03/17/rockets-fred-van-vleet-cap-free-agency/?source=emp_shared_article
7 months ago
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When the Rockets announced that 4 of their starters would be out vs. OKC, the intrigue of the matchup dissipated â or so I thought. On Jabari Smith Jr.âs 2-way glue, Jalen Greenâs playmaking, the case for Cam and a Reed sighting. For
@theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/617...
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Rockets takeaways vs. Thunder: Jabari Smith Jr.'s rhythm, Cam Whitmore's case for minutes
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6173208/2025/03/04/rockets-jabari-smith-cam-whitmore-thunder-takeaways/?source=emp_shared_article
8 months ago
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The Cade Cunningham-Jalen Green rivalry is a beef that goes back years, long before both parties declined a pregame handshake on Monday afternoon. On celebrating competition and everything it entails For
@theathletic.bsky.social
â
9 months ago
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
John Hollinger
9 months ago
New for
@theathletic.bsky.social
- teamed up with our
@kellyiko.bsky.social
to talk about Houston's trade options heading into the deadline.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/606...
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Jimmy Butler? DeâAaron Fox? Who Rockets could be targeting at NBA trade deadline
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6063308/2025/01/16/rockets-nba-trade-deadline-jimmy-butler-deaaron-fox/
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Karma from the basketball gods, the Spursâ three-point Achillesâ heel and how the Bucks â and Brook Lopez â repeatedly broke San Antonioâs typically solid âdefensive shellâ in front of a national audience. New for
@theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/xZvv3
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Spursâ defensive shell game canât stop Giannis, but itâs a good growth opportunity
âI think this was just a deviation from what weâve been doing," says Harrison Barnes of the Spurs' lapses against the Bucks.
https://shorturl.at/xZvv3
10 months ago
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
As the calendar flips to 2025, what does the new year look like for some members of the 2024 rookie class? A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells â with draft guru
@samvecenie.bsky.social
New for
@theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
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Taking stock of Spursâ Stephon Castle, Rocketsâ Reed Sheppard and other NBA rookies
Kelly Iko and Sam Vecenie discuss how the rookies on the Spurs, Rockets and Grizzlies have performed so far this season.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6027396/2025/01/02/nba-draft-2024-rookies-spurs-rockets-grizzlies/?source=emp_shared_article
10 months ago
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As the calendar flips to 2025, what does the new year look like for some members of the 2024 rookie class? A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells â with draft guru
@samvecenie.bsky.social
New for
@theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
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Taking stock of Spursâ Stephon Castle, Rocketsâ Reed Sheppard and other NBA rookies
Kelly Iko and Sam Vecenie discuss how the rookies on the Spurs, Rockets and Grizzlies have performed so far this season.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6027396/2025/01/02/nba-draft-2024-rookies-spurs-rockets-grizzlies/?source=emp_shared_article
10 months ago
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Memphis' depth is such that Desmond Bane's scoring dip isn't as alarming â taking and making less 3s, averaging nearly 10 less points per game than last season â but the Grizzlies need him to regain some juice at some point. Truly think he's their X-factor when everything is clicking.
10 months ago
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New for
@theathletic.bsky.social
â I watched a bunch of
#Rockets
set plays and ATOs and wrote about a system overly dependent on Fred VanVleet â and the subtle tweaks necessary to lessen his load and get Houstonâs offensive efficiency back on track.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/600...
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Why is Rocketsâ Fred VanVleet shooting so poorly? Explaining whatâs going wrong
It might be time for Rockets coach Ime Udoka to become a little less reliant on Fred VanVleet, who is often tasked with running the offense.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6003823/2024/12/22/rockets-fred-vanvleet-shooting-woes/
10 months ago
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New for
@theathletic.bsky.social
The Rockets let their frustrations boil over on Saturday night, but Houstonâs failure to advance to the cup final was less about the Thunderâs stifling defense and more about their persistent offensive issues.
shorturl.at/X174o
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Rocketsâ sputtering offense in NBA Cup semifinal highlights a rise in expectations
Houston's loss was a reminder of its defensive greatness, juxtaposed with offensive shortcomings.
https://shorturl.at/X174o
10 months ago
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At some point, Rockets need to capitalize on these 2nd-chance opportunities -- already up to 10 offensive rebounds tonight.
10 months ago
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New for
@theathletic.bsky.social
On inheriting beef, the infectious disease that is defense and why the Rockets have success on their minds as they head to Vegas.
shorturl.at/EAIoH
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Rockets shock Warriors to advance in NBA Cup: âWeâre going to continue to fightâ
"I saw the opportunity to dive on the floor and I took it," says Jalen Green of his late-game heroics. "The results came out amazing."
https://shorturl.at/EAIoH
11 months ago
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Udoka has spoken at length about ĹengĂźn needing to impose his will early -- 6 points on 3-for-3 shooting so far in the 1st. HOU offense has struggled with efficiency recently, but they'll need to attack GSW small ball w/ a heavy dosage of the Turkish big.
11 months ago
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The IkoSystem, new on
@theathletic.bsky.social
⢠How
#Grizzlies
rookie Jaylen Wells is navigating Memphisâ defense, one screen at a time. ⢠Alperen ĹengĂźnâs improved footwork paying dividends for the
#Rockets
at both ends of the floor
shorturl.at/NYNXn
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Jaylen Wellsâ screen navigation, Alperen ĹengĂźnâs improved footwork: The IkoSystem
Jaylen Wells is showing some strong defensive acumen in his development with the Grizzlies.
https://shorturl.at/NYNXn
11 months ago
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
MAILBAG TIME âźď¸ Taking all Rockets, Grizzlies and Spurs questions this week â Send them in!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...
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Submit a question for Kelly Ikoâs Southwest Division mailbag
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5981250/2024/12/09/rockets-grizzlies-spurs-mailbag/
11 months ago
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MAILBAG TIME âźď¸ Taking all Rockets, Grizzlies and Spurs questions this week â Send them in!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...
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Submit a question for Kelly Ikoâs Southwest Division mailbag
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5981250/2024/12/09/rockets-grizzlies-spurs-mailbag/
11 months ago
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New for
@theathletic.bsky.social
Got together with my esteemed colleagues to debate NBA award winners at this point in the season â MVP, ROTY, COTY, 6MOY and MIP.
shorturl.at/9ZE13
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NBA awards check-in: Who leads races for MVP, Rookie of the Year and more?
Is another MVP repeat inevitable for Nikola JokiÄ? Should Franz Wagner make room for some hardware?
https://shorturl.at/9ZE13
11 months ago
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
Eric Koreen
11 months ago
Nice piece from
@kellyiko.bsky.social
on Fred VanVleet's evolving leadership, with two minutes of garbage time from me.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/595...
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How Fred VanVleet's lessons with Raptors are paving way for Rockets renaissance
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5953784/2024/12/03/fred-vanvleet-raptors-rockets-exclusive/
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
Fred VanVleet's leadership shift from an on-court professor to a teaching assistant has pushed Houston to new heights â but in order to give the
#Rockets
a better future, he had to learn from his past. An
@theathletic.bsky.social
exclusive:
shorturl.at/fPNIZ
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How Fred VanVleetâs lessons with Raptors are paving way for Rockets renaissance
"I didnât want to make that same mistake here,â VanVleet said of coming to Houston with a new mindset after leaving Toronto.
https://shorturl.at/fPNIZ
11 months ago
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Fred VanVleet's leadership shift from an on-court professor to a teaching assistant has pushed Houston to new heights â but in order to give the
#Rockets
a better future, he had to learn from his past. An
@theathletic.bsky.social
exclusive:
shorturl.at/fPNIZ
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How Fred VanVleetâs lessons with Raptors are paving way for Rockets renaissance
"I didnât want to make that same mistake here,â VanVleet said of coming to Houston with a new mindset after leaving Toronto.
https://shorturl.at/fPNIZ
11 months ago
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Update: SGA saw this. He's 7-for-7 from the field since, up to 27 points and spearheading a 16-4 Thunder run. OKC leads 93-85 with 2 minutes left in the 3Q.
add a skeleton here at some point
11 months ago
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Rockets doing a good job of making things difficult for SGA -- throwing multiple defenders at him and crowding his airspace. He's shooting just 2-for-7 after the 1st.
11 months ago
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Ja Morant has his hands all over this Pelicans team on both ends early -- 7 points, 5 assists and 2 steals so far in the 1Q. Memphis leads 28-23 w/ 3:42 remaining.
11 months ago
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Seven 3s for the Grizzlies in the 1Q (avg 12.7 per game) MEM continues to be my sleeper in the West -- Taylor Jenkins flying under the radar for the job he's doing in spite of a slew of injuries. Ja Morant's dynamism + a high-octane offense that can reel off 3s is dangerous.
11 months ago
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Examining the first month of the season for the Rockets, Grizzlies and Spurs through a financial lens â salary cap storylines aplenty w/
@dannyleroux.bsky.social
shorturl.at/PLnLk
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Chris Paulâs timeline, Rocketsâ financials and more: NBA salary-cap analysis
Let's dive into the money matters impacting the Southwest Division.
https://shorturl.at/PLnLk
11 months ago
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This Rockets team is the exact profile of a fiesty group that could benefit longterm from a deep NBA Cup run -- especially if they continue to wreak havoc on the defensive end like this.
11 months ago
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Tari Eason and Rick Carlisle briefly exchanged some words following a Pacers timeout --- Rockets lead 94-73 with 1:49 remaining in the 3Q. Carlisle, who also picked up a tech tonight, is not a happy camper right now.
11 months ago
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Says a lot about Jaylen Wells and the trust Taylor Jenkins has in him defensively --- won't find too many rookies assigned to chase both Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray in the same game.
11 months ago
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reposted by
Kelly Iko
For as much progress as the youthful Rockets have made â especially defensively â Monday nightâs loss to the Bucks was a tactical reminder in veteran savvy and countering counters. NEW for
@theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/uWY1v
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What we learned about the Rockets in loss to struggling Bucks
"They just try to attack mismatches so it's on us to know which one and adjust," Rockets' Tari Eason said after the 101-100 loss.
https://shorturl.at/uWY1v
11 months ago
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For as much progress as the youthful Rockets have made â especially defensively â Monday nightâs loss to the Bucks was a tactical reminder in veteran savvy and countering counters. NEW for
@theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/uWY1v
loading . . .
What we learned about the Rockets in loss to struggling Bucks
"They just try to attack mismatches so it's on us to know which one and adjust," Rockets' Tari Eason said after the 101-100 loss.
https://shorturl.at/uWY1v
11 months ago
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MIL/HOU a good example of a chess match. Bucks technically play a jumbo version of small ball with Brook Lopez launching 30-footers, Rockets like to move ĹengĂźn around and ask him to cover a ton of ground -- chasing drivers at the rim or jumping out to the 3PT line.
11 months ago
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Really like what Jock Landale has given when his number is called -- underrated passer, rim protector and can hit the occasional 3. Rockets have a ton of depth behind ĹengĂźn and don't have to overload Steven Adams' minutes during the regular season.
11 months ago
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Udoka has been adamant about making Alperen ĹengĂźn a more consistent floor-spacing big, but his improvement as a rim protector is what will take the Rockets from Play-In hopefuls to postseason mainstays. Just looks like a different player in that department in his fourth season.
11 months ago
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On this weekâs edition of The IkoSystem, we sit down with Rockets F Tari Eason to explore the wonderful world of forcing turnovers + Keldon Johnsonâs driving and cutting is opening up San Antonioâs offense â
www.nytimes.com/athletic/591...
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Tari Eason's active hands, Keldon Johnson in driver's seat and more: The IkoSystem
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5918330/2024/11/14/rockets-tari-eason-spurs-keldon-johnson-wembanyama/?source=emp_shared_article
11 months ago
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