The NBA’s Western Conference is about to get a whole lot more interesting, and it’s all thanks to a certain ‘Baby Jokic’! But is this new dynamic duo enough to conquer the West?
The Houston Rockets are on fire with Kevin Durant at the helm, and basketball fans are buzzing after a recent podcast episode of ‘520 in the Morning’ went viral. Former All-Star Jeff Teague and the crew dissected the Rockets’ early success, focusing on the Durant-Alperen Sengun pairing. With Durant’s scoring prowess and Sengun’s impressive all-around game, the Rockets are soaring with a 10-3 record, leading the Southwest Division and contending for the top spot in the West.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Teague believes the Rockets have a legitimate formula for success, but he’s not ready to crown them just yet. He raises a valid concern about their late-game execution against elite defenses. While Sengun’s playmaking is exceptional, can he consistently create against tough point-of-attack defenders in a playoff series? And without a deep guard rotation, who will step up to share the load?
The numbers and recent performances are promising. Durant and Sengun have already dominated together, with Sengun’s ‘Baby Jokic’ nickname gaining traction. Teague even suggests Sengun is pushing for All-NBA status. However, the big question remains: can this Rockets team beat the likes of Oklahoma City and Denver in a best-of-seven series?
Teague’s verdict? They’re contenders, but not invincible. Until the Rockets prove they can handle the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic in the playoffs, Teague isn’t putting them above the reigning champions. Yet, with Durant and Sengun’s chemistry and the team’s overall improvement, the Rockets are a force to be reckoned with. And if this is just the beginning, the NBA world better watch out for Houston’s rising stars.
So, do you agree with Teague’s assessment? Are the Rockets the real deal, or is there still work to be done? The debate is on, and the Western Conference just got a whole lot more exciting!