5 starters + 4 substitutes! The Rockets’ new 9-man rotation is released, Uduka changes the lineup, and both offense and defense are improved.

On October 28, the Rockets defeated the Nets 137:109 at home, playing the team's most exciting game so far this season. In this game, the Rockets' offensive and defensive transitions were particularly rapid. Their offense was as smooth as mercury. Whether it was Durant, Shen Jing, or even their substitutes Shepard and Ethan, they all performed like All-Star players on the offensive end. This was due to the Rockets' proactive change of formation.

The five major lineups that were slightly stagnant before were directly abandoned by coach Uduka in this game. Although Uduka occasionally lets Adams and Shen Jing partner together during regular time, the five major lineups are no longer the Rockets' regular lineup model. Among the starting lineup, Rockets veteran Adams dropped out of the lineup and became the core center of the Rockets' second lineup; while 27-year-old guard Okogie unexpectedly became the starter in this game.

Rockets head coach Uduka did not let 21-year-old shooter Shepard serve as the main shooting guard. In his opinion, Sheppard is still a little immature, and his ability to shoot three-pointers and sort out offenses is very average, and he is far inferior to Okogie on the defensive end. Okogie can be said to be a veteran who has experienced many battles. Although he is only 27 years old, he has rich NBA experience.

The Rockets also used the right person in this game. Okogie made 3 of 5 shots in 31 minutes, scoring 10 points, 2 steals, 1 assist, and two three-pointers. He performed very well. He is also like the glue that seamlessly connects the Rockets' starting lineup and bench lineup.

In this game, the Rockets' starting lineup became Amen, Okogie, Durant, Smith Jr. and Shen Jing; among the second lineup, 4 players were used in regular time, namely point guard Sheppard, forward Ethan, and two centers Adams and Capela. This is also the Rockets' new nine-man rotation. After Udoka adjusted the starting lineup, the Rockets' rotation pattern has also changed. For example, Adams' playing time has declined, but his efficiency on the court has indeed become higher.

In this game, Adams scored 4 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 assist in 16 minutes. Among the 8 rebounds, there were 5 offensive rebounds.

Adams has a plus-minus value of +20 in this game, and his contribution to winning is no less than when he plays the center in the starting lineup. The above is the Rockets' new 9-man rotation. The Rockets emphasize speed and offensive and defensive transitions in this game, and their perimeter defense has also been improved because of Okogie's starting. They are no longer led by the opponent's small lineup. In the second team, the Rockets also have Shepard and Ethan, the backbone of the offense. Adams and Capela also play a good role in protecting the basket.

So throughout the game, the Rockets' starting lineup became more flexible, better at shooting three-pointers, and faster; among the substitute lineup, Adams and Capela guarded the inside, while Shepard and Ethan were also very effective in shooting offense from the outside. Therefore, this new set of 9-man rotation lineup was released. After Uduka changed the lineup, what ushered in was an improvement in offense and defense, and the Rockets' 28-point victory.

But I have to say that it is still a bit late for the Rockets to change their formation. If they can switch to the current traditional starting lineup immediately after the first game against the Thunder, then the Rockets may still have a chance to win against the Pistons. But it's not too late. The Rockets still have 79 regular season games to play. If they can stick to such a balanced starting lineup now, the Rockets can start a winning streak in the future.