The Houston Rockets beat the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta 121 - 114

The Houston Rockets achieved a third consecutive win as they beat the Atlanta Hawks 121 - 114 in Atlanta.

Although the Rockets had their top two point guards, Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart, unavailable, Ime Udoka was able to strategically coach his team to victory.

Udoka and the Rockets controlled the tempo for most of the game, slowing ball movement and letting Houston use their size and physicality to dictate the game.

Without Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart, the slow tempo that Udoka enhibited was Houston’s best route to victory and Udoka deserves credit for the victory.

VanVleet was expected to miss the game due to him having to sit on back-to-backs, smart’s absence came out of the blue as he missed the game due to a left forearm strain.

Amen Thompson was given the point guard responsibilities, and was effective in doing so. Thompson was able to consistently drive into the paint thanks to his physical ability. He finished the game 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Most impressively, he went 9 of 9 from the free throw line, which shows that Chip Engelland is already working his magic as the Shot Doctor. 3 of his free throws came from converting on and one field goals, displaying his elite finishing in the paint.

Alperen Senguns scoring output was his lowest of the early season, although he still put up a double double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, to go along with 7 assists.

Tari Eason proved that he is the leader of the Rockets' second unit, and has the potential to win 6th man of the year. His physicality inside the perimeter was a huge problem for the Hawks, as he dropped 19 points. His disruptive defense was also elite, as he finished the game with both a block and a steal.

Although the Hawks lost, Jalen Johnson was the most impressive player on the court, as he flirted with another triple double, putting up 26 points, 9 rebounds and an astounding 16 assists.

The Rockets dominated for the majority of the game although the matchup was projected the be even by bookmakers and analysts.

Houston was far too lackadaisical in the fourth quarter and almost allowed the Hawks back into the game. The lack of having a true point guard was the prime factor in this, which shows just how important VanVleet is to the team.

Houston will face the Hawks on Monday October 26th in their next match-up, but the near comeback in the fourth quarter will likely give the Hawks confidence that they can go to Houston and return with a redemption victory.