Amazing show for the No. 3 pick! The Rockets won 4 consecutive victories, Durant missed the game, Shepherd hit 26+6+6+4 and blocked 3 blocks

Editor|Old Kankanqiu

On October 17, the NBA preseason ushered in the focus of the game. The Atlanta Hawks sat at home and faced the Houston Rockets. Interestingly, when Lakers star James announced that his "Decision 2" this summer was actually to endorse a certain wine advertisement, it caused heated discussion. Later, Hawks core Trae Young also became the second "Decision" imitator after James, announcing a cooperation with the beverage brand Crooked Tea. Some US media ridiculed: " In the era of big decisions? Subsequent star endorsement advertisements may form a fixed template! "

But let's make a fuss, and don't mess around with the signing of the contract. According to the latest report from US media The Athletic reporter Fred Katz, multiple league sources revealed that the Hawks will not reach a contract extension with Trae Young before the start of the regular season. It is worth mentioning that the 27-year-old Trae Young is about to enter the final season of his contract (salary of US$46 million). If he does not reach a contract extension with the Hawks in the new season, he will become a free agent next summer.

In today's game, in terms of the starting lineup, the Rockets' main players such as Durant, Shen Jing, and Smith Jr. were all absent from the preseason finale. Uduka's latest starting five is: Okogie, Crawford, Jeff Green, Sheppard, and Holiday. The Hawks' starting lineup is: Risa She, Okongwu, Porcelain, Trae Young, and Alexander Walker. ‌‌

At the beginning of the first quarter, Trae Young made a long pass from the backcourt and accurately guided his teammates in the frontcourt. Alexander Walker hit the first goal, giving the Eagles the lead. Shepard counterattacked on the spot, successfully intercepted Walker's pass, and counterattacked to complete a powerful dunk. In the next round, Trae Young's slow three-point shot from the top of the arc was directly blocked by Okogie. After getting the ball, he accelerated the counterattack and hit the board. Then it was Okogie who faced the 2.13-meter Porzingis and sent a sky-blocking block again, successfully intercepting the latter's layup. Okogie's defense today is really perfect. Isaiah Crawford hit a three-pointer and the Rockets overtook the Hawks by 4 points 17-13. Risashe dribbled the ball straight into the penalty area and performed a flying one-arm dunk. Shepard held the ball in singles and scored consecutive mid-range pull-up jumpers. Then he faced Matthews and hit a three-pointer. He had scored 9 points in a single quarter. After the first quarter, the Rockets led the Hawks by 4 points 31-27.

In the first quarter of the game, Okogie performed well, scoring 11 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal and 2 blocks on 3 of 5 shots.

Returning in the second quarter, Shepard became more and more smooth. He could also hit mid-range throws in horseback archery, and his arsenal became more abundant. Then Shepard got stuck and successfully took out the ball for Okongwu for a layup. In the counterattack, Isaiah Crawford missed an open three-pointer in the bottom corner. Shepard had a keen sense of smell and directly cut through and made a tip-in. Trae Young's long three-point shot fell to stabilize the situation. Kennard's pass was intercepted by Shepherd, and he counterattacked and completed a two-handed dunk. Then he held the ball to attract double teams. He assisted Jeff Green for another three-pointer. He had scored 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. The Rockets extended their lead to 6 points. Trae Young played with Okogie and made a wonderful pass under his crotch. Porzingis caught the ball from the basket and took off directly to complete a one-arm dunk. At the end of the half, the Hawks led the Rockets by 1 point 61-60.

Halftime statistics, for the Rockets, Sheppard played amazingly and dominated both offense and defense, making 8 of 13 shots, 2 of 6 three-pointers, and scoring 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 1 block; Okogie made 4 of 9 shots, 1 of 3 three-pointers, and contributed 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks; JD Davison made 4 of 9 shots, 2 of 4 three-pointers, and scored 11 points, 1 rebound, and 3 steals.

For the Hawks, Trae Young made only 2 of 7 shots, 2 of 5 three-pointers, 8 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 4 turnovers; Porzingis made 4 of 7 shots, 1 of 2 three-pointers, and contributed 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block.

Change sides to fight again. After Holiday stole the ball, the three-point guard made a long pass and accurately guided Okogie to hit a chasing three-pointer. Sheppard entered the penalty area to attract three defenders and sent a pass without looking at anyone. Okogie received the ball and completed a one-arm split. The Eagles missed consecutive shots. All Rockets players did not stick to the ball. Three passes and two guided Holiday to counterattack and score. The Rockets were already leading by 5 points. Porzingis made a mistake and lost the ball, Walker made consecutive three-pointers, Okogie counterattacked and caused a three-point foul. The Hawks' challenge ultimately failed and the original verdict was upheld. Jeff Green hit the third three-pointer with an arrow. Sheppard successfully stole Trae Young with a precise cut and contributed his fifth steal of the game. Trae Young and Porzingis finally completed their cooperation and performed a dunk in the air. After three quarters, the Hawks still trailed the Rockets by 8 points 87-95.

In the decisive battle in the fourth quarter, JD Davison faced the defense and dunked Krejic brutally with one arm. Shepard continued his hot touch and made consecutive three-pointers in the final quarter. He scored a game-high 29 points. Today really exploded. The Rockets had led to 16 points. There was no suspense in the game. In the end, the Rockets easily defeated the Eagles and won 4 consecutive victories.

In terms of statistics, Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick, played amazingly, making 12 of 22 shots, 5 of 13 three-pointers, and a blast of 29 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks; Okogie contributed 28 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks.

For the Hawks, Trae Young made only 4 of 14 shots, scored 12 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, and 4 turnovers; Porzingis made 8 of 14 shots, scored 23 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block.