Rockets history: Omer Asik’s heroics lead to overtime victory

With today being April 6th, let’s take a look back in Houston Rockets history and reflect on the time Omer Asik’s heroics saved the day.

When the Houston Rockets signed Omer Asik back in 2012, Rockets Nation didn’t know what to expect. Asik had been a reserve for the Chicago Bulls prior to arriving in Houston, although he sat behind Joakim Noah, who was one of the best centers in the league at the time.

The Rockets signed the Turkish big man to a three year deal worth $25.1 million, which was a number they knew the Bulls wouldn’t match. In his first season in Houston, Asik averaged 10.1 points and led the league in total rebounds, which was quite the campaign for the first-time starter.

All in all, Asik averaged 11.7 rebounds, which was third-most in the league. Although the Turkish big man proved his ability to contribute, the Rockets added Dwight Howard in the offseason, which was a clear upgrade.

This moved Asik to a backup role, although it was his stellar play that lifted the Rockets to a victory over the Denver Nuggets in April 6th, 2014. In that game, Asik had 12 points in the first half, which was tied with James Harden for a game-high.

All in all, Asik finished the game with 18 points and 23 rebounds, which was a game-high. Asik also added three blocks, which was a team-high and second-best in the game. Asik’s defense was on display all game, as the Rockets allowed just 99 points per 100 possessions in which Asik was on the floor that day.

This was the best defensive rating out of all players, and his defense came up big in overtime, as he had a pivotal block on Aaron Brooks with 52 seconds remaining. Asik’s 23 rebounds that day tied a career-high, as he posted the same number of rebounds just three games before.

Asik ultimately started 19 games that year and posted a stat line of 8.9 points/11.3 boards/ 1.2 blocks during those games. The Turkish big man posted six double-doubles that year and grabbed double-digit rebounds in 13 games that year as well.

All in all, Asik’s best game that year happened on April 6th, and it’s arguably one of the best performances of his career.