3 Studs, 0 duds from Rockets' dominant win over Spurs

SpaceCityScoop makes a habit of publishing "studs and duds" pieces after a Houston Rockets game.

Last night against the Spurs, there were no duds.

That's what happens in a 127-100 victory. The Rockets controlled this game from buzzer to buzzer. Nobody let them down.

Sure, there's nitpicking to be done. Jalen Green was somewhat quiet, and inflated his numbers in crunch time. The Rockets would like to see Jabari Smith Jr. attempt more than one three. That's fine. Green had a solid night, and Smith Jr. was 6/8 from the field. Neither was a dud.

So, let's shake it up a bit. Here are three studs from this contest - without any duds.

1. Stud: Dillon Brooks

Brooks' stat line isn't going to leap out at you. He finished this game with 10 points on 4/9 shooting along with 2 rebounds and 2 assists. That's underwhelming.

Perhaps Brooks didn't have the energy to spare for a big offensive game. After all, he spent most of the game guarding Victor Wembanyama. That's what's earning him a stud designation here.

Ime Udoka may have found a nuanced defensive strategy. With Brooks guarding the 5, Alperen Sengun effectively functioned as a roamer. At the level, he can use his quick hands to create havoc in driving lanes while minimizing the impact of his slow feet.

It won't work against everyone. Guarding Nikola Jokic is not the same as guarding Wembanyama. Still, Brooks could harass the prodigious big man on the low block. Wembanyama had an underwhelming 15 points, and the Rockets can mostly thank Brooks for that.

2. Stud: Jock Landale

Steven Adams' durability has disappointed Rockets fans. He's scarcely been able to get on the floor, and the Rockets could use his production.

Luckily, Landale is waiting in the wings. Last night, he helped Rockets fans forget about Adams. Landale finished with 11 points on 5/12 shooting from the field to go with 6 rebounds in just 18 minutes.

Landale offers a unique skill set. Offensively, he's a good screener who doesn't need the ball to impact the game. Landale is a viable floor spacer - he hit the only three he attempted last night - and a heady passer. Defensively, he suffers from the same lateral issues as Sengun, but he can contest layup attempts in drop coverage.

He isn't someone the Rockets will want to rely on routinely. Still, having him available is a luxury. Landale may be the best third-string big man in the NBA, but last night he served as a capable backup.

3. Stud: Fred VanVleet

Did you hear that?

That's a collective sigh of relief in Houston. It was loud enough to shift tectonic plates. Fred VanVleet is finally earning his contract - again.

Last night, VanVleet had 21 points (10/11 shooting from the field), 10 assists and 7 rebounds. Perhaps more importantly, he seems to have made some adjustments to his game.

VanVleet attempted a grand total of two three-pointers. He hit one of them. Instead, he's shifted his attention to the midrange. This is the second consecutive game where that trend has held.

The Rockets may need higher three-point volume from VanVleet in time. Still, they'll take production above all else. VanVleet seems to be turning a corner after a woeful start to 2024-25.

Last night, he was a stud by any measure.