Houston Rockets v Memphis Grizzlies & Milwaukee Bucks: 2 Studs and 1 Dud

Houston Rockets Dud 1: Jae’Sean Tate

Jae’Sean Tate was one of the unsung heroes of the Rockets’ seven-game winning streak. His all-around excellent gave the team a much-needed offensive and defensive boost. With his importance to their winning ways, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Rockets' streak came to an end when Tate posted some duds. 

Over the Rockets’ win streak, Tate averaged 15.3 points on 53.8-percent shooting, 5.3 assists, and 5 rebounds a game. In their two losses, he averaged 6.5 points on 33.3-percent shooting, 6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds a game. 

If the Rockets got the Tate from their winning streak, they could very well still be on a winning streak. Tate did dish nine assists in his dud against the Bucks, but he went two of seven from the field and only grabbed two rebounds. Those are late-career Rajon Rondo numbers, which is never a good comparison. 

Tate spent long stretches guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo and was completely overmatched. While that shouldn't be a surprise, if he offered a bit more resistance the Rockets' would have had a chance to steal the game.

Tate’s night in Memphis was even worse. He scored seven points on three of eight shooting, dished three assists, grabbed three rebounds, was in foul trouble, and had a -20 plus/minus. Tate is a great role player, but he’ll go through stretches where he can’t buy a bucket. Tate was a dud, but chances are he’ll be back in the stud ledger.