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.
A flash of Freak. ?
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 11, 2021
41 PTS | 17 REB | 5 AST | 3 STL | 2 BLK | 79% FGM pic.twitter.com/Q5iv9ULgUm
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.
dark. Next. The Houston Rockets Need to Trade Daniel Theis on December 15th