December 11, 2024 • 9 mins
The Houston Rockets return to the Toyota Center to host the Golden State Warriors in a win-or-go-home matchup for the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. The winner of the contest will travel to Las Vegas to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals Saturday. "Let's go get it done," head coach Ime Udoka said. "It's good to play in meaningful games." Rockets forward Tari Eason is returning to the lineup after missing two straight games in concussion protocol. The other half of the "Terror Twins," Amen Thompson, is coming off a 22-point performance in a 117-106 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Thompson is "such a great driver and slasher," Udoka said. "He doesn't have to be reliant on jump shots." The Warriors are on a 15-game win streak against the Rockets, including being 2-0 this season. The last time the Western Conference foes faced each other was December 5 in San Francisco, as the Warriors won 99-93. Golden State was missing starters Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and Jonathan Kuminga recorded a career-high 33 points. However, both Curry and Green are available for Wednesday's matchup. "They do play very differently when Curry is back," Udoka said. Green serves as the leader for the Warriors' defense and draws comparisons to Dillon Brooks in the sense of getting under the skin of the opponent. "Use it as motivation, and don't back down and shy away from it," Udoka said. "To some extent, try to bully the bully."
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Sixteen and eight on this season knockout game of the
Golden State Warriors. He may doka with us here on
the program. Coach, good afternoon. I don't know I've ever
asked you this. Are you a napper in between shoot
around and games? And tonight?
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Maybe a good one because it's an eight thirty tip
off here?
Speaker 3 (00:17):
No, I am not a napper and it is a
later game. But you know, keep the same routine and
especially back an hour or so, like we did shoot
around this morning, and get ready to play.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
How are the boys? How's the energy? Look?
Speaker 1 (00:30):
You got a victory in Los Angeles on Sunday. That's great,
But let's be honest. You've got two things going for
you here. You got a lot of these kids that
on your team that have gone through a lot of
losses against Golden State, and more importantly, you got something
a trip to Vegas in the line. Here's what's been
the vibe so far with the squad this morning.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Let's go get it done.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
We had an opportunity the other day where we didn't
capitalize on, didn't play our best game overall in Golden State,
and a good chance to revisit that but also break
a streak and playing for something bigger. So let's go
get it done. That's the everybody's goal right now.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
How weird has it been for you to have to
play Golden State twice this year already? And know Steph
current either one of those games. I know the injuries
have played and he's getting relaxation here and there and
what not to make sure he doesn't play him back
to backs and whatnot. But how much do things change
now that you're adding the greatest jump shooter of all
time on the floor.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
Yeah, it's very different, obviously, and so I think that's
some other guys that have heard us in certain areas,
but they do play very different when Curry is back
and Greeden was missing last game as well, so have
some things to prepare for and be ready for. But
have experience with that, and you know, obviously got to
pay a ton of attention to him. Everything's focused on
getting him shots and hold the other guys down like
(01:41):
we did with Healed and some of the other guys
in the previous games.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Fred van Vliet missing the last game for you guys
and turnover is a bitter issue of an issue the
first couple of quarters, but then a lot better in
the second half. What was the change there? And just
in general, we know that Fred van Vliet has a
great assist to turn over ratio. What do you try
to preach to the guys as far as taking care
of the ball, wanting to make the right passes and
good passes, but also taking care of the ball.
Speaker 4 (02:09):
You know, just stop playing the crowd.
Speaker 3 (02:10):
It goes across the board with everybody, regardless of Fred
is there or not. Obviously handles quite a bit and
initiates a lot of our offense. But for other guys
to go and take those steps, you understand that they
can get to the basket, they can make plays for
others and avoid playing in that crowd. And we've seen
a few teams specifically Golden State specifically the Clippers in
that game, that really load up the paint and protect
(02:32):
the paint with some of the smaller lineups out there
and just taking that one less dribble and making it
easy pass and letting you know, getting a hockey assist,
so to speak, will pay dividends. And so Golden State's
a team that forces a ton of turnovers as well,
so got to be smart with it. Throwing with the
ball and take advantage of the opportunities.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Rocket head coach Emiodoko with us here on Sports Talk
seven to ninety about a quarterway into the season. The
fourth year for Jalen Green started off the season hot,
has been a little bit up and down since then.
How would you assess it season and what do you
want to see.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
More from him?
Speaker 3 (03:03):
Yeah, he had good carry over from the end of
last year and then you know, hit a rough patch
some poor shooting, which has played a few of our
guys this year. But the thing I like is that
he continues to play and do other things to impact winning,
not just relying on scoring and still making place for guys.
Has had some poor shooting nights where he really came
through in the fourth quarter, and so to keep that
(03:23):
confidence still defend and make plays for others is a
great sign for him that he can impact the game
when the shots not falling, and so for him, a
consistency is always going to be the key. Teams are
throwing some different things at him scheme wise to try
to keep him off balance, and I think his recognition
has grown nine and days since last year in that area.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
I think also we've seen some growth from him and
Thompson stepping in in a starting role. I mean just
also the corner threes have been falling for him. Is
that something you guys are preaching for him to let
those fly?
Speaker 3 (03:55):
Yeah, teams are guarding them obviously and making improve it.
And so he's really worked hard this offseason in that area,
even more so on the wing.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
He's put in his work as well.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
But he's such a great driver and slasher that we're
encouraging him to do that attack the offensive glass and
then when he can't slash behind to be a lot
better or playing the dunker obviously, stay confident, knocked down
those corner three's, which you've seen him do a lot
more lately. And so he puts into work every day
and that's only going to continue to.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
Grow in that area.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
But he's going to impact the game in so many
different ways that he doesn't have to be relying on
jump shots. He gets downhill, gets into the paint, crafts
the offensive glass, and really pushes great in transition.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Tari Esan going through the concussion stuff the last couple
of games, I'm assuming everything got cleared for him, and
what's it like for him to kind of had the
energy back I know he's always thriving to get on
the court as much as he can, and certainly was
last year fighting through all those injuries that had to
be killing him that he's unable to play the last
couple of games.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
Yeah, yeah, it was boling to me he had a
chance to possibly play in LA and we wanted to
be safe and give him xt a few YXTRA days
and obviously a big matchup coming up, and.
Speaker 4 (04:59):
So good see him back out there.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
The usual energy that he brings to practice to the game,
so he'll he'll have that obviously, and he was a
little disappointed not getting to play in his hometown in LA,
but the main thing was health while he was getting
ready for Golden State and having these days of rest,
and so he's looking good as usual and looking forward
to the impact.
Speaker 4 (05:16):
He brings tonight.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
We were kind of joking about unfortunately two losses this year,
one of them involved Buddy Heell going off, the other
one with Jonathan Kaminga. For those audience members, and I'm
gonna let's be honest, he's not a household name around
these parts. Kaminga has done some damage, has had a
very good season For those that are going to the
game that I are listening or watching. He's double zero.
What does he possess it's going to cause? Has caused
you guys some trouble so far this year.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
Well, the main thing is he's very physical.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
He's aggressive driver that gets downhill and has some athleticism obviously,
And so the games that Curry has been out, he's
had more opportunity and we kind of lost track of
him the times. Doing a really good job on heal
last game and focusing on some others.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
He kind of got away, especially in transition.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Knocked down a few threes that we can live with,
but that added to his total. And just a guy
that's super confident, takes advantage the opportunity when the guys
are missing, and has done that and hurt us in
two games so far.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
Draymond Green's going to play, whether it's a start or
reserv will obviously find out. Serious a coach, he drives
me crazy with the towel waving when he wasn't playing
last week in San Francisco. When he is on the
floor and you have had lots of different guys blank
talk your guys. You guys are a pretty good amount
of it as well. Do you embrace it? Do you
(06:30):
tell the guys that close their ears? How do you
appropriately go at him? Knowing as good as he is,
but letting not letting his words become a huge part
of the game.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
I say, he use his motivation and don't back.
Speaker 4 (06:43):
Down to shy away from it.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
Obviously he does that, but we have guys that do
it as well, and so for us, we tried to
establish that foundation last year to not take a back
seat to anybody and be competitive on a nightly basis
and make other teams feel this. And so are a lot
of those things that we're preaching to our guys. Draymond
does for his team. And you know, obviously I've had
the chance to work with him quite a bit, play
against him quite a bit as well, but work with
(07:05):
him a team USA, and he was really a linebacker, safety,
quarterback on defense back then, you see how invaluable he
is on a night to night basis.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
And he does that with Golden State at a high level.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
So as much as some people hate it, and obviously
you hate going against it, I respect him for what
he's done in this league and he brings their edge
to their team.
Speaker 4 (07:22):
And we have guys that we have to do the
same thing.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Dylan's one of ours, and so oh yeah, don't back down,
don't back down, give it right back, and you know
some extent, try to bully the bully.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
You know what. I love that attitude.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
It's fresh, it's different, and I think a lot of
teams embrace that against Golden State. So if I go
to your white marker board right now and you were
to put up the stuff in the pregame visit with
a team, what's the very first thing on the top
of that list.
Speaker 4 (07:46):
Curry? Curry.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
That makes sense. Yeah, it makes sense.
Speaker 3 (07:49):
You know. Obviously we haven't played against him twice this year,
and everything revolves around him with the team and so
understanding how they're trying to use them, you know, his
off ball movement and we got four guys setting screens,
they're moving the ball to try to get them looks, and.
Speaker 4 (08:03):
So that's a big piece of it. We've guarded their.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
Off ball action pretty well this year, but him and
pick and roll him and off ball actions is the
key to their game, and so playing their physicality on
defense as well. They've they've blitzed quite a bit and
tried to junk up the game, and so Jalen Fred
and the guys that running the pick and rolls need
to know that Alpron has to be an outlet for
them and then make them pay. On the backside, we'll
have a numbers advantage and so not being surprised by
(08:26):
that and then guardan curry are their main two things.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Well, honestly, coach, that wrapped this up. If you guys
were playing v NBA Cup games in Bismarck, North Dakota,
I'd be priud to broadcast them as I normally would.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
But it's Vegas. I mean, come on, we need this,
don't We need this? Doesn't the city of Houston need this.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Doesn't all of America needs the Rockets to knock off
the Wars and this long losing street tonight.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
I think for us, you know, we want to do
all the above that you just mentioned, But for us,
it's good to play a meaningful games our young guys
that haven't made the playoffs. This is a higher usher situation,
and we had some really good games last at the
end of last year that we're meaningful it. So anytime
we can get these first on their list and get
these experiences out of the way. I think it bodes
(09:10):
well for our team going forward. And so this is
the first real challenge this year of something that means more.
You're playing for a cup, playing against a team that
has success against you, and so I want to see
our guys be confident and aggressive and come out of
attacking tonight.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
All right, thanks for the visit. Good lucky you. We'll
see you later on tonight at the arena.
Speaker 4 (09:25):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
You got to Emana Dooka with us here weekly Wednesday
visit on Sports Talk se don't yes, Rossie, the games
are in Bismarck, I'd be happy to call them if
they were in Witch Talk, zero issues. If the games
were played in uh Burringham, I'd be all for it.
Sixteen and eight on this season knockout game of the
Golden State Warriors. He may doka with us here on
the program. Coach, good afternoon. I don't know I've ever
asked you this. Are you a napper in between shoot
around and games? And tonight?
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Maybe a good one because it's an eight thirty tip
off here?
Speaker 3 (00:17):
No, I am not a napper and it is a
later game. But you know, keep the same routine and
especially back an hour or so, like we did shoot
around this morning, and get ready to play.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
How are the boys? How's the energy? Look?
Speaker 1 (00:30):
You got a victory in Los Angeles on Sunday. That's great,
But let's be honest. You've got two things going for
you here. You got a lot of these kids that
on your team that have gone through a lot of
losses against Golden State, and more importantly, you got something
a trip to Vegas in the line. Here's what's been
the vibe so far with the squad this morning.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Let's go get it done.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
We had an opportunity the other day where we didn't
capitalize on, didn't play our best game overall in Golden State,
and a good chance to revisit that but also break
a streak and playing for something bigger. So let's go
get it done. That's the everybody's goal right now.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
How weird has it been for you to have to
play Golden State twice this year already? And know Steph
current either one of those games. I know the injuries
have played and he's getting relaxation here and there and
what not to make sure he doesn't play him back
to backs and whatnot. But how much do things change
now that you're adding the greatest jump shooter of all
time on the floor.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
Yeah, it's very different, obviously, and so I think that's
some other guys that have heard us in certain areas,
but they do play very different when Curry is back
and Greeden was missing last game as well, so have
some things to prepare for and be ready for. But
have experience with that, and you know, obviously got to
pay a ton of attention to him. Everything's focused on
getting him shots and hold the other guys down like
(01:41):
we did with Healed and some of the other guys
in the previous games.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Fred van Vliet missing the last game for you guys
and turnover is a bitter issue of an issue the
first couple of quarters, but then a lot better in
the second half. What was the change there? And just
in general, we know that Fred van Vliet has a
great assist to turn over ratio. What do you try
to preach to the guys as far as taking care
of the ball, wanting to make the right passes and
good passes, but also taking care of the ball.
Speaker 4 (02:09):
You know, just stop playing the crowd.
Speaker 3 (02:10):
It goes across the board with everybody, regardless of Fred
is there or not. Obviously handles quite a bit and
initiates a lot of our offense. But for other guys
to go and take those steps, you understand that they
can get to the basket, they can make plays for
others and avoid playing in that crowd. And we've seen
a few teams specifically Golden State specifically the Clippers in
that game, that really load up the paint and protect
(02:32):
the paint with some of the smaller lineups out there
and just taking that one less dribble and making it
easy pass and letting you know, getting a hockey assist,
so to speak, will pay dividends. And so Golden State's
a team that forces a ton of turnovers as well,
so got to be smart with it. Throwing with the
ball and take advantage of the opportunities.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Rocket head coach Emiodoko with us here on Sports Talk
seven to ninety about a quarterway into the season. The
fourth year for Jalen Green started off the season hot,
has been a little bit up and down since then.
How would you assess it season and what do you
want to see.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
More from him?
Speaker 3 (03:03):
Yeah, he had good carry over from the end of
last year and then you know, hit a rough patch
some poor shooting, which has played a few of our
guys this year. But the thing I like is that
he continues to play and do other things to impact winning,
not just relying on scoring and still making place for guys.
Has had some poor shooting nights where he really came
through in the fourth quarter, and so to keep that
(03:23):
confidence still defend and make plays for others is a
great sign for him that he can impact the game
when the shots not falling, and so for him, a
consistency is always going to be the key. Teams are
throwing some different things at him scheme wise to try
to keep him off balance, and I think his recognition
has grown nine and days since last year in that area.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
I think also we've seen some growth from him and
Thompson stepping in in a starting role. I mean just
also the corner threes have been falling for him. Is
that something you guys are preaching for him to let
those fly?
Speaker 3 (03:55):
Yeah, teams are guarding them obviously and making improve it.
And so he's really worked hard this offseason in that area,
even more so on the wing.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
He's put in his work as well.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
But he's such a great driver and slasher that we're
encouraging him to do that attack the offensive glass and
then when he can't slash behind to be a lot
better or playing the dunker obviously, stay confident, knocked down
those corner three's, which you've seen him do a lot
more lately. And so he puts into work every day
and that's only going to continue to.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
Grow in that area.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
But he's going to impact the game in so many
different ways that he doesn't have to be relying on
jump shots. He gets downhill, gets into the paint, crafts
the offensive glass, and really pushes great in transition.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Tari Esan going through the concussion stuff the last couple
of games, I'm assuming everything got cleared for him, and
what's it like for him to kind of had the
energy back I know he's always thriving to get on
the court as much as he can, and certainly was
last year fighting through all those injuries that had to
be killing him that he's unable to play the last
couple of games.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
Yeah, yeah, it was boling to me he had a
chance to possibly play in LA and we wanted to
be safe and give him xt a few YXTRA days
and obviously a big matchup coming up, and.
Speaker 4 (04:59):
So good see him back out there.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
The usual energy that he brings to practice to the game,
so he'll he'll have that obviously, and he was a
little disappointed not getting to play in his hometown in LA,
but the main thing was health while he was getting
ready for Golden State and having these days of rest,
and so he's looking good as usual and looking forward
to the impact.
Speaker 4 (05:16):
He brings tonight.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
We were kind of joking about unfortunately two losses this year,
one of them involved Buddy Heell going off, the other
one with Jonathan Kaminga. For those audience members, and I'm
gonna let's be honest, he's not a household name around
these parts. Kaminga has done some damage, has had a
very good season For those that are going to the
game that I are listening or watching. He's double zero.
What does he possess it's going to cause? Has caused
you guys some trouble so far this year.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
Well, the main thing is he's very physical.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
He's aggressive driver that gets downhill and has some athleticism obviously,
And so the games that Curry has been out, he's
had more opportunity and we kind of lost track of
him the times. Doing a really good job on heal
last game and focusing on some others.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
He kind of got away, especially in transition.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Knocked down a few threes that we can live with,
but that added to his total. And just a guy
that's super confident, takes advantage the opportunity when the guys
are missing, and has done that and hurt us in
two games so far.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
Draymond Green's going to play, whether it's a start or
reserv will obviously find out. Serious a coach, he drives
me crazy with the towel waving when he wasn't playing
last week in San Francisco. When he is on the
floor and you have had lots of different guys blank
talk your guys. You guys are a pretty good amount
of it as well. Do you embrace it? Do you
(06:30):
tell the guys that close their ears? How do you
appropriately go at him? Knowing as good as he is,
but letting not letting his words become a huge part
of the game.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
I say, he use his motivation and don't back.
Speaker 4 (06:43):
Down to shy away from it.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
Obviously he does that, but we have guys that do
it as well, and so for us, we tried to
establish that foundation last year to not take a back
seat to anybody and be competitive on a nightly basis
and make other teams feel this. And so are a lot
of those things that we're preaching to our guys. Draymond
does for his team. And you know, obviously I've had
the chance to work with him quite a bit, play
against him quite a bit as well, but work with
(07:05):
him a team USA, and he was really a linebacker, safety,
quarterback on defense back then, you see how invaluable he
is on a night to night basis.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
And he does that with Golden State at a high level.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
So as much as some people hate it, and obviously
you hate going against it, I respect him for what
he's done in this league and he brings their edge
to their team.
Speaker 4 (07:22):
And we have guys that we have to do the
same thing.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Dylan's one of ours, and so oh yeah, don't back down,
don't back down, give it right back, and you know
some extent, try to bully the bully.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
You know what. I love that attitude.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
It's fresh, it's different, and I think a lot of
teams embrace that against Golden State. So if I go
to your white marker board right now and you were
to put up the stuff in the pregame visit with
a team, what's the very first thing on the top
of that list.
Speaker 4 (07:46):
Curry? Curry.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
That makes sense. Yeah, it makes sense.
Speaker 3 (07:49):
You know. Obviously we haven't played against him twice this year,
and everything revolves around him with the team and so
understanding how they're trying to use them, you know, his
off ball movement and we got four guys setting screens,
they're moving the ball to try to get them looks, and.
Speaker 4 (08:03):
So that's a big piece of it. We've guarded their.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
Off ball action pretty well this year, but him and
pick and roll him and off ball actions is the
key to their game, and so playing their physicality on
defense as well. They've they've blitzed quite a bit and
tried to junk up the game, and so Jalen Fred
and the guys that running the pick and rolls need
to know that Alpron has to be an outlet for
them and then make them pay. On the backside, we'll
have a numbers advantage and so not being surprised by
(08:26):
that and then guardan curry are their main two things.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Well, honestly, coach, that wrapped this up. If you guys
were playing v NBA Cup games in Bismarck, North Dakota,
I'd be priud to broadcast them as I normally would.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
But it's Vegas. I mean, come on, we need this,
don't We need this? Doesn't the city of Houston need this.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Doesn't all of America needs the Rockets to knock off
the Wars and this long losing street tonight.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
I think for us, you know, we want to do
all the above that you just mentioned, But for us,
it's good to play a meaningful games our young guys
that haven't made the playoffs. This is a higher usher situation,
and we had some really good games last at the
end of last year that we're meaningful it. So anytime
we can get these first on their list and get
these experiences out of the way. I think it bodes
(09:10):
well for our team going forward. And so this is
the first real challenge this year of something that means more.
You're playing for a cup, playing against a team that
has success against you, and so I want to see
our guys be confident and aggressive and come out of
attacking tonight.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
All right, thanks for the visit. Good lucky you. We'll
see you later on tonight at the arena.
Speaker 4 (09:25):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
You got to Emana Dooka with us here weekly Wednesday
visit on Sports Talk se don't yes, Rossie, the games
are in Bismarck, I'd be happy to call them if
they were in Witch Talk, zero issues. If the games
were played in uh Burringham, I'd be all for it.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.