Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun help Rockets clinch first playoff berth since 2020

The last time the Houston Rockets played an NBA playoff game at Toyota Center, Jalen Green was a high school junior and Alperen Şengün was playing in the second-division Turkish First League. On Wednesday, the two cornerstones of the franchise’s rebuild helped the Rockets clinch a playoff spot and the Southwest Division title with a commanding 143-105 victory against the Utah Jazz.
Source: Houston Chronicle What’s the buzz on Twitter? StatMuse @statmuse
Sengun vs UTA:
15 PTS
14 REB
9 AST
+29 in 29 minutes. pic.x.com/DHjzRcX4DK10:05 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
Rockets starting lineup:
G – Jalen Green
G – Amen Thompson
F – Dillon Brooks
F – Tari Eason
C – Alperen Sengun
Jazz:
G – Isaiah Collier
G – Collin Sexton
F – Brice

Keep reading this article on HoopsHype - NBA.

Dereck Lively II returns to lineup

Tim MacMahon: Mavs C Dereck Lively II will return tonight from his stress fracture in his right ankle. Jason Kidd says Lively will be limited to 15 minutes vs. Hawks.
Source: Twitter @espn_macmahon What’s the buzz on Twitter? Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Mavs C Dereck Lively II will return tonight from his stress fracture in his right ankle. Jason Kidd says Lively will be limited to 15 minutes vs. Hawks. – 6:47 PM Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Dereck Lively II at work today at Mavs’ practice. pic.x.com/CS5c1CLOXS1:31 PM Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Mavs C Daniel Gafford is returning tonight vs. the Nets and will be on a minutes restriction in the 15-20 range, per Jason Kidd.
Dereck Lively II is

Keep reading this article on HoopsHype - NBA.

Donovan Mitchell on making sacrifices: I understood going into this season if my usage wasn't as high it could translate to winning

“I’m not shocked. Because my numbers, my usage, is not as high,” Mitchell said. “I came into the season understanding if we took this approach, that would be the sacrifice. Do I feel like I’m (part of that conversation)? Hell, yeah. But understanding I don’t have the ball in my hands every single possession. And look where we are because of that. That, to me, is going to translate to winning.
Source: Yahoo! Sports What’s the buzz on Twitter? Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Donovan Mitchell to ⁦@YahooSports⁩ on making big sacrifices for the Cavs: “Everybody says they’re willing to sacrifice until it’s them. Are you really, truly ready?” sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/do…6:30 PM Danny Cunningham @RealDCunningham
The NBA says Donovan Mitchell is a finalist for the 2024-25 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year

Keep reading this article on HoopsHype - NBA.

Terry Rozier on his struggles on Heat: My style of play hasn't been the best fit for what we want to do

Having entered the season with expectations of either being a side-by-side or relief component for Tyler Herro in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation, it has, instead, been the roughest of rides for Rozier over his 10 seasons. “I think it’s just my style of play hasn’t been the best fit for what we want to do,” Rozier, 31, acknowledged during a private moment prior to Saturday night’s victory over the 76ers that extended the Heat winning streak to four. “So I’m just seeing what works and what cach likes and what fits best for the team, I’ve kind of been fighting. I kind of know what coach wants me to do. Just got to do it.”
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel What’s the buzz on Twitter? Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
NEW: Lots of nuggets,reaction, takeaways, details from Heat’s fifth win in row,including

Keep reading this article on HoopsHype - NBA.

Bradley Beal on fans being upset over his unavailability: 'I get it, they have every reason to be'

Bradley Beal can’t blame fans for being upset with him missing games due to injury, especially when the Phoenix Suns are desperate for wins just to stay in the play-in race without injured superstar Kevin Durant. “I get it, I get it,” Beal said. “They have every reason to be. I am, too.”
Source: Arizona Republic What’s the buzz on Twitter? Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
‘I get it’: Bradley Beal understands Suns’ fans are upset with his missed games, injuries (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 5:55 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
No KD…no Beal…no Royce…no hope? We’re going live on @PHNX_Suns for pregame to talk Suns vs. Bucks Part 2! Come hang out:
youtube.com/watch?v=T6KWc-…6:57 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bradley Beal (left

Keep reading this article on HoopsHype - NBA.