Hector is tired. The third quarter's pace was fast, and he made two losses of balls since the beginning of the fourth quarter. Hartenstein and PF Adel have done a remarkable job of restricting it.
He is not helped by his teammates, who have started shooting in any direction.
With 4 minutes left before the end of the game, the score was 81-84 for the Rockets.
Hector currently has 15ptd, 8rbs, 5ast, 1stl and a 1block. It's the toughest game he's had so far. He has observed the opposing defense and thinks he has found a flaw. The Rockets don't consider other Kings players like Hector. They could be more lax in defense against them.
And Hector will exploit this flaw. During a pick and roll with Guy, he asks for the ball at the level of the 3PT line and makes a feint of shot. Hartenstein jumped, and McDowell, the Rockets' PG, came to the aid but released Gabriel, now alone in the corner. Hector sees it and passes by. 84-84.
McDowell took advantage of a screen from Adel to shoot 3PT. 87-84.
Hector handed the ball to Guy, who took his time to go up the court. Coach Reegan asked to slow down the game, and I asked to have the ball posted up.
He is in isolation against Hartenstein; it is the best of all worlds for him; a feint and a quick first step later, an easy basket is obtained.
The formula is simple, but it is so devastating. 87-86.
Rockets SG Clemons misses his shot; Hector recovers the rebound and goes directly on the counterattack. Adel interferes with his layup but can't avoid the one.
87-88 Kings.
The free throw is successful! 87-89.
But the next two possessions made Reegan angry. Christon, who forgot the SG Ponza in the corner at 3PT, gives an easy basket to the Rockets, who go back in front.
Hector, who waits for the ball in the post-up, sees Thompson put a screen near the line, and Guy, who rushes to the basket head down, logically finds the hand of Hartenstein, who blocks his layup.
PF Edwards recovered the ball and found Clemons, who cut toward the circle. Christon tries to interfere but takes the blamed person and the and one.
With 1:20 left to play and the Kings are behind by 3 points. 89-92! Fortunately, Clemons misses the free throw, and Hector recovers the ball—time out. Reegan yelled at all the players present, including Hector, who is not exempt from reproach here.
Reegan gave tactical instructions: "Give the ball to Hector and let it do it."
This order is not trivial; it is the order Wharton had given the Reegan in case of a near end of the match. Hector is brilliant; he knows he is tested; the other players know it, too but have no say.
Guy receives the inbound pass from Thompson, slowly raises the ball, and gives it to Hector, who examines the possible options...