Among the fundamentals of basketball, there is the triple threat. The ball carrier can perform three actions: dribble, pass the ball to a bounded partner, or shoot.
Well executed, the triple threat makes the user genuinely indefensible because, by varying the pleasures, he never ceases to surprise his defender, who no longer knows how to hold him back.
Hector is in the rising position in triple threat; the defense does not dare come to double. Hartenstein is playing next to him, so Hector quickly turns and finishes with his left hand. 91-92!
With 1:10 remaining, the Kings only scored one point. The Rockets are in the lead, so the pressure is not on their side, but there is a better time to falter.
McDowell calmly returns the ball to the left sideline and asks Adel for a screen. Suddenly, Hector remembers a trap and asks James to stop the leader from going to the board.
McDowell is suddenly caught in a pincer movement trying to send the ball to Clark on the other side, free to score, but Hector, who built the trap, knew it was the only option. And the worst. Hector intercepts the ball and rushes toward the basket. Dunk!
The Kings are back in front. 93-92. Hector went straight back to defense. There are 43 seconds left to play, but no matter the situation, being a point behind the opponent is precarious both ways.
McDowell, who has just committed a turnover, passes the ball to Hartenstein at the low post, who tries the backdown on Hector. But with his long wingspan, the latter interferes enough to miss the shot and immediately recovers the ball.
The Rockets, without a timeout, are forced to foul. Hector goes to the free-throw line and lands his two throws. 95-92.0
With 30 seconds remaining, the Rockets attempt an unsuccessful 3PT. Guy finished the game on the line. They won 97-92.
Hector remembers a sentence: "He who tries nothing has nothing." He was sure his trap would work, but having the audacity to take a chance was another matter.
Players and staff were relieved at the buzzer. The best victories are difficult matches, as was the case tonight.
Hector finished with 21pts 8rbs, 6 ast 2stl and 1blk. Guy with 13pts and 6ast, Thompson 9pts 6rbs.
Wharton and Reegan praised Hector for his time management. There is a difference between training and actual combat. Anyone who hesitates to seize an opportunity will always find themselves in a complicated situation.
The long sessions devoted to video analysis paid off. It was a big confidence boost, but in the next game against the Los Angeles Clippers, there will be a similar scenario. As they say, every game is different…