Rockets' Daishen Nix Playing With All-Time High Confidence Post All-Star Break
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HOUSTON — Second-year guard Daishen Nix isn't shy from letting fans know he is still young and learning the game on an NBA level. But Nix's play over the previous two games has showcased his growth in confidence.
"It's just been high because they have been playing me more," Nix said. "I've been getting the shots. But now, I'm making my shots — which has boosted my confidence."
Nix has been the lone bright spot for the Houston Rockets since returning from the All-Star break.
He scored a career-best 16 points (7-10 FG, 2-4 3PT) in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Forty-eight hours later, Nix added 14 points (6-10 FG, 2-4 3PT) during Houston's 131-114 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
His post-All-Star production is a bit of a surprise when considering Nix had four DNPs in the five games leading up to the break. Nix said he had to keep a professional mindset when he wasn't receiving minutes, but not playing allowed him to find his rhythm during practices.
Nix credited coach Stephen Silas for helping boost his confidence during practice sessions. And over the previous three games, Nix says Silas has showcased his belief.
"He puts a lot of pressure on the basketball," Silas said. "He is physical and tries hard on the defensive end. On offense, he has the physicality to go to the rim. He is shooting his 3's more confidently than he has before. I like the way he is playing."
Confidence is one of three attributes Nix has worked on improving since the Rockets made him a rotational player before the start of the season.
During the Las Vegas Summer League tournament in July, Nix's goal was to find the middle ground between the player who led the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to their fourth G League title to contributing as a reserve on an NBA level.
The transition was challenging. But Nix found comfortability in his new role in Houston, which has led to a mid-season confidence booster.
Nix notched a 24.5 usage rating as the Vipers' primary facilitator and scorer. He averaged 20.6 points on 50.0 percent shooting from the field, 7.6 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals.
Building confidence and getting acclimated to his role are the top two attributes Nix wanted to accomplish during his sophomore campaign. The last objective on his agenda is to improve his passable defense.
"I want to pick up my play on the defensive end," Nix said. "We have played against some of the top All-Star guards, and it is all about learning. Learning from the mistakes I've made throughout the game and keep building from there."
Nix is working on maintaining his high confidence during the final 22 games. Sustaining self-confidence would give Nix a chance to start the groundwork for his next set of career objectives ahead of his junior season.
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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