Houston Rockets LISTEN: Bench Shines in Win vs. LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers
The Houston Rockets are over .500 for the first time in over 1,000 days after a 128-94 shellacking against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Rockets are also winners of four straight games dating back to last Wednesday. While Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun led the way in the win, the bench deserves some flowers, specifically Jae'Sean Tate, who scored 14 points and brought enormous intensity on the defensive end.
In the latest episode of the "Kiss of Death Podcast," Michael Brown recaps the Rockets' win against the Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts to playing against the Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate (8) in the second half at Toyota Center.
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The Rockets have been sprinkled with veterans after two years of virtually no experience on the roster, and it's paying huge dividends in the early part of the season.
Tate has been the most impactful in the box score and for the eye test, but everyone on the bench has shown flashes of potential in the first seven games.
Jeff Green has provided a steady veteran presence, and he's even earned the trust of coach Ime Udoka as the first player to enter the game off the bench.
While Amen Thompson has been out, point guard Aaron Holiday has also worked well with the second unit and is beginning to carve out a role for himself.
Jock Landale hasn't been the most consistent, but he's proving why the Rockets took a shot on him in free agency.
Ultimately, the Rockets aren't winning these games just because of the starters (who have been fantastic) but because the depth has been strong.
