After a short intermission, in the second half of the game, Butler's shooting percentage began to drop off a cliff after scoring consecutive singles.
Carlisle's defensive strategy for Butler is very simple, which is to let Marion defend alone and resolutely not attack from a double attack.
This is because Butler's style of play mainly focuses on rushing the frame, small floaters and mid-range shots. Playing 2 points and 2 points is not enough to defeat the current Mavericks.
On the other hand, the Mavericks became more and more courageous under the leadership of Nowitzki. Tucker changed his defensive strategy and used a semi-circle defense to prevent Nowitzki from receiving the ball. However, Collison could still find King Nowitzki through a lob pass. The latter was relaxed and happy with his high blow.
The Mavericks' offense drives their defense. The offense is playing smoothly and the defense is more active.
This caused Harden, Butler and Jeremy Lin, who already had poor touch, to fall into a bigger swamp. The game became more and more tiring, and the disadvantage of lack of physical strength was further revealed.
McHale looked sad and paced back and forth on the sidelines, unable to think of a solution.
"Xu, let me play."
Iverson was dressed in training clothes. He turned around and said to Xu Xin that when he saw the Rockets on the court being passive, he was eager to fight.
The Rockets are not full today, and Iverson is also on the roster.
"No, during the game, everything must be listened to by the head coach."
Xu Xin shook his head. He couldn't make the decision on this matter without authorization. This was an act beyond his authority and would destroy the atmosphere in the team's locker room, even if he was the general manager.
"Besides, your current physical condition does not allow you to participate in such a high-intensity competition. If you are not careful, you will be seriously injured."
Xu Xin continued to explain.
"Okay, I know."
Iverson sighed, his eyes gradually dimming.
On the court, whether it was Harden, Butler or Jeremy Lin, the offensive efficiency of the three of them was decreasing. The role players felt equally cold tonight and failed to seize several open opportunities.
As Mayo made a strong shot against Harden, the pull-up jumper hit the net.
The point difference has widened to 15 points, and the atmosphere of the game has reached its highest point. Facing the roar of the home fans, the Rockets players are even more at a loss on the court.
McHale replaced Asik with Ariza and set up a five-small lineup to attack, but the effect was also poor.
The five generals whose sister had accomplished extraordinary feats turned into five blacksmiths tonight, smashing the rim of the American Airlines Center arena so hard that it almost deformed.
On the defensive end, without Asik protecting the inside, the German twin towers composed of Kaman and Nowitzki are even more unstoppable.
Tucker is helpless in the face of this kind of technical tall inside line, and there is still a big gap in defensive effectiveness compared with Chuck Hayes.
After three quarters, 75:98, the Rockets lost 17 points in this quarter, and it was rare that their score did not exceed 20.
With a wave of his hand, McHale retreated, replaced with several Development League players, and gave up in the fourth quarter.
"What do you mean? Rockets have surrendered?"
In the stands, a bald brother wearing a Nowitzki jersey said.
"It seems so. I thought we could win, but I didn't expect it would be such a big victory."
Next to him, a slightly younger middle-aged man said excitedly.
Is there anything that makes fans happier than seeing the home team win at home against one of the best teams in the league?
There was no suspense in the fourth quarter. The fans spontaneously organized a wave of people, and the entire arena turned into a sea of joy.
Some are happy and some are sad. On the Rockets bench, from the core to the role players, everyone has dull eyes and expressionless faces, looking out of place.
The photographer was also very heart-wrenching, pointing the camera at the Rockets bench during several dead-ball moments. The fans saw this scene through the big screen above the arena and burst into laughter.
"The Chinese medicine massage parlor must be opened before the team's away trip ends."
Xu Xin secretly made up his mind that the defeat in this game was not a crime of war, mainly due to the lack of personnel and the impact of back-to-back.
However, if the players had an hour of Chinese medicine massage after the game last night, maybe the situation would be different today.
As soon as the game ended, Xu Xin called Li Cheng. He was now traveling with the team, and all matters related to the massage parlor were left to Li Cheng.
"It can be opened in a week at most."
On the other end of the phone, Li Cheng said excitedly.
"How are the masseurs studying?"
Xu Xin continued to ask.
"We are all learning step by step, and we will be able to start teaching soon."
Li Cheng replied that Xu Xin's massage therapy was not difficult to get started, but the effect was very significant.
"Great, I'll open it when I get back."
Xu Xin said with a smile, this is one of the few good news tonight.
For him, the massage parlor is not only a profitable business, but also a major weight for the Rockets to compete for the championship.
Xu Xin put down the phone and returned to the locker room, just in time for McHale to finish his summary. The players were in a pretty good mood, and McHale's psychological massage was still effective.
In a long season, especially during a very intensive schedule, losing is normal. In addition, after losing, the Rockets are still No. 1 in the Western Conference. There seems to be nothing uncomfortable thinking about it.
After Jeremy Lin, Harden and others experienced a brief period of depression, they began to laugh and chat again.
Butler was the only one who was different. He kept silent with a grimace on his face.
"Jimmy, a loss in one game is nothing, cheer up, cheer up,"
Xu Xin walked over and comforted him.
"Manager, I am responsible for losing this game."
Butler raised his head and said reproachfully.
"What are you talking about? You are simply alarmist."
Harden said pretending to be unhappy when he heard Butler take the responsibility.
"Yes, each of us is responsible for losing."
Little O'Neal, dressed in casual clothes, took over.
Although he was banned from playing today due to league penalties, he was always with the team.
"Losing is not terrible. What is terrible is losing one, two, three or even more games for the same reason."
Garnett said.
"That makes sense."
Butler was thoughtful, suddenly stood up, and said impassionedly:
"I propose that we all practice extra tonight as a team."
As soon as these words came out, the locker room was silent and fell into a brief silence.
"Ah, what, I have to video chat with my child tonight, so I'm leaving first."
Garnett touched his nose, made up a reason, and said slightly embarrassed.
"Okay, what about you?"
Butler didn't seem to notice the dilemma of his teammates. He looked around and continued to ask.
"I want to spend time with my girlfriend."
"My college teacher urged me to hand in my homework."
"I seem to have forgotten to help the old lady cross the road. Let's go now."
"My mother asked me to go home for dinner."
