With the game-winning shot, Kevin Porter Jr. has undoubtedly redeemed himself from all the recent issues and suspensions thrown at him.
Kevin Porter Jr x Father Stretch My Hands
Poetry in motion pic.twitter.com/AuaLXORiNH
— arxan (@arxanii) January 6, 2022
The Rockets have stuck by Kevin Porter Jr. and vice versa, @KellyIkoNBA writes.
On Wednesday night, they were rewarded by more than just a game-winner.
“It was a really good moment, one of the best moments of the year.”
📚 https://t.co/9yxp9DC3em pic.twitter.com/yi4C76vL4y
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) January 6, 2022
His stellar performance was accompanied by a stuffed stat sheet, as he covered both ends of the floor. A near triple-double effort, Porter racked up 9 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and four steals.
Earlier this weekend, Porter made headlines after getting into an altercation with assistant coach John Lucas, which involved heated words and things being thrown. As a result, he left his team at halftime. It has been reported that Porter’s composure on the bench was questioned by assistant coach John Lucas.
In retribution for Porter’s actions, the Rockets organization slapped him with a one-game suspension, which ultimately caused him to miss the Sixers game.According to head coach Stephen Silas, the suspension was a decision “best for the team and best for our culture as a group, and just making sure that everybody is on the same page”. This is also in line with their center, Christian Wood, as he too had his share of issues during Saturday’s game.
The Rockets have suspended Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Wood for tonight's game, citing 'poor behavior' in Saturday's game against Denver, per @wojespn and @espn_macmahon pic.twitter.com/3m4IoRauc6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 3, 2022
Porter, an up-and-coming player who has been integral to the Rocket’s young core development, has had previous altercations. His history of anger management issues — which they believed him to have been working on since.
Porter’s game-winning moment truly showcased his ability to bounce back after a slight setback. Despite struggling to get his shots down, Coach Stephen Silas entrusted the guard to live up to the moment and make the final shot.
Credit is also due to Wood as he led the team with his double-double effort of 22 points and 11 rebounds — also coming off of a suspension.
Also s/o to Christian Wood he came out and showed out tonight . 22 points 11 rebounds 3 steals pic.twitter.com/hXlIhk2Liv
— Lachard Binkley (@HTOWN4LIFE40) January 6, 2022
The Rocket’s young core in Jalen Green scored 22 of his own, along with sharp-shooter Eric Gordon with 19 points. These games are a huge boost in helping the young team develop and learn throughout the season, adding fire and desire as they continue to face the league’s giants.
The Rockets are set to face the Dallas Mavericks next on Friday night.
