Ben DuBose

Yeah, I think this is a frustrating one because the Rockets got beaten at their own game.

Like they were out physical.

They were bullied, as you said.

And I think it's only fitting that we have Paolo on today because if if there's two things that Paolo is known for, well, there's probably more than two things.

But I think if you listen to the Rockets launch pod and shows that I've done with Paolo over the years, you know, a couple of Paolo's favorite talking points.

This year, it's been about the regression from Alper and Shingun on defense.

And ever since, well, even before Kahlil Ware was drafted, that was his guy.

And then you fast forward to today and Miami's backup center outplays Houston's starting center.

And the Rockets also don't have Steven Adams.

They don't have Jabari Smith Jr., who typically does a lot to help Shingun when it comes to defense and rebounding and providing another physical presence inside.

You don't have the backup in Steven.

You don't have the reinforcement in Jabari, who typically starts alongside Alpi.

So it's basically Alpi and four perimeter guys in that starting lineup.

And both Bam Adebayo, who you would expect, Bam's an all-star level player, but also Kal-El Ware outplayed Alper and Shingun, your all-star.

It's tough to come up with a formula to win when that happens.

So

Paolo, I don't know what to say.

I'll just kick it to you on that because it feels like a game in which, you know, Shingun's shortcomings defensively were exposed and also, you know, all the reasons you were high on Kahlil Ware going into, you know, that draft class a couple of years ago.

I think those were on display today as well.

Yeah, Shingun was minus 18 today in his 35 minutes.