Rockets Notes: Green, Thompson, Sengun, NBA Cup, VanVleet, Eason

The Rockets Didn’t manage a turnover despite being absent in the final 20 minutes of their win over the Clippers on Sunday Fred VanVleetwho is recovering from a right knee injury.

It was a very encouraging sign for the coach I am Udokawho relied on it Jalen Green, Amen Thompson And Alperen Sengun to organize the crime, writes Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

“He has such a calming influence on the team, he often gets us what we need.” Udoka said of VanVleet. “We still want the guys to grow and learn this. So when he’s not out there, it’s good for us to do it a little bit more. We went to a few different people to initiate the offense.”

We have more on the Rockets:

• Houston will face the Warriors in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. It is possible that VanVleet will return to action for tournament play. Forward Tari Easonwho missed the last two games due to a concussion, could also return on Wednesday, according to Feigen.
• Thompson sees himself as a top-notch defender in just his second NBA season, he told Mark Medina of Sportskeeda. “I see myself as one of the best defenders. Obviously I think it’s very difficult to score with me. I think my presence on defense is known.” he said.
• Udoka made several stops in Europe during his playing career. He has some “overseas” advice for Turkish-born Sengun Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops.net Relays. “The biggest thing for me about him is that I tell him: ‘Don’t leave the European out of your game.’ Play through things. Stop crying” Udoka said.