Kevin Porter Jr and Christian Wood were both under the media’s scrutiny following the events that caused their suspension. Simultaneously, both these players had a statement game against the Washington Wizards. They are both starters for the Houston Rockets, who began this game aggressively right from tip-off.
The duo had combined for 5 steals early in the first half. Christian Wood had a stellar game where he finished with a 22 point double-double. However, it was Kevin Porter Jr who stole the show.
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Kevin Porter Jr, who most NBA fans were quick to dismiss with anger management problems has shown his true value to the Houston Rockets. Fans could not believe that in the final possession of the game, Kevin Porter Jr brought out the ice in his veins. He dropped a last-second game-winning shot from three that silenced the crowd in Washington.
NBA Fans react to Kevin Porter Jr’s last-second game-winner for the Houston Rockets
Kevin Porter Jr may not have had the most efficient night. However, when being effective mattered the most, he turned up clutch. Moreover, he stuffed the box score in all the aspects with 4 steals, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 9 points.
You can’t tell me this team doesn’t love each other. pic.twitter.com/Db69e8VttH
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ biased 🚀 (@BiasedHouston) January 6, 2022
Anyone heard from Chris Mannix again? I think KPJ buttoned him up real quick.
— Taylor York (@TaylorMadee_) January 6, 2022
This guy just saw his Celtics lose and saw a KPJ gamewinner, he's not sleeping tonight lmao pic.twitter.com/LNnfmqlQZp
— ᴀᴄʜ™🌐 (@StepbackAch) January 6, 2022
Let’s go KPJ 😂 https://t.co/7tFQKerLdk
— LosLakers 20-19 (@issabetjerry) January 6, 2022
KPJ and CWood redeemed themselves. GOATS
— GOAT GRU (10-28) (@MapuaTofu) January 6, 2022
KPJ the GOATTTTTTTTTT
— GOAT GRU (10-28) (@MapuaTofu) January 6, 2022
Props to KPJ on the timing, too pic.twitter.com/aHqP8hgzMr
— So Anyway, Jim… (@TheOtherJmsDn) January 6, 2022
— Sonny (@SonnyRockets_) January 6, 2022
THE MEDIA NOT LOUD ENOUGH ABOUT THIS KPJ GAME WINNER FOR ME
— ZER0 GRAVITY ERA 🚫🌍 🚀 (@Zer0GEra) January 6, 2022
What does this mean for Kevin Porter Jr and the Rockets?
A significant portion of NBA fans wanted him to be shown the exit door after what happened between him and coach Lucas. However, since then, the franchise has reassured their faith in him with Coach Silas saying “We will still love him..”.
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An isolated incident does not show an unprofessional attitude, and if anything it shows his passion for the team. While throwing an object may have crossed the line, it certainly showed his heart is in the right place. Now, his time to shine came in the very next game after his suspension. Therefore, he silenced all the critics and fans who wanted him shown the exit door.
The shorthanded Wizards fought hard to stay in the game till the very end. When Bradley Beal fouled out early in the 4th quarter, the Wizards still fought had to stay in the game. However, they were no match for Christian Wood and Jalen Green‘s aggression combined with Porter’s clutch shot.
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Do you think the Rockets will remain consistent from here on? Or is this a lucky win against a shorthanded team? Let us know what you think about it.