The Rockets got what looks like a steal by signing Christian Wood to a 3-year, $41 million deal. The former Pistons big man is pumped up to face Anthony Davis.
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Wood broke out last season, with people calling for him to be awarded Most Improved Player honours. He’s turned it up a notch this season for the Rockets. The 6’10” forward/center is the only Rockets player to have scored 20+ points in every outing this season.
Wood dominated against the Orlando Magic Friday night with 22 points and 15 rebounds in just 29 minutes. The Rockets annihilated their injury-ravaged opponents 132-90: a whopping 42 point margin.
Anthony Davis returns in two days against a much stronger opponent on the road. The potential of a star-studded big man matchup against Wood will likely bring the best out of the Lakers. Without AD, they looked a tad weak at interior defense against the surging Bulls.
Christian Wood wants all the smoke from LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers
Despite being less than .500 at 3-4 so far, the Rockets are upbeat. The beatdown against the Magic could be a turning point in morale for the team. Shorthanded by injuries and Covid-19 for the most part so far, they’re finally getting into a team rhythm.
Following this win, Wood was upbeat in the post-game interview. He said he wanted to challenge himself against the reigning champions:
“There’s a few games that I’ve circled on the calendar… and playing against [Anthony Davis] and the Lakers is definitely a game I circled. He’s a guy I’ve watched, with his moves. In my head, it’s going to be a fun matchup, and I’m going to go at him with everything I’ve got.”
Wood would have to be at his very best at both ends if the Rockets are to stand any chance of winning. Both Davis and LeBron have been dominant whenever they’ve wanted to, seemingly always able to find that extra gear. They look poised to take top seed once again. LeBron James was revealed at no. 1 on the nba.com MVP leaderboard for the season so far.
