Vic Playing With Energy Again
6Gifs Rockets v. Hornets
February 8th, 2021
Vic may not be a Pacer anymore but his motor was revving this game. His physicality and activity on defense shut off dribble drives. With John Wall out, he was effective as the lead playmaker, sharing the ball and limiting turnovers.
He was aggressive in the first quarter, playing with verve and shiftiness. He dusted Hornet help defenders to get to the rim. Unfortunately, as the game progressed, his shooting selection regressed. He shot a decent 3-for-7 in the first half before going 4-for-11 in the final two quarters. Once again, a heaping helping of tough 3’s — he finished 3-for-10 from downtown — sank his shooting percentage.
Going into the 4th quarter, the game was setting up for a tight finish. But a seven-minute field goal drought by the Rockets robbed Vic of an opportunity to win the game as “the guy.” Hornets win, 119-94.
Downhill Dipo
In previous games, Vic showcased one move when attacking downhill out of the pick and roll: the straight-line drive. Here, he sauces it up with an in and out and crossover dribble to get by Cody Zeller.
Notice how he leaps back in front of Zeller so he can’t contest the layup without fouling.
Looking spry
Vic jukes Zeller again out of the pick and roll, this time attacking left.
After getting abused twice on this play, Zeller needs to back up and induce the midrange jumper.
Slip it in, Vic
The Rockets announcers said that Victor doesn’t throw lobs. A lob might have been easier, but this slip is gorgeous.
A whirlwind under control
Vic’s crossover continues to kill Zeller out of the pick and roll.
Great body control to decelerate into the fadeaway when the help defender arrives.
Cody, Cody, Cody. You need to back the f*ck up, my man.
Clinical defense
Vic combines overwhelming physicality and textbook technique to clamp LaMelo here in isolation.
His arms are spread wide to shrink driving lanes and passing windows. When the screen whizzes by, he stays in position between his man and the basket. Vic cuts off the first move and LaMelo’s change of direction. Realizing that he can’t out quick him, LaMelo throws his shoulder, but gets thrown back.
And 1!
Devonte Graham with the drip.