The Houston Rockets defeated the Cavaliers 114-104 on Wednesday night at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. However Houston needed offensive production after a third quarter collapse, and they got it from none other than guard Aaron Holiday.
Holiday finished the first three quarters with only 4 points, but over the final 12 minutes, he led Houston with 14 points while shooting 4-for-5 and 3-for-4 from three. The guard led all Rockets scoring in the fourth quarter and the team scored off the bench for much of the game, earning an extra run in the final minutes due to an injury to Tari Eason.
Despite being in his third season with the Houston Rockets, Aaron Holiday hasn’t really emerged as a major contributor. However this is not due to Holiday’s skill as a player; no way. This is more due to his small role and playing time than his lack of ability. Halliday has participated mostly only when important players are taking a break or when the outcome of the game is largely known.
Such is the life of a finalist in the NBA. Since his arrival, Holiday’s best opportunities to see a lot of action usually come when a key player gets injured. As the old saying goes, “Next man up.”
He has generally seen an increase in playing time over the years when Fred VanVleet was sidelined. The issue has been exacerbated this year, especially recently, with both Dorian Finney-Smith and VanVleet being out. Additionally, Terry Eason is expected to be out four to six weeks with an injury.
Wednesday off was excellent, especially in terms of crime. Holiday scored 18 points on only seven shots, making him the Rockets’ third-leading scorer behind Alpern Sengun and Kevin Durant. Oh, and in only 19 minutes.
Despite the Rockets leading 33–19 at the time, Holiday entered the game in the first quarter, which was not always the case. For the entire night, the veteran point guard took five trips to the foul line and scored on each one. He went 3-5 from three for the game, shooting lights out from deep.
When it was time for the finale, Holiday was the torchbearer, scoring 14 points in the final period after the Rockets led 57–40 at halftime. Holiday made it clear earlier this week that his mindset is to be Houston’s all-around player.
“I don’t feel like I’m just a scorer. Whatever they need me to do, I’ll do. Whether it’s play point guard, play off the ball, shoot spot-ups… that’s what I prepare myself to do.”
“I’m just trying to play my best game and fit in with the guys. They’ve got a good thing going on right now, so I’m just trying to help out any way I can.”
“Sometimes when we need timely baskets and stops, (Holiday) has stepped up. I think the last three, four games, since we’ve had some injuries, he’s done that. I’ve been here three years, he’s done that, and it’s a luxury to have a guy that’s always ready.”
Holiday didn’t have the same performance Friday night vs. the Nuggets, going 0-for-3 and a blank stat line in 13 minutes of action vs. Denver. The lack of bench production outside of Reed Shepard was an issue in Houston. With all of Houston’s injuries, that will likely remain the case. The Rockets will need solid minutes from Holiday to get through the next 1-2 months.
But hey, it’s the holiday season. If anyone should step up, it’s Aaron Holiday.
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