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Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker made a huge impact, especially on the defensive end, against the Los Angeles Lakers in their 112-97 Game 1 win on Friday. Following the convincing victory, the burly enforcer reminded his critics just how he held his own against the Lakers' taller players, despite giving up a ton of height down low.
https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/1302109152349761537
PJ Tucker is the designated “big man” on the floor for Mike D'Antoni's micro ball system. Standing at just 6-foot-5, Tucker is obviously very undersized for this role. However, as he mentioned, his burly 245-lbs. frame along with his grit and determination always give him a chance against much bigger players.
And in Game 1, Tucker showed just that. His numbers don't really show much. He finished with a pedestrian-looking six points and nine rebounds in 36 minutes.
However, while the box score didn't indicate it, the Lakers certainly felt his impact on the floor. Just take a look at the defensive effort he exerted against Anthony Davis on this post-up play:
Look at the activity from PJ Tucker here on this Anthony Davis post up. Works to front, pushes him off his spot. On the catch active, looking to disrupt and contests the shot. pic.twitter.com/I3RLyeSveg
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) September 5, 2020
PJ Tucker applying pressure to AD 👀 pic.twitter.com/FXJMl1uUtB
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 5, 2020
On paper, this seems like a no-match for Tucker on the post, defending an elite All-Star big man like Davis, who stands at least 5 inches over him. However, with his activity, Tucker managed to force the former no. 1 overall pick into a tough shot.
Likewise, check out the way he fought and hustled for the loose ball against a taller and bigger LeBron James.
PJ TUCKER VS LEBRON JAMES 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/QQeRszcRNT
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) September 5, 2020
That's just pure heart right there.
Tucker is undoubtedly the heart and soul of this Rockets team. While Russell Westbrook and James Harden take care of things on the offensive end, the former second-round pick from Texas anchors their defense and is responsible for doing the dirty work for Houston.
The Lakers will certainly have their hands full with Tucker for the rest of the series.
