Aaron Holiday shines with 18-point explosion as Rockets’ secret weapon emerges
Aaron Holiday has quietly been part of the Houston Rockets for three seasons, yet his impact has often gone unnoticed. This isn’t due to a lack of skill; rather, it’s been a matter of opportunity. As a player frequently relegated to the end of the bench, Holiday typically sees action primarily during back-to-back games when starters rest or when games are already decided.
A Shift in Opportunities
In the NBA, the phrase “next man up” rings true, especially for players in Holiday’s position. Historically, his chances for significant playing time have come when key players, like Fred VanVleet, are sidelined. This season, that dynamic has intensified, especially with VanVleet and Dorian Finney-Smith both nursing injuries. Adding to the Rockets’ challenges is the absence of Tari Eason, who is expected to miss four to six weeks.
With these circumstances, it was only a matter of time before Holiday was called upon to step up.
A Stellar Performance
On Wednesday, Holiday seized the moment, showcasing his offensive prowess in a game where he emerged as the Rockets’ third-leading scorer. He lit up the scoreboard with 18 points on just seven shots, all in a mere 19 minutes of play. This early entry into the game was somewhat unprecedented for him, especially considering the Rockets were already enjoying a comfortable 33-19 lead at that point.
Holiday’s efficiency was remarkable. He made the most of his opportunities at the foul line, hitting all five attempts, while also demonstrating his shooting touch by connecting on 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. After a shaky second half where the Rockets nearly squandered a 57-40 halftime lead, Holiday took charge in the final period, contributing 14 points and helping secure the victory.
Embracing Versatility
Earlier in the week, Holiday articulated his mindset as a player for the Rockets. “I don’t feel like I’m just a scorer. Whatever they need me to do, I’ll do. Whether that’s play point guard, play off the ball, shoot spot-ups… that’s what I condition myself to do,” he said. His commitment to fitting into the team’s system is evident, as he noted, “They’ve got a good thing going right now, so I’m just trying to help any way that I can.”
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka echoed the sentiment, praising Holiday’s readiness to make an impact when called upon. “He’s a guy that may not play, but is ready to come in and impact the game,” Udoka said. He highlighted Holiday’s ability to step up when needed, especially in light of Eason’s injury. “We give him his props after those games when he does that. He’s just a guy that you love to have on your team, for those reasons.”
With Eason out, it seems likely that Holiday will see an increase in playing time, giving him further opportunities to showcase his talents.
