On Christmas night, the Houston Rockets delivered a resounding statement, dismantling the Los Angeles Lakers 119-96 at Crypto.com Arena in a game that was never close. The win showcased Houston’s depth, defensive intensity, and emerging identity under head coach Ime Udoka, who called it “a lot of good problems to solve” postgame. The biggest puzzle? Deciding the fifth starter alongside Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson.
Tari Eason got the nod Thursday and wasted no time proving he belongs. The Rockets forward opened the scoring with a corner three in front of the Lakers’ bench, then picked off an inbound pass from Luka Dončić for an easy dunk just a minute later. His energy set the tone for a dominant performance where Houston never trailed. Eason’s motor—unmatched hustle, elite defense, and ability to guard 1-through-5—changed the game early and often.
Postgame, Eason was unequivocal when asked if he wants to be the full-time starter: “Yes. Yes I do.” Simple, direct, and full of confidence.
Durant, who knows a thing or two about winning, backed him up. “He changed the whole vibe, man,” KD said. “Insane defender. Can guard one through five, great hands, can shoot it, making plays. I told him, ‘Tari man, you need to get used to starter’s minutes.’ His lungs was a little [lacking today]… But he gonna get used to starting.”
Udoka has five legitimate candidates for the spot:
Steven Adams (for specific matchups against oversized frontcourts)
Reed Sheppard (future PG, but more of a high-minute bench spark this season)
Tari EasonJosh OkogieDorian Finney-Smith
Eason and Finney-Smith face restrictions—Eason capped at ~25 minutes as he recovers from an oblique strain, Finney-Smith limited to 15 minutes max through December after offseason ankle surgery. Okogie brings versatility but lacks Eason’s explosiveness. Adams and Sheppard are situational fits.
The one-game sample made Udoka’s decision look easy: Pair Eason with Thompson to form the “Terror Twins” defensive duo that terrorized opponents last season (outscoring foes by 9.7 points per 100 possessions). But Udoka plans to audition the candidates over the coming weeks, refusing to rush the process.
Still, the buzz around Eason is undeniable. The Los Angeles native soaked up the spotlight, arriving early in Dodger-blue and Kobe Bryant Nikes as a nod to his hometown heroes. Since arriving in Houston in 2022, he’s been a spark plug for cultural change in Toyota Center—now he’s demanding a bigger role.
Udoka, a fierce competitor himself, likely appreciates Eason’s brash confidence. Don’t expect a quick flip before the New Year, but by late January, Eason’s push should pay off. The Rockets are 18-10 and climbing in the West—adding Eason’s starting energy could make them even more dangerous.
Houston has “good problems” indeed. Solving this one with Tari Eason as the answer? It just might be the spark that turns a strong team into a true contender.