Misryoum reports how a brief call to a shooting coach helped Tari Eason find new rhythm in the Rockets’ playoff push.
A shooting slump can feel personal, but for Tari Eason, it took a simple phone call to change the momentum.
In late March. as the Houston Rockets forward found himself stuck in a career-worst stretch from beyond the arc. his mother. Teroya Eason. reached out for help after he missed 23 straight three-point attempts.. The message was direct and full of urgency. asking when the coaching help might be available in Houston. hinting that Eason needed a favor before the season slipped further.
That request soon connected to renowned shooting instructor Chris Matthews, known publicly for his “Lethal Shooter” work.. Misryoum reports that Matthews shared footage of Eason practicing open threes during a workout in Los Angeles. with focus on form and shot creation from both wings.. While the exact timing of when the session happened wasn’t confirmed. the workout appeared to align with the Rockets’ playoff trip to the West Coast.
Insight: This is a reminder that shooting slumps are rarely just about talent. They can be rhythm, confidence, and routine, and that’s why trusted coaching moments often matter as much as game-day execution.
The timing also raised expectations.. After Houston returned to Los Angeles for Games 2 and 3. Eason’s shooting didn’t immediately turn around. as his results from the field and from three came in well below what he and the team needed.. Still, his subsequent work with Matthews seemed to carry into the next games, when the Rockets’ season faced sharper pressure.
By Game 4, the tone shifted.. Eason delivered a must-win performance. scoring 20 points with strong efficiency and hitting multiple threes as Houston kept its playoff hopes alive.. His confidence appeared visible. including a more aggressive presence on the court. paired with a positive. energized approach coming off the bench of a young Rockets roster.
Insight: In playoff basketball, small changes in timing and mindset can ripple quickly. When a shooter starts believing again, teammates often feel it too, and the whole offense can look more fluid.
The Rockets then leaned into that momentum. with Houston making a dozen threes and getting additional scoring support from players like Reed Sheppard.. With Game 5 ahead. Eason is set to return to Los Angeles again. this time with the season hanging in the balance and a coaching blueprint already tied to his turnaround.