When the Rockets 106-98 win over the Mavericks on Friday reached the point that the benches were cleared, Rockets forward K.J. McDaniels was as usual part of the substitutions. But rather than being part of the group taking the floor for the final minute, as he has throughout his time with the Rockets, McDaniel took a seat, having played through the fourth quarter as the Rockets went from a two-point lead to a safe 15-point cushion.
"I feel like my coach had confidence in me, my teammates have confidence in me," McDaniels said. "He had enough confidence to keep me in in the second half with the starting unit.