Mbah a Moute doesn't trust ailing shoulder: 'I can't dunk it'

Houston Rockets forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has been working himself back into top form since dislocating his shoulder in the penultimate game of the regular season, but one part of his game has been notably absent in his recent playoff outings: he hasn't been able to drop the hammer.

Despite fighting for premium scoring opportunities at the rim against the visiting Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, he couldn't capitalize, going 0-of-6 from the field, including three missed driving layups.

"No, I can't dunk it right now. I don't trust it yet," Mbah a Moute told ESPN's Tim MacMahon after Game 1. "A lot of those plays, usually they are dunks, plays I had tonight. It was just like hesitating between dunking and trying to finish when guys are coming at you. It's a little tough, but I'll make that adjustment."

Mbah a Moute has only averaged 7.5 points per game this season, with three of them owed to his 3-point shooting. It's not as though his inability to utilize his shoulder's full range of motion was the difference in the Rockets' 119-106 defeat, but the team can't afford to leave points on the floor in any case.

A steady playoff schedule and a matchup against the dynamic Warriors offense in which Mbah a Moute's defensive prowess is crucial doesn't leave much of an opportunity to rehab his shoulder. For now, the 31-year-old has to learn how to play within his limitations.

"It's not like we've had a lot of practice where you can get going or whatever," he said. "That's been the hardest part, just trying to get back into my rhythm. Small, little things - trusting it. Tonight, some of the layups, I tried to quick shoot it because I don't trust it yet.

"I think it's more mental than anything. Both times it happened dunking, so I guess mentally I don't want to take a risk. I'm not saying it's going to happen again, but you've got to get over the hump, and it comes with practice and playing."