Month: May 2019

Season Over: Rockets Lose in Familiar Fashion, Championship Window Closes

Season Over.    Window: Closed.    Time to Move On.

 

The Rockets lost another game in familiar fashion, and another game  they should have won.  A team can only give so many chances to a Championship-team like the Warriors.  Houston’s championship window is closed for James Harden and Chris Paul, as the front office have no idea what they’re doing.  They could hire me, and I guarantee Houston would win a title within three years.  But nowadays, with analytics, and measures imposed upon the elite by society, people don’t want to take risks, or have open minds, that could change the world.  I’ve been writing for free all season long.  I have more content than any pampered, paid, sportswriter who uses stats to fuel his/her content.  But, frankly, I’m burnt out.  I could continue, for Houston, or any team, but frankly, if no one cares about my writing, I’m done.  For all of you who have read, I cannot thank you enough.  God Bless, and prayers for your favorite team.

 

Sincerely,

Alex P

The Enemy Comes to H-Town, Rockets Fight for Their Lives Against Warriors in Game 6

 

Deadly Motivation.    Stopping the System.    Win or Stay Home.    

 

            “You’re eyes can deceive you. Don’t trust them,” Obi-Wan Kenobi tells Luke Skywalker early on in the Star Wars saga. It’s an old adage the Houston Rockets need to take to heart as fight to live another day. The Rockets they battle for their season tonight in Game 6 against the Warriors at Toyota Center. A Warriors team that now lacks their “best player,” Kevin Durant, who will miss the remainder of the series. Houston let another golden opportunity slip away in Game 5, but the season’s not over. The Rockets beat Golden State twice in a row earlier this series, and they can certainly do it again. If the Rockets let any more golden opportunities slip, they’ll be going on vacation sooner than expected. But first, Houston has to get past Game 6. And adjust to a Golden State team, minus KD. Granted, Kevin Durant is a superstar, and arguably one of the best players in the world… but in the Warriors system, is he really the best player?

As much as I hate to admit, the man who started this whole dynasty thing in Oakland, and along with James Harden, revolutionized the perimeter game, is Stephen Curry. And don’t forget Golden State still has Klay Thompson, who regained his rhythm in Game 5, and the most-motivated version of Draymond Green. There’s also Hamptons Five constant Andre Iguodala, the versatile vet who’s been along since the pre-Durant ride. The core that brought the Warriors a title, and then an NBA-record 73 wins the next season. It’s still there. And that “Golden State doesn’t have a bench” thing is false. It’s not the best second unit, but before Durant got injured, their bench consisted of: Iggy, Andrew Bogut, Shaun Livingston, Jordan Bell, Jonas Jerebko, and Quinn Cook. In the playoffs, rotations get shorter. Golden State’s stars have logged heavy minutes, however, the Warriors have enough veterans and guys on their bench who will do what it takes to win. Iggy, Bogut, and Livingston may be washed-up, but they’re smart, and talented enough to win Golden State at least one of the remaining two games. Houston has to be ready for the pre-Durant Warriors. Golden State is better without Durant. A glance at the numbers will show that the Warriors, Durant or not, are still an elite Championship-caliber team.

After winning a record-73 games, Golden State won 58 last season, and 57 this season. A trend that will continue spiraling downward, if Durant doesn’t leave during free agency. In their last 27 games, Golden State is 26-1 when Curry plays, and Durant doesn’t. It’s not a surprise. What you saw in the fourth quarter of Game 5 wasn’t a surprise. For some reason, Steph Curry becomes unleashed, and plays like his old-self when Durant is not playing. Part of it’s the fact he touches the ball more, but part of it is mental. If you think, the saintly Steph Curry isn’t the slightest bit salty about not being “the man” in Golden State anymore, then you have no idea about NBA superstar egos. And, as it pains me to say this, Curry happens to be one of the most unselfish superstars of all. The biggest Houston has to counter with KD out is dealing with, not only how Kevin Durant forced the Warriors into an isolation-heavy offense, but how Golden State in the fourth quarter, with the game on the line, relied on this style of play more than ever. And every single game in this series has been close. The largest margin of victory has been six points, a mere two possessions.

The Rockets need to be ready for a faster Warriors team that uses ball movement to get more possessions on offense. Curry and Thompson, are relieved. Durant’s isolation countered the Splash Brothers shooting rhythm, and resulted in the Warriors going for two points more than three. A style that wouldn’t beat the Rockets last year, until Chris Paul went down. But, no one, absolutely no one, is more relieved than Draymond Green. It’s no secret the two All-Stars personalities clash, and they cannot STAND one another. The feud between the teammates has torn Golden State’s chemistry apart, and resulted in Durant, and possibly others, seeking to leave the Bay. Houston needs to realize, that Golden State chemistry that won them a title and 73 games, is coming right back at them in Game 6. The Rockets are about to face a Warriors team with nothing to lose (knowing they still have a potential Game 7 in Oracle). And a the defending champs are not more motivated than ever before to prove they don’t need Kevin Durant to win a title. Green had his best game of the series last game. P.J. Tucker and the Rockets need to win the hustle-war, or their season could be over.

Win or stay home. That’s become the reality for Houston, as Golden State can play more freely tonight, knowing they don’t have to win this game. When the Warriors play freely, it often results in disaster for the opponent. More ball movement, less pressure, more fun. Houston can’t let Golden State regain that spirit of joy that was contagious throughout the organization, before the Durant-era. For the Rockets, it’s all about wanting it more. It sounds simple. But, that’s all it comes down to. Hustling, exerting every effort on every play to get to every lose ball. Houston has to be everywhere, if they want to be in Oakland for a deciding Game 7 on Sunday. James Harden had a quiet fourth quarter in Game 5. He has a chance to redeem himself, and show the world why the Beard is still the NBA’s MVP.

These next two games, will define the legacies for Harden, and the aging Chris Paul. Everyone sees it. CP3 isn’t quite the same as last year’s version. In fact, he’s a step, or three, slow. Houston has to pray they can get a little more out of CP3. Hopefully, Golden State’s depth will play a factor, and their guards will play even more minutes. If they’re tired, Paul has a chance. He’s not terrible (well, last game was the worst of his postseason career). Expect CP3 to bounce back at home with his best game of the series. And look to for James Harden to be in complete attack mode. With no Durant (Golden State’s best shot blocker), Harden will have ample opportunities to get to the rim. And with the Beard’s full offensive arsenal, there’s no reason for Harden not to drop at least 40 points against this version of Golden State. The only Warrior who could give the MVP trouble, was Klay Thompson. At this point in the series, Thompson’s gassed. As great as a Harden is from deep, if the three isn’t falling, the Beard needs to attack the basket and look for layups or open threes for Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker. Even more crucial, Harden needs to attack to try and find Clint Capela for those signature lobs that were a frequent part of Houston’s offense before this series. Capela has seemed to disappear from the face of the Earth in this series. He’s being outplayed by the inferior Kevon Looney, and Clint looks like he wants to get rid of the ball every time it touches him. Hopefully, the Rockets All-Star backcourt can get Capela’s confidence back up, as he’s been a complete non-factor in this series.

Houston is 5-0 at home in the playoffs. There’s no reason they shouldn’t win tonight’s game and force a winner-take-all Game 7. The Rockets can’t revert to their worst habit of the regular season: playing down to their competition. Houston lost too many games too count against inferior opponents this season. If the Rockets think beating the Warriors without Kevin Durant is going to be a cakewalk, they’re sorely mistaken. Houston needs to be ready, and focus on playing Rocket basketball. Getting to what got them here. The play of Harden, and Gordon. Tucker’s hustle, energy, and grit. Bench contributions from Austin Rivers and more. Most importantly, Houston needs to adjust according to Golden State’s attempted knockout punches. As silly as it sounds, the Rockets can’t afford to watch what they’re saying on TV, as the sports world believes the Warriors are better without Kevin Durant. Tread lightly Rockets. You’re eyes can deceive you. Don’t trust them.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Golden State Warriors (3-2):  Blue

Houston Rockets (2-3):  “Earned” Crimson Red

 

TV:  8:00 PM CT – ESPN

 

 

Choke City Returns:  Rockets Blow Golden Opportunity, Lose Game 5, 104-99, as Warriors Regain Mojo, Series Control

 

Curse in Disguise.    Closing the Window.    What If?

 

If the Rockets go on to lose this series, Game 5 will haunt Houston for decades. This was the game, Houston needed to win, and they couldn’t pull it out. The most bizarre, grueling NBA series in recent memory got even stranger on Wednesday night. Golden State lost Kevin Durant to injury, yet held off Houston for a 104-99 Game 5 win, and a 3-2 series lead. After trailing by as many as 20 points, the Rockets rallied (with Durant on the floor). Once Durant suffered the injury, Houston had a complete mental lapse. The Rockets reverted to their worst habit, playing down to their competition, and blew a golden opportunity to take a control of the series.

Clint Capela can’t even seem to hold the ball against Golden State. Kevon Looney has outplayed Clint by a long-shot. I repeat, Kevon. Looney. If that’s going to happen, Houston doesn’t stand much of a chance, no matter what the refs decide to call or not call. No matter who’s injured, or healthy. The Rockets center, looks scared, and one can only hope Kenneth Faried, and Nene get more minutes. At first look, one might think the Warriors are worse without Kevin Durant. Look closer. And one can see the injury bug haunting the Rockets, only this time from the other side. Durant’s injury is a major curse in disguise for Houston. Golden State is 29-4 without Kevin Durant since he joined the team. The Warriors’ win total has decreased each season since acquiring KD, and Durant has obviously caused problems for the team’s chemistry in the locker room. Now, Golden State can go back to being the old Warriors. That’s bad news for Houston. The Rockets were able to lure Golden State into an isolation-heavy style of play with Durant on the floor. Without KD, the Warriors move the ball, and Steph Curry seems to play incrementally better with Durant off the floor. Before the injury, Klay Thompson rediscovered his rhythm. Both Splash Brothers will see more looks the rest of this series. The Rockets have to pray their shots don’t fall, or this series could be over as soon as Friday.

Chris Paul had the worst playoff game of his career. CP3 looked like he aged an additional five years overnight. Paul looked three steps to slow, and couldn’t get around anyone to save his life. Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker will need to pick up the slack if the Rockets want any chance of saving their season. James Harden was quiet in the fourth, attempting only one shot in the final five minutes. Another inexplicable event that’s shaped this peculiar series.

There can be only so many what ifs? What if Kevin Durant doesn’t get injured? Personally, I think Houston wins if Durant doesn’t go down. Houston lost complete focus once regaining the lead, and knowing Durant was out. The Rockets were only down seven, when Durant went down. After grabbing a two-point lead with 9 minutes in the fourth, Houston exhaled, and let their foot off the gas like they’d won the game. Only problem was, it wasn’t over, and despite another egregious missed call late by officials, the Warriors seemed to return to their old selves. Firing past the Rockets, to take control of the game, and possibly the series. What if the officials called it fair in Game 1? What if Harden doesn’t get slashed in Game 2? What if Nene or Faried got more playing time instead of sticking with the inept Capela (who can’t seem to play against the Warriors)? Golden States is a matchup nightmare for Capela, and the Warriors make him look a 12^th man.

At this point, Houston might even be better served testing out Danuel House, who’s cleared to play but hasn’t recently due to coach’s decision. Nonetheless, something has to change. The Rockets attitude, desire, will. They’ve got to want it more. At this point, Houston can win the series. But, they’re going to have to play the hardest they’ve played all season. And that still might not even be enough. If the Rockets win Game 6, they still have to win a Game 7 on the road, against a revitalized Golden State team that seemed to regain their form and chemistry in the span of five minutes. Rebounding killed the Rockets before Durant went out, and Houston mentally phoned it in once Durant limped off.

On the bright side, the Rockets are 7-10 in elimination games. However, both of their Title runs in 94 and 95 featured comebacks from 3-2 deficits. It is possible. Nothing’s set in stone, yet. And, strangely enough, one only has to look at last season to get a glimpse in the mirror of what could be. Chris Paul went down in Game 5 last season after Houston won Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead. It would be the Rockets last win of the season, as Golden State came back and beat the Rockets sans-CP3 in the final two games. Houston needs to repay the favor to their arch-nemesis, as they play without Durant. The only problem is, what few seem to notice, the Warriors never needed Durant. They’re better without him. And Houston needs to find a way to beat the old Warriors who have fun playing basketball. Because, that’s exactly what happened in Game 5: Golden State regained its mojo, specifically the Splash Brothers, who can shoot opponents out of a game in minutes.   And the Warriors got what they most desired, proving the world they don’t need Kevin Durant to win.   The Rockets are going to need two back-to-back epic team performances to prove them wrong.

The NBA’s strangest series continues on Friday night. Houston will fight for its season in Game 6. The series is far from over… or could be a wrap come Saturday. James Harden, Chris Paul, they’ve worked their entire careers towards this point. The window is closing, and after this season, the way CP3 is playing, will be closed after this year. This is Houston’s one final shot to win a championship. And to do it, they’re going to have to come together and run as one. No more excuses. Scott Foster waits in the shadows for a potential Game 7. First, the Rockets need to take care of business at home in Game 6. And hope Mother’s Day will bring celebrations of glory, instead of haunted reminders of what could have been.

 

 

 

 

The Battle Continues:  Rockets, Warriors Face Off in Pivotal Game 5

 

Full Circle.    Closing Oracle.    Smelling Blood.

 

         “Torment in the dark was the danger I feared, and it did not hold me back”, a quote from The Lord of the Rings brings Game 5’s pivotal showdown between Houston and Golden State into perspective. On Wednesday night, the Rockets and Warriors will duke it out in the Bay, as the stakes become raised with each passing game, and the series moves closer to the inevitable finish. The series is tied at two games apiece, with the home team victorious in each matchup. Houston is trying to become the first team in this series to win on the road. And possibly say goodbye to Oracle Arena, for good. The Warriors are moving closer to the San Francisco area next season, making this possibly the final game at “Roaracle.” That’s if Houston can beat Golden State tonight, and finish them off in Game 6 back home. It’s a pretty big if, but this is a special Houston team. If anyone can accomplish the seemingly impossible task of beating the Warriors four times in a row in the playoffs, it’s this Houston Rockets squad.   Today also happens to be Rockets’ Coach Mike D’Antoni’s 68^th birthday. D’Antoni is 3-0 in the playoffs on his birthday. Chris Paul’s birthday was on Game 4, and Houston gutted out a win. They’ll look to do the same for their coach tonight in Game 5. D’Antoni’s been brilliant all season, and gets nowhere near the credit he deserves managing this Rockets roster.

After four games, Houston and Golden State are deadlocked in a 2-2 tie. Before the series, if you would have told me it’d be tied going into Game 5, I wouldn’t be surprised. However, the journey into tonight’s slugfest between the NBA’s best teams has it’s own share (fair, or not) of surprises. No one saw the officiating fiasco coming in Game 1. No one saw James Harden getting slashed in the eye in Game 2, becoming the trademark of this series. The Rockets trailed 0-2, facing the steep uphill climb of beating Golden State’s Goliath four out of five games. Many pundits expected the Rockets to lose a game in Houston. Well, their expectations where put to rest. After four close games and a swing in momentum, Houston is halfway there. Two wins away from the goal they’ve worked towards five years and counting: beating the Warriors. Even before Kevin Durant arrived, many argued Golden State was the most talented team ever assembled in NBA history. Now it’s not even a question. And the Rockets find themselves a mere two wins away from pulling off the upset of the century. The question is, can the Rockets finally pull through on the road? Each game’s gone to the home team in this series, a series that’s finally living up to the hype. Houston has to win in Oracle at least once (tonight, or in a potential Game 7), to win the series. Winning a Game 7 on the road is about as tough as it gets in the NBA. Doing it in Oracle Arena against this Warriors team is a scary proposition. To avoid that situation, tonight the Rockets need to be ready to blast off from the opening tip.

Houston finally has Golden State’s full-attention. Other than Durant, the Warriors have performed at subpar levels. Expect them to be much better at home, with the light at the tunnel getting closer (for both teams). It won’t be easy, but the Rockets were the only team to beat the Warriors twice in Oracle during the regular season. Harden and company must continue to play with P.J. Tucker’s contagious force, effort, and desire to win. Tucker continues to excel, and is playing the best basketball of his life at age 34. That says a lot about Tucker’s heart, and passion for the game. Most players are over-the-hill, or retired by 34. Not the “Sneaker King”. Tucker’s playing like he’s in his prime, and without it, this series isn’t tied, and the Rockets would be looking elimination in the eyes tonight. Instead, we’ve come full circle, back to a tied series. And Houston rolls into Oakland smelling blood, with a chance to put Golden State on the ropes.

The Warriors have never been more vulnerable in the Kevin Durant-era than they are right now. Free agency talk has surrounded the team all season, and with the offseason looming, the talk and rumors are only intensifying. Klay Thompson, who stated in the past that he wants to be a lifelong Warrior, now says he’s unhappy with his role. Thompson is sick of getting the “crumbs” from Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. It’s not incomprehensible. Thompson guards the opposing team’s best player night-in, night-out, as Durant and Curry get all the credit for Golden State’s success. And he’s hasn’t said a peep. Until now. Thompson’s actions have always spoken louder than words. Klay doesn’t look like himself on the court. Thompson seems to have a lot on his mind. It was recently revealed that the Warriors went to a screening of Avengers: Endgame as a team. Klay Thompson walked out on his own, two hours into the three- hour film, saying he was bored by the movie. It’s commonplace for NBA teams to bond over dinners and movies, especially on the road. What’s not commonplace is Klay Thompson walking out on his team. Sure, it’s just a movie, and the event has no effect on the outcome of this series. Nonetheless, bad chemistry has been brewing in Golden State’s locker room for months now. The copious, daily rumors of Kevin Durant resurrecting the Knicks after this season have no doubt affected Golden State’s chemistry, which was seemingly perfect, two seasons ago, before KD arrived in town. Draymond Green’s antics have reached an all-new high of annoyance. But, Thompson was a player who always sacrificed his role for the betterment of the team. And now, sick of being know as the “other” splash brother, he wants out.

The Rockets need to seize this moment. Tonight’s game is there for the taking. Houston is at full-strength, riding the momentum from back-to-back wins. Draymond slashed Harden in the eyes in Game 2, and everyone expected the Beard’s performance to decrease. Harden’s game didn’t take a step-back… instead, the MVP drained more of his patented step-back threes. And got the Rockets back in the series with a pair of solid performances, along with help from Eric Gordon, Tucker, and Austin Rivers. It’s time for Chris Paul, Clint Capela, and the rest of Houston to make their presence felt in Game 5. Tonight will be the loudest crowd the Rockets have faced all season. Oracle Arena will be rocking with fans heckling Harden and his team. Golden State hasn’t had a great game collectively yet in the series. They’re due for one tonight. Houston has to be ready to withstand some early Warriors punches. Both teams understand what’s at stake in Game 5. Historically, in 2-2 series, teams that win Game 5 go on to win the series 82 percent of the time, with a record of 168-36. Whoever wins tonight, has the upper hand in the rest of the series. The Rockets don’t want to play a Game 7 on the road, much less in Oracle Arena. No team does, that’s a nightmare scenario.

Houston needs to win Game 5, and close out the series in Game 6 back home. Rockets fans’ were worried when Harden suffered the injury to his eyes. Houston trailed 0-2, and seemed lost in the dark as just another Warriors victim in Golden State’s dynastic run. It might have been a little darker, and harder to see for Harden. But if you think the Beard was scared after the first two games, you haven’t watched the MVP play. Harden, thrives in Oracle Arena. Bring the noise, Oakland. Torment Harden as you wish… but don’t expect it to hold him back.

 

Oracle Arena:  Oakland, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-2):  Black

Golden State Warriors (2-2):  White

 

TV:  9:30 PM CT – TNT

Rockets Fend Off Warriors, 112-108, Even Series in Game 4

 

Luck of the Eye-Rash.    South Beach Five.    Encore.

 

“None of you understand. I’m not locked up in here with you. You’re locked up in here with me,” Rorschach asserts his control in the 2009 film, Watchmen. 2009 also happens to be the same year James Harden was drafted by a Thunder team housing Kevin Durant. Ten years later, the two are facing off in their primes, the stakes at an all-time high. After the first two games in the series, Houston looked bound to be locked up as just another Golden State victim. Another opponent defeated in the playoffs by Durant’s Warriors, the most talented team ever assembled in NBA history. Since the Warriors acquired Durant, it’s no surprise they’ve won back-back titles. Golden State, with their copious, unfair amount of superstar talent. If you’re Durant’s Warriors, the “greatest team of all time”, with the so-called “best player in the league”, you should win every season. It’s like Golden State’s cheating the game of basketball. Stripping the league of its parity and competition, the most important aspects of sports. Because, if you know who’s going to win every year, what’s the point of even competing? Well, the Rockets decided they were going to give it a go anyways, because when you’ve got the best player in the series, he’s not just going to let you’re team lay down and die. Especially when his name is James Harden. And the Beard is playing the best postseason-ball of his entire career.

After a dominant performance in Game 3, Harden’s brilliant Game 4 showing lead the Rockets to a 112-108 win to tie the series, and make things very, very interesting. It’s now a best-of-three series, and the Rockets have all the momentum heading into Oracle Arena for Game 5. Leaving the arena after Game 2, Houston looked to be facing issues. But, it turns out Game 2, changed the tide of this series. After a poor shooting night in Game 1, Harden has been the best player in this series. And it all started by getting poked in the eye. Draymond Green slashed Harden across the face, forcing Houston’s star into a blurred-vision state in a game where court-vision is essential. Who could have possibly seen this coming? James Harden, last season, or any season prior, folds in these situations. Down 0-2, needing to beat the best team of all time four out of five times, all while struggling to see. If this scenario happened last year, the Rockets wouldn’t have lasted for seven games. But, this isn’t last year. This season is Harden’s magnum opus. Getting slashed in the face only motivated Harden to fuel the Rockets, tying the series with two wins in Houston. The Beard averaged 39.5 a night over the last two must-win games for Houston, with the season on the line. Grab a seat. The Unguardable Tour is back for an encore showing during these playoffs.

The reigning-MVP is proving why he deserves the award again, asserting his control and dominance, and putting that “Harden doesn’t show up in the playoffs” moniker to rest, for good. In Game 4, the Beard scored 38 points, and had 10 boards as he continues to go toe-to-toe with Kevin Durant. KD had a typical playoff performance, and the Snake is still in a groove. Durant had 34 points, a typical performance from the NBA’s sensitive superstar. KD has three (four, including DeMarcus Cousins) All-Stars along his side. Harden, meanwhile, has an aging Chris Paul, whose championship window and ability to perform at high levels are slowly closing. Harden and Durant’s numbers are nearly identical: Harden’s had 143 points, 29 rebounds, and 20 assists. Durant has had 144 points, 20 rebounds, and 8 assists. Harden and Durant remain in a class all their own. This is the first time in league history that opposing players have averaged 35 points per game apiece through the first four games of a playoff series. The Beard’s outplaying the best player on the planet, with not nearly the same amount of help.

You’ve probably heard about the “Hamptons 5”, the Warriors most lethal lineup consisting of their 4 All-Stars, and Andre Iguodala. Allow me to introduce, as Houston coach Mike D’Antoni coined, the “South Beach Five”, consisting of Harden, Paul, Eric Gordon, P.J. Tucker, and Austin Rivers. Gordon and Tucker continue to prove they’re just as good as Golden State’s second and third options in this series. EG and PJ are both playing the best basketball of their respective careers, as the South Beach Five has outplayed the Hamptons Five so far in the series. Tucker brought the usual gritty hustle and defense, but had 17 points and 10 boards for the Rockets. Always a bonus when P.J. gets in the box score. Houston doesn’t need him to, as Tucker is the definition a true warrior on the court. It’s no coincidence Houston outscored Golden State by 22 when Tucker was on the court in Game 4. The South Beach Five are starving… hungry to reach the light at the end of the tunnel: the Championship. Every team’s ultimate desire.

You probably think Golden State has the advantage. Two of three remaining potential games will be in Oakland, but Houston’s solved the NBA’s dynastic problem. After Game 2, the Rockets seemed destined to be locked up in another series failure with Golden State. All it took was a return home to Houston, inspired by the revved up crowd, for the Rockets to gut out two gritty victories in a row to even the series. Two of the three remaining games are in Oakland. Golden State retains the edge, but if you think the Rockets are locked in a battle with the Warriors… none of you understand. Houston’s not locked up in a battle with Golden State. The Warriors are locked up in a battle with the Rockets. It’s the Rockets war to lose. Momentum has swung, and they’ve proved to be the hungrier team in the series. These last two (or three) games will be an all-out war for the NBA title, and Golden State finds themselves locked up with the hungriest team they’ve ever faced. If you think the Warriors are going to win, I can’t argue with you. The evidence clearly shows Durant-led Golden State teams don’t lose in the playoffs, or at least haven’t yet. However, Houston and the South Beach Five will have something to say about it this season. On paper, everyone sees a loaded Warriors team, with two of three games in their house. But these people, none of them understand the central force driving this series. Golden State campaigned for the NBA’s Tour of the Decade. And, it’s returned: The Unguardable Tour is back. In their process and slashing, the Warriors awakened His Beardness, the best player on the planet who doesn’t have ring. The Rockets head West for a crucial Game 5 showdown in the Bay. Houston will be surrounded by Golden State fans in Oakland, but don’t be mistaken… the fans won’t understand. Harden and the Rockets may be headed back on the road, but Golden State’s fans will be locked up in a room with the South Beach Five, along with the best show on court: The Unguardable Tour… don’t poke the Beard.

Rockets Seek to Gain Momentum, Even Series in Game 4

 

Protecting Home.    Tucker’s Mentality.    Must-Win Double Vision.

 

            “You dream, you gotta protect it… they wanna tell you, you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”, Will Smith says to his son in the Pursuit of Happiness, a film about never giving up. After Game 3’s victory, Houston’s dream of a Championship is still in sight. Sure, Golden State’s still favored by the entire country. And you’ve probably heard the talk about how the Rockets can’t beat the Warriors, even before the series began, only to intensify after Houston dug itself an 0-2 hole. Well, the Rockets find themselves in position to dig right out of that hole and tie the series with a win on Monday night in Game 4.

Houston needs to bring more intensity than in Game 3, as tonight’s contest will be the squad’s toughest of the season. It might be Rocket Birthday Season, but amid the celebrations, Houston is focused now more than ever, to tie the series with a win. Isaiah Hartenstein celebrated his 21^st birthday yesterday, and the most unheralded player in NBA history (P.J. Tucker) turned 34. Oh and tonight, on the eve of the biggest game of his life, is Chris Paul’s birthday. The Point God turns 34 years old, as his window to win a championship is closing. The Rockets need Paul to return to vintage CP3 form if Houston is going to beat the hungriest Warriors’ team they’ve faced all series.

Golden State leads the series 2-1, and they’ve been prone to napping during the regular season. But, this is the playoffs.  If you think the Warriors aren’t coming out like gangbusters, you haven’t been watching NBA basketball the past 5 seasons. The last thing Golden State wants is a best-of-three series with the only team they know can beat them. Houston needs to be prepared for an onslaught attack on both ends from the Champs. Both teams will be playing with must-win mentality. Houston’s level of grit, intensity, and toughness HAS to top Golden State’s level. Therein lies the difference in Game 4. On the hustle end… The part of the game P.J. Tucker has made his life’s duty.

As Mike D’Antoni said after Game 3, P.J. wouldn’t let the Rockets lose. Every single Rocket needs to play with Tucker’s mentality if Houston wants to beat the Warriors in Game 4. Expect tonight’s contest to be an all-out war on the court. Both teams will be gunning for what essentially shapes the rest of this series. With a win, the Rockets are back in it, momentum revved up after the adversity they faced in Game’s 1 and 2, with a legitimate chance to pull off the upset of the century. A loss, and Houston falls into a 1-3 hole. And everyone knows the history of teams facing those deficits. In case you didn’t, only 11 out of 249 teams managed to win the final three games and advance. Two of those squads happened to be Houston Rocket teams.

It’s not over with a loss tonight, but it’s going to be all but impossible to win the series if Houston can’t protect home court in a must-win Game 4. The Rockets are 4-0 at home in the playoffs, contrasted to 1-3 on the road. The fans will be roaring. Expect another close game that could eventually decide this series, between the NBA’s two best teams. Both teams will be at each other’s throats. Houston outrebound Golden State by 20 in Game 3. The Rockets need another all-out dedication performance on the glass to take Game 4. Houston has to earn this victory tonight. Golden State won’t be beating themselves. It’s CP3’s birthday. There’s nothing he wants more for his birthday than tying this series. Paul’s dreamed of winning a Championship for years. Tonight will be one of the biggest challenges of his career if CP3 wants to get closer to his dream. But, as in life, the more challenging the task at hand, the harder one must work and prepare… if the Rockets want a win tonight, they’ve gotta go get it. Period.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Golden State Warriors (2-1):  Blue

Houston Rockets (1-2):  “Earned” Crimson Red

 

TV:  8:30 PM CT – TNT

 

Burn Notice:  Rockets Outlast Warriors in OT, 126-121, For Gritty Game 3 Win

 

MVP Delivery.    Unsung Heroes.    Crazy Look.

 

I couldn’t stop thinking about Al Pacino’s famous line from The Godfather Part III, after Houston’s victory in Game 3: “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!” On Saturday night, just when many thought Houston was an afterthought in this series, the Rockets survived a Warriors’ comeback, and won a gritty Game 3, 126-121 in OT, to pull back into the series. The MVP finally delivered when the Rockets desperately needed an Unguardable Tour-style performance from their superstar. Houston had their best team win of the series, but the Rockets don’t withstand Golden State’s furious late rally in Game 3, without the Beard. James Harden had his best performance of the postseason, dropping 41 points on his best shooting night of these playoffs, to go along with 9 boards and 6 assists. Houston needed every last point, as Golden State kept Rocket fans on the edge of their seats for the entire game. The Rockets gutted out a gritty OT victory, to pull back to within a game in the series. More importantly, Houston avoided the terrifying 0-3 Hole, an insurmountable deficit in NBA lore. Golden State now leads the series, 2-1, the identical position these teams were in a season ago in the Western Conference Finals after three games. The only difference is this season, the Warriors have home-court advantage, and the series will end in Golden State, unless the Rockets can miraculously string off three more consecutive victories against the greatest team ever assembled. Houston just needs to win three of four, and if their unsung heroes keep leading the way, they just might be able to shock the world.

The Warriors hung around all night. After getting out to an early lead, the Rockets jumped on the Champs for a 9-point halftime edge. Golden State would fight back to send it to overtime, but Harden hit two big threes to seal the victory for Houston in OT. Harden finally looked like the version of James Harden we’d seen in the regular season. Not that Harden had played poorly these playoffs, he hasn’t. The Beard just hasn’t lived up to his own exceedingly high standards. That changed in Game 3, and Harden got some help from the squad. Maybe all it took was a trip back home or three days off to get situated, but Houston collectively played their best game of this series.

Eric Gordon, and P.J. Tucker have been the unsung heroes of this postseason. EG had 30 points, in arguably the best performance of his career, playing Robin to Harden’s Batman. Splash Gordon has been slowly getting hotter and hotter since the All-Star break, and is now Houston’s second scoring option after Harden. Tucker, as Coach Mike D’Antoni said after the game, “just wouldn’t let us lose.” P.J. continues to play with the sort of fire and intensity it’s going to take in order to knock out a juggernaut like Golden State. Besides Harden, they’ve been the keys to keeping the Rockets in this series. Tucker had 12 rebounds, and was all over the place defensively. Houston withstood a 46-point night from Kevin Durant, who continues to play like the best player on earth. Tucker guards Durant better than anyone, and although it may look like Tucker didn’t defend well in the box score, P.J. had an extraordinary game, as he continues perform like the NBA’s top role player. The Rockets got contributions from their bench: Austin Rivers and Iman Shumpert combined for 18 points, as Rivers continues to matchup well against the Warriors, exposing Stephen Curry’s deficiencies, while limiting his abilities at the same time. Don’t believe the false narratives floating around. Golden State’s coddled superstar is not hurt. He’s just drowning in Austin’s River. Clint Capela had his best game of the series, notching a double-double of the 13 points and 11 rebounds variety. Speaking of boards, Houston outrebounded Golden State by 20 on the glass. It the key factor that allowed the Rockets to keep the Warriors at bay in Game 3.

After the game, Harden and Paul, sat next to each other at the podium. “How does it look?”, Harden asked, about his eyes, still bloodshot red. Paul turned to the MVP with a smirk, “you look crazy.” It might seem crazy, but the Rockets are in the same position they were last season after 3 games to the Warriors, down 2-1. Houston has a great chance to win the series, although they still have an uphill climb. Game 4 is another must-win at home on Monday night. The Rockets need another loud night from the fans, and another collective team performance to even the series in Game 4. Just when you thought they were out, Houston’s back in the race. The team everyone loves to hate. Houston’s task at hand still remains as challenging as accomplishments get in professional sports: beat the best team of all time in three out of four games. Al Pacino’s character knew the life he was pulled back into in The Godfather Part III. A dangerous one, where few men get out alive. Houston knows what they’re in for, the dogfight of all dogfights. Very few teams (one, Cleveland-2016) have advanced past Golden State in the Steve Kerr-era. The odds are still stacked against the Rockets. In fact, no team has ever beaten a Durant-led version of the Warriors in a playoff series. It might look crazy, like Harden’s eye, but Houston’s got a better shot to pull themselves back into this series in Game 4… now more than ever.

 

 

           

Rockets Return Home for Game 3, Aiming to Turn Series Tide

 

Home, Sweet, Home.    Playing BIG.    Beginning the Climb.

 

“You gonna do somethin’, or just stand there and bleed?” Wyatt Earp asks in 1993’s classic Western film, Tombstone. As they return home, facing an 0-2 hole against Golden State in Game 3 on Saturday night, the Rockets are gonna have to do something. Anything, to get back in this series. Lucky for Houston, the Rockets have been exceptional at home all season, and have yet to lose at Toyota Center in the playoffs. Houston needs this trend to continue if they want to fight their way back to make this an intriguing series. The Rockets are 3-0 at home in the postseason, compared with a 1-3 record on the road. Hopefully, the familiar settings of Toyota Center will bring out the best in the Rockets, and allow them to shoot back into the series. For good measure, James Capers is tonight’s lead official. Houston is 3-0 in the last three postseason games Capers has overseen. If the Rockets can’t win tonight, hope might have slipped out the window. Everything is lined up for Houston to have a big win, and inch back into this series.

In the playoffs, stars have to play big. Harden and Paul haven’t been bad, but they need to play better if Houston has any chance of getting back in this series. Clint Capela, on the other hand, has been bad. Going back to last season’s WCF, Capela struggles against Golden State, particularly their death lineup. The Rockets are a plus-3 in BPM when Capela is off the floor against the Warriors best lineup. However, when Capela is on the court, Houston is a minus-19 against Golden State’s most lethal unit. Those numbers aren’t coincidences. The Rockets need to find a way to effectively utilize the strongest aspects of Capela’s game against the Warriors. Houston’s emerging center has been a huge part of the team’s success over the past two seasons. The Rockets aren’t getting out of this hole, much less beating Golden State, if Capela doesn’t return to some form of his regular season-self. Chris Paul, looking a step slow, needs to give it his all. This could be it for CP3’S Championship window, and will certainly be the best shot Houston has at taking down this Warriors team. James Harden, has struggled, but is still performing above the average superstar. He hasn’t shot the ball well, the main issue with the Beard’s game at the moment. Getting poked “inadvertently” in the eye by Draymond Green isn’t going to help Harden’s situation. Although, after he returned in Game 2, his shooting improved from Game 1. It will be interesting to see how much Harden is affected, if at all, in their first must-win game of the season.

The Rockets have dug themselves a hole. They’re down, but not out. This series is far from over. But, the Rockets need to start playing better as a team, and starting tonight. You don’t have to be a rabid NBA fan to know being down 0-3 in s series isn’t favorable. It’s deficit no team in NBA history has ever rallied back from. And a deficit the Rockets will be facing dead-on if they can’t get their act together in Game 3 back in Houston. Game 3 is truly a must-win game. Sure, the series isn’t officially over with a loss on Saturday night, but it’s pretty much a dagger in the Houston’s heart if they go down 0-3. Harden’s eye is healing, and the rest of the squad will play better at home. The Rockets are done just standing there, and bleeding… it’s time they do something to get back in the series.

 

 

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Golden State Warriors (2-0):  Blue

Houston Rockets (0-2):  “Earned” Crimson Red

 

TV:  7:30 PM CT – ABC

Rockets Slashed by Warriors, 115-109, Trail 0-2 in Series

 

Eye-Poked.    Handing it Over.    Returning Home.

 

         The Rockets lost a game they needed to win. They now trail the Warriors 2-0 in the best of seven series after losing 115-109 on Tuesday night. James Harden got poked in the eye, but still had an ok game. Houston was on fire from beyond the arc, and still lost. At this point, there’s really no chance. A return home might garner Houston a win, but they lost the series, and the season, Tuesday night with their lack of focus early in the contest.

Houston handed the title to Golden State early in Game 2. The Rockets had too many turnovers to count, with the Warriors scoring off Houston’s first ten of the game. That kind of lackadaisicalness doesn’t win championships.

The Rockets return home to Houston for Game 3, where they hope to finally win a game, and make this series mildly interesting for a few days, before, in all likeliness, they blow Game 4. The way this team is playing, might as well prepare for vacation. This was the game Houston needed. Maybe next season won’t be as disappointing.

 

Rockets Face Toughest Task Yet in Game 2, Try and Even Series with Warriors

 

Adversity Calls.    Rivers Returns.    Must Foster a Win.  

 

Back against the wall, scurrying to gather whatever weapons he can in limited time, an incoming onslaught of menace approaches to wipe out what’s left of 007 and his family estate, in the 2012 film, Skyfall. “Some men are coming to kill us, we’re going to kill them first,” James Bond confidently tells the estate’s innkeeper, as he preps for the worst from the enemy. James Harden and the Houston Rockets have their own incoming onslaught of menace to confront, heading into a Game 2 against Golden State in Oracle Arena. And Houston needs to be prepared for the worst.

After getting physically abused by the Warriors in Game 1, as the refs watched Harden get continuously undercut with sadistic glee, in one of the most bizarrely officiated games on NBA record, the Rockets need to strike back. A game in which the officials admitted to four mistakes in the first half, only to make things worse in the second half. Houston didn’t play its best, but to say the Rockets got robbed of a Game 1 win, is a complete understatement.   And now, joining tonight’s fracas at Oracle Arena is the Rockets Enemy Number One: Scott Foster. So, if you think officiating is going to be more consistent, fair, or improved from Game 1, you might be in for a surprise.

Scott Foster’s been a thorn in Houston’s side since Chris Paul joined the team at the start of last season. For whatever reason, Foster holds a huge grudge and officiates Rockets games with a bias against Houston. It’s more than blatantly obvious. Since acquiring Paul at the start of last season, the Rockets are 0-6 in playoff games officiated by Scott Foster. James Harden has fouled out only four times over 265 games the past three seasons (including the playoffs). In three of those games, the lead official, was… guess who… Scott Foster. Houston has to focus on basketball, and the game at hand. The Rockets, as hard as it will be, need to ignore the officiating, and stay calm. The Warriors aren’t fans of Scott Foster, either. Houston needs to let Golden State, who is prone to mocking the officials, get festered by the worst officiating the NBA’s seen in a long time. Just allow Draymond to get too Draymond-ish, and the Rockets can gain control of the game.

Austin Rivers returns to the lineup for Houston, after missing Game 1 with a stomach illness. Rivers played a key part in Houston’s victories over Golden State in the regular season. Specifically, his defense kept Stephen Curry in check, and Rivers used his ability to isolate on offense to expose the overrated Curry’s lack of defense. Rivers also brings added grit and toughness in a game where the Rockets will need to play the hardest they’ve played all season, if they want to win. Rivers was sorely missed in Game 1, but he could be the difference-maker in Game 2.

The sky’s not quite falling, but this is a must-win game if Houston wants to beat their nemesis. Only one game into the series, and the Rockets are as backed up to the wall as a team can be, trailing 0-1 heading into a Game 2. Golden State didn’t even play their best game in Game 1. Houston needs to be prepared for more offensive firepower from Golden State, and the Rockets need to attack the basket more frequently than in Game 1. There’s a good chance the winner of tonight’s game will decide this season’s eventual NBA Champion. Houston can’t afford to fall behind 0-2 to the defending Champions. A win on Tuesday night, and the Rockets even the series, escaping Golden State with a tied series, and regained confidence. A Game 2 loss puts Houston down 0-2, heading home for Game 3 with no momentum, and set with impossible task of beating the Warriors four times in five games. Since acquiring Kevin Durant, Golden State has never lost a playoff series four times in seven games. Beating the Warriors four times in fives games is nearly unthinkable. The Rockets desperately need to even the series with a win in Game 2, and keep pace with Golden State.

Hopefully, Scott Foster and the refs won’t deter Houston’s chances, and the Rockets can officially make this a series… instead of a series decided by officiating. By whatever means, Houston needs to be the aggressor tonight. Harden, Paul, and the legacy of the entire squad is on the line in Game 2. The Rockets face a juggernaut, and seemingly the entire NBA, out to deliver a gut-wrenching blow to Houston’s title hopes. The sequel to Game 1 should provide no less suspense. Expect another close matchup, in an even louder Oracle Arena. In a heavyweight battle, where getting to the loose ball could be the difference in the game (and the series), the Rockets have to get there first.

 

Oracle Arena:  Oakland, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (0-1):  White

Golden State Warriors (1-0):  Black

 

TV:  TNT – 9:30 PM CT