Month: November 2019

Rockets Ready to Teach, as Trae & the Young Hawks Glide into H-Town

Rested vs. the Weary.    No Mercy for the Weak.    In Good Company. 

Tonight, Houston debuts their new SpaceCity Saturday City Edition jerseys that they’ll wear on every Saturday game throughout the rest of the season. For the premiere, we have a matchup pitting the rested versus the weary. Houston hosts the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night, looking to put a new winning streak together. Atlanta lost a tough overtime thriller in Indiana last night, wasting a 49-point effort from their superstar, Trae Young. Tonight is the Hawks’ third game in four nights. Meanwhile, the Rockets haven’t played since Wednesday. Both squads meet in Houston on Saturday, and the Rockets need to pounce on a tired Hawks team. Taking rest out of the equation, Houston’s also more talented and experienced than the Hawks, and should win easily. However, the Rockets will likely be without Clint Capela and Danuel House, both under the weather. Tonight gives Gary Clark and others who don’t usually see as much action, an opportunity to step up and show their potential to Coach Mike D’Antoni.

In their previous game, the Rockets snapped their 3-game losing streak in a win over the Heat on Wednesday. Houston now has a record of 12-6, and has yet to fall to a team with a losing record. What’s most impressive about this stat, the other teams (Lakers, Bucks, Raptors, Heat) are all contenders to win their conferences. Houston’s in good company. The Hawks have lost 9 straight games (NBA’s longest current skid), are 4-15, and tied for the worst record in the East. James Harden and the crew need to continue to show no mercy to the weak. The Rockets will be using their 5th different starting lineup in as many games tonight. Still, there’s no reason for Houston to lose this game… unless they went to South Beach to party last night. Rumor has it, thankfully, they stayed in town.

James Harden and Russell Westbrook should be ready show one of the league’s young stars, Trae Young, how a contender in today’s NBA plays the game. Young is coming off another astonishing performance. Atlanta’s sophomore sensation dropped 49 points in their loss in Indiana last night. The kid has tons of talent, and will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. However, at this point in the young man’s career, Trae simply doesn’t have the talent around him to produce a winning product on the court. Young’s future in this league is bright, and he seems to be getting better by the week. Houston just needs to teach him a lesson or two, in what playing against a Hall-of-Fame backcourt feels like. The Rockets start a stretch where 12 of their next 16 games are against teams with losing records. Houston needs to take advantage of this stretch starting tonight, as the Rockets look to continue building on their last win, and put a new streak together. For any team, it’s tough playing the night after a tough overtime loss. For the Hawks, it should be even tougher. Atlanta’s young, and the rest shouldn’t play as much of a factor as it would to team like Houston. Nonetheless, rested or not, these Rockets should beat these Hawks every time they take the court. Hopefully, Houston seizes the opportunity and uses their fresh legs to blow the birds out the building… and start SpaceCity Saturdays with a bang.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Atlanta Hawks (4-15):  Red

Houston Rockets (12-6):  “City Edition” White

 

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets End Skid, Burn Heat, 117-108

Seeing Double.    Second Quarter Blaze.    Earning Time.

As one streak ends, another begins. Houston ended their 3-game losing streak on Wednesday night, with a 117-108 victory over the Miami Heat. From the tip, the Rockets were all business, as they built a 24-point halftime lead that allowed them to cruise throughout the second half. James Harden led Houston with 34 points. Teams are beginning to use the same defensive approach against the Beard. Opponents are sending double teams at Harden right after he crosses mid court, a counter not seen on the professional level this frequently over the past 4 games since I can remember. Ever. Harden still managed a line of 34 points, 6 boards, and 5 dimes, and proved no matter the defensive scheme, the Beard won’t be stopped. His co-star, Russell Westbrook, had 27 points, 9 boards, and 7 assists. Danuel House scored a career-high 23 points, on 7-of-11 shooting. The Houstonian continues to be excellent night-in and night-out, and doesn’t miss a beat if he misses a game or two due to injury.

The final score is much closer than this contest played out. Houston used a second-quarter blaze to run past the Heat, and take total control of the game. The Rockets outscored Miami, 39-19, in the second period on Wednesday. Contrary to the first time these squads battled, Houston locked in defensively to even the season series at one game. The Heat scored 46 points in the first quarter in the first matchup that saw Houston get plundered in one of the franchise’s most embarrassing defeats. On Wednesday, Miami scored 42 points in the first half. The Rockets made sure there would be no repeat of the horrors that occurred in Miami earlier this season.

Clint Capela missed Wednesday’s game with an illness, and is listed as day-to-day. Gary Clark, saw the biggest difference in playing time due to Clint’s absence, and didn’t disappoint. Clark saw a season-high 29 minutes of action, and scored 12 points while grabbing 8 boards. The Cincinnati-product has been outstanding every time he’s earned the trust of Coach Mike D’Antoni, and seen playing time. Unfortunately, due to Houston’s extremely deep roster, Clark hasn’t seen as much court action as he’s deserved. His performance on Wednesday night was another indicator, no matter the squad’s depth, that Clark deserves a spot in Houston’s rotation. He’s too efficient and smart, which energy and grit to spare, to be rotting away at the end of the Rockets’ bench. Gary Clark has earned the time, it’s time D’Antoni puts a little more confidence and trust in the young player. Clark has the potential to emerge as a top role player in the NBA, but hasn’t gotten the proper chance to show what he can do outside of a small sample size. Maybe that will change in Houston’s next game.

The Rockets host the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, and will be without Capela and House due to illnesses. Atlanta is one of the league’s worst teams, and Houston should be able to build a big lead to give Clark playing time. He should see time even before the Rockets earn a big lead. Clark’s earned the time to show what he’s got on the court. He rarely makes a mistake, and brings energy and hustle on every possession. If the Rockets want to avoid the mistake of losing to one of the NBA’s barnburners, Clark needs to see ample playing time, and Houston’s new streak will continue.

Heat-Check: Miami Comes to Town, as Rockets Look to Kick Vices, Losing Streak

Caught in the Middle.    Harden Classic.    On the Edge.

“I gotta hold on to my angst. I preserve it because I need it. It keeps me sharp, on the edge… where I gotta be,” Al Pacino says in the classic crime caper, Heat. The Houston Rockets, now owners of a 3-game losing-streak, host the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. The Miami squad that was up by 20 within half a quarter in their first meeting. The Heat team that took the entire Rockets squad to school. Houston should be motivated to get revenge for their worst loss of the season: an old-fashioned beatdown saw the Heat lead by more than 40 points on different occasions throughout the contest. Although, that matchup was never a contest. Houston needs to be primed to break their slide tonight, and be the hotter team from the start. If the Rockets don’t play with an edge, their losing streak could run to four after tonight. Which would put this squad on the edge, slotting further down the standings in the West.

Wednesday night’s game is vastly important. It ends this brutal four-game stretch, one in which Houston yet to win a game. Tonight’s matchup was Houston’s easiest out of the four before the stretch began, and hopefully they end this tough part of the schedule on a hot note. The Heat, tied for second in the East, are one of the better teams in the NBA, and showed that to Houston in these squads first matchup. However, some cast members won’t be making appearances in tonight’s show. Jimmy Butler is questionable with an illness for Miami, as is Clint Capela for Houston. These factors shouldn’t affect the game’s outcome. James Harden’s playing. And it’s time for one of those signature performances. The Beard cooked Miami last season and looks to avenge his poor outing in their previous matchup. The Rockets need a Harden Classic now more than ever. Houston’s slipped in the standings, and a loss tonight likely moves them down another notch out West.

After looking like prime contenders, the Rockets now look like a team caught in the middle. A squad with the talent to win it all, surrounded by the pressure of a title window closing and closing, yet still not shut. Houston needs to figure out who they are, now. There’s no time for games. This season, a low seed, an you could be ousted by the eventual champion in the first round. If the Rockets want to play the best team other than themselves in the conference finals, they need to get their act together. Houston needs to remember that angst from this season’s first Heat game, preserve it, at least for tonight. Harden and the Rockets are being pushed to the edge, but this Houston team has prevailed this season when pushed to the brink. At 3-3, they won 8 straight. Now, after dropping 3 in a row, the team is staring at 11-6, and potentially 11-7, if they’re not on edge tonight. Houston plays sharp when they’re on edge, and maybe, just maybe, a win tonight will keep the squad on the right track… where they gotta be.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

Jersey Colors:

Miami Heat (12-4):  White

Houston Rockets (11-6):  Black

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Mavs Shoot Down Rockets, 137-123, Houston Loses 3rd Straight

Early Bird Gets the Worm.    Failure to Launch.    Losing Ground.

“Some people are so far behind in a race that they actually believe they are leading”, Uncle Jun’ says at one point during HBO’s legendary series The Sopranos. Three games ago, in this long race that is the NBA season, the Rockets looked like the leading contenders to win the title. Fast forward 3 games, and reality hits: Houston’s just another contender amongst roughly 6 teams. They got bounced on Sunday, 137-123, by a team that’s closing in on joining that group of contenders: the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic had another electric performance, and out-dueled James Harden. Dallas’ sophomore sensation finished with 41 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds. The Beard finished with 32 points, 11 dimes, and 9 boards, but his Rockets were outplayed from the tip. Houston trailed by 16 after the first quarter, got within 5 points in the middle of the fourth, but were never really in the game. The Rockets bench was outscored 28-11, as the Mavericks were the better team on Sunday. And Doncic was the best player on the floor, making another MVP-caliber statement with his dominant performance. Hopefully, it wakes Harden back up. He still had 32, and one rebound shy of a triple-double, but the Beard’s leadership wasn’t as powerful as Doncic’s and the Rockets lost as a result.

It was an earlier start than usual, 2:30 PM local time. Maybe the Rockets just weren’t ready yet. Clint Capela was ready. Capela had a another dominant night, with 21 points and 23 boards. Houston’s big man became the first player to record 7 consecutive 19 rebound games since Dennis “The Worm” Rodman in 1976. It’s too bad no one else on Houston joined Capela’s Worm Party. They say the early bird gets the worm, well the Mavs were the early bird on Sunday. Getting to lose balls first, out-hustling the Rockets, which resulted in a Dallas-friendly whistle all afternoon. Houston was coming off a grueling loss on Friday night in L.A., which makes them now 0-3 during this tough four-game stretch. A test they’ve now failed. This was supposed to be Houston’s launching pad to gain ground in the West. After this tough test, the Rockets have only fallen behind, from 2nd, now down to 5th in the standings.

The test isn’t over. Miami, the team that gave Houston a royal lesson in how to behave, comes to town on Wednesday night. The Heat are 2nd in the East, and will pose another difficult matchup for the Rockets. However, Houston’s home, is the better team, and should win the game. But if the Rockets don’t come out ready to play, and believe they can just show up and will be leading at the end of the game, they will be in for another disappointing loss. This isn’t the year to get a low seed in the postseason. The playoffs are going to be a merciless fight for survival the league’s never seen, specifically in the West. If Houston continues to sleepwalk through the regular season with the mindset that they’re leading the race, when they wake up, they’ll be so far behind that catching up may be out of reach.   

Rockets Return Home to Host In-State Rival Mavs

Cool Hand Luka.    Second Half.    Rivalry Renewed.

Houston tries to stop end their two game losing streak, as they return home for a Sunday matinee to host the upstart Dallas Mavericks. Their long-time in-state rivals have the best team they’ve had in nearly 8 years. Dallas is led by second year sensation Luka Doncic, who is having an MVP-caliber season. Luka is one of the league’s most entertaining players as well, and has Dallas as the surprise team in the NBA so far this season.

The Rockets went 0-2 during the first half of their current tough 4-game stretch. The second half begins today, and Houston needs more effort, and have to hope some shots fall, to beat a really good Mavs team.

This rivalry looks to be renewed. After being in the dumps, Dallas has one of the best teams they’ve had in years, and are poised to be good for at least the next decade. The Rockets will try and get the first win in these two, as the Kristaps Porzinigis-era of this rivalry starts today, in Houston. Rockets. Mavs. The Beard. Cool Hand Luka. The Unicorn. Brodie. Clint Capela goes for his sixth straight 20-rebound game. It should be fun. Don’t miss it.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Dallas Mavericks (10-5):  Blue

Houston Rockets (11-5):  Red

 

TV:  2:30 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Collapse in Final Minute, Edged by Clips, 102-99

Failure to Close.    True Enemies.    Looking Ahead.    

The Rockets couldn’t hold a lead in the final minute, and lost to the Clippers, 102-99, on Friday night. It was one of the most entertaining games of the season, and Los Angeles brought out the best in both teams. These two rivals will be enemies until the end of the year, when they’ll probably meet in the playoffs. What an epic series that would be. Only time will tell if it will happen. Houston hopes that a return home that break the skid. The upstart Mavs come to town, as the Rockets have another tough battle on their hands if they want to stop the losing streak at two games.

Rockets Sail into L.A. for Round 2 Against Archenemy Clippers

Act 2.    Craving a 40-Burger.    Beef Court.

Part 2 of the NBA’s beefiest rivalry begins Friday night, live from the center of the NBA universe, Los Angeles. The Rockets, coming off a loss in Denver where they were outplayed from start to finish, aim to rebound with an impressive win tonight. Round 2 presents the most difficult test Houston’s faced all season. The Clippers are riding a 3-game winning streak to start a 5-game homestand. L.A. got superstar Paul George back from injury to start the homestand, and are undefeated when he takes the court. The Rockets won the first matchup between these two heavyweights last week, 102-93, back in Houston. That match was the final game before PG13’s debut. George is off to a great start, averaging 28 points, and has a dominant presence on both ends of the floor as one of the game’s best defenders. James Harden and company need to play smart, and tough, if they’re going to grind out a win in part 2 of this epic series.

In this contest, Houston is going to need some sort of extra energy spark. Danuel House suffered a shoulder injury in Wednesday’s loss, and won’t be playing for the Rockets tonight. The injury isn’t expected to be serious, House is expected back Sunday, but his absence will be felt against one of the best teams in the NBA. The Rocket can do plenty of damage alone with the Beard and Brodie. Clint Capela’s the hottest big man in basketball. Capela’s grabbed 20 or more rebounds in 5 straight games, all after returning from a concussion that sidelined him for two games. Houston needs their big man to continue to feast on the glass, like it’s his own personal Thanksgiving dinner, if the Rockets are going to escape L.A. with a victory. Houston enters this game 7-0 when James Harden scores 40 points, and 4-4 when he doesn’t. The Rockets better hope the Beard is craving a 40-Burger tonight, without a dominant performance from Harden, the fully-loaded Clips will be a tough-out.

This rivalry presented plenty of beef in Round 1. Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverly continued their ongoing feud, with Brodie saying after the first game that Bev doesn’t play defense. Clippers Coach Doc Rivers famously got ejected with his son, Houston’s Austin Rivers in the middle of all the drama. Austin waved goodbye and motioning for Doc to “call him” after the game. Expect former Rockets, Lou Williams, Patrick Beverly, and especially Montrezl Harrell, who was quiet last week, to be impact-makers for L.A. Round 2 of the league’s beefiest rivalry continues tonight under the bright lights of Staples Center in Los Angeles. Undermanned, Houston just might need a little extra beef, in the form of a Bearded 40-Burger, to escape L.A. alive.

 

Staples Center:  Los Angeles, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-4):  Classic Red

Los Angeles Clippers (10-5):  White

 

TV:  9:30 PM CT – ESPN

Mile High Misery: Streak Snapped in Denver as Rockets Fall to Nuggets, 105-95

Rocky Mountain Lows.    Missing the Green Light.    No Excuses.

After being favored throughout their win streak, the Rockets were slight underdogs on Wednesday night, and it showed. Houston’s streak and the Rockets fell in Denver, at the hand of the Nuggets, 105-95. The Rockets have yet to win a road game over a contender all season. Houston scored the least amount of points they’ve had in a game, all season. The Nuggets swarmed James Harden on the perimeter, resulting in a low Beard tally of 27 for the night. His teammates couldn’t hit open shots, and Denver controlled the pace, and the game, for all four quarters. The lone bright spot coming out of this game: Clint Capela, who had 21 boards. Over 20 for the 5th straight game. Capela has absolutely devoured glass, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, since returning from injury. He becomes the first NBA player to to accomplish the feat since Ben Wallace, in 2003 with Detroit. Houston just couldn’t hit open shots when they needed in Denver.

In more injury news, Danuel House suffered a shoulder injury, and didn’t return to the game. He’s questionable for Houston’s Friday showdown in L.A. House’s departure proved to have detrimental effect on Houston’s comeback efforts. His sharpshooting ability to knock down the open long bomb was sorely missed in this game after he went to the locker room. His partner in crime, Gerald “Green Light” Green, could potentially be out for the season, and hasn’t played all year. Green’s hustle and sharpshooting ability were missed in a game like Wednesday night’s, more than ever. The GreenHouse Effect, which become a local sensation last season, was needed desperately on Wednesday. Houston had the opportunities, but couldn’t knock down shots. Green is a streaky shooter, and always capable defender, who would’ve made a difference in Denver. It was also a game in which the Rockets could have really used Eric Gordon, still out with a knee injury. Sharpshooters were needed against the deep, versatile Nuggets, and none were to be found. Houston has no excuses despite the injuries on the perimeter. The Rockets are better than Denver, and will need to prove it the next these two squads face-off.

It’s exam season for the Houston Rockets. One of their biggest tests all year is coming up on Friday night. Houston faces their toughest matchup of the young season, and another early season test. A rematch, this time in Los Angeles, against their heated rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. Unlike last week, Friday presents a fully-loaded Clippers team. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are both expected to play. George missed the first bout between the rivals. In round 2, the Rockets try and bounce back from their Mile High Misery, and finally get an impressive win on the road. They might be without Danuel House, but they’re no excuses for this Houston team. The Beard is coming off one of his worst games of the season. The Rockets have more than enough to bounce back. No altitude excuses if the squad doesn’t get it done. Other than these Clipper games, Denver, and Milwaukee, it’s been a cakewalk schedule for Houston so far this season. Sooner or later, if they want to be discussed amongst the favorites to win it all, winning games like Friday gets the conversation started.

Red-Hot Rockets Surge into Mile High, Aiming for 9 Straight

Mountainous Step.    Rocky Road.    Harden the 13th. 

“Watching film on him is like watching a horror movie,” Denver Coach Mike Malone said about James Harden, before his Nuggets try and stop the wrecking train that is Harden and the Houston Rockets. The hottest team in sports, the scorching Rockets, blaze into the Mile High City for an anticipated meeting with the Nuggets. Harden and company are rolling, winners of 8 straight. Houston has owned Denver over the past few seasons. The Beard and company have won 10 of the last 11 matchups with the Nuggets, and 14 of the last 18. Malone knows, he’s been at the helm in Denver throughout their history of horror with Houston. Nonetheless, the altitude always plays a factor in Denver, giving the Nuggets some hope, and a slight advantage over most teams. It’s something the Rockets will have to battle, and will test the team’s endurance as a unit. This game is Houston’s toughest road test so far, the Nuggets are almost certainly playoff bound. Denver has one of the best big men in basketball, in Nikola Jokic, aka “The Joker.” Although the Joker’s not had the laughs he had last year, getting off to a slow start, Clint Capela’s stretch of 4-straight games with 20 rebounds will be tested.

It’s going to be a mountainous step for the squad to get their 9th straight win, tonight. Although, the Rockets are more than capable of beating this Nuggets team they’ve beaten time and time again. Especially with the improvements they’ve made so far in this short season. They’ve taken a mountainous step in terms defensive improvement from the team started the year 3-3. This stat, courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau, is fascinating: Amongst lineups to have played at least 60 minutes together, Houston’s starting lineup (Harden, Westbrook, House, Tucker, and Capela) has the best defensive rating at 87.5, and the best overall (net) rating in the entire league. Minus Eric Gordon, the Rockets are healthy, and getting better with each game. A tough 4-game stretch looms for Houston, and they need to get off on the right foot tonight, with a victory.

Wednesday’s game in Denver begins a difficult 4-game stretch for the Rockets, one of their toughest of the season. Houston will play at the rival Clippers on Friday, in the season’s toughest test to date. Then, they return home to host the upstart Mavs and Heat. The Rockets are riding high at this point in the season, but a slip of the wheel, and Houston could find themselves down a few spots in the standings. And the Western Conference is more ruthless than ever, especially at the top. These two squads are currently seeded 2 and 3 out West. A Denver win tonight, pushes them over Houston in the standings, for the moment. The Nuggets are one of those legitimate threats to beat the Rockets on any night if Harden and company lose focus. They’re not many teams in the NBA that can at the moment, with the way the Beard has started the film to this year’s season.

And so… Pepsi Center hosts quite a juicy matchup on Wednesday night. Two perennial West playoff teams with grand expectations clash in the Mile High City. Houston puts their 8-game winning streak on the line, as Denver’s also playing well. The Nuggets have won 7 of their last 10 contests overall, and are tied in the loss column with the Rockets, sporting a 9-3 record. Tonight presents the biggest test Houston’s faced on the road all season. If the Rockets can stay with Denver, one of the league’s best passing teams, they can run their streak to 10 games. It should be an exciting game, as a clash of styles meet. The Nuggets like to slow the game down. In contrast, Houston plays with the fastest pace in basketball. Westbrook, Harden, and the Rockets are ready to run the Nuggets out of the building. Nearly fully healthy, the squad is firing on all cylinders. And they also have that man who keeps Mike Malone up on nights before Denver plays Houston. A man with a beard that houses superpowers storms into Pepsi Center tonight. Coach Malone’s already seen Harden the 13th. He’s seen this movie too many times. But in case you haven’t, be afraid Denver… be very afraid.

 

Pepsi Center:  Denver, Colorado

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-3):  White

Denver Nuggets (9-3):  Dark Blue

 

TV:  8 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Steamroll Blazers, 132-108, Make it 8 in a Row

Action Figures.    Three-Headed Monster.    Beautiful Machine.

Before arriving in Houston this year, Russell Westbrook played the first eleven seasons of his career in Oklahoma City. And never once, did the superstar get his own bobblehead. On Rockets Postgame, Calvin Murphy asked, “what were they thinking?” Monday night, that finally changed, as Russell Westbrook bobblehead night took place at Toyota Center. Oh, the beloved bobblehead. It’s not real validation, in terms of achieving anything significant, but the toy usually signifies you’re recognized by many as great at what you do. In sports, I’d guesstimate 90% of players with their own bobbleheads have been All-Stars, or established players in some form. Not everyone gets their own action figure. Last night, Westbrook finally got recognized as bobblehead-worthy. In celebration, Brodie and the Rockets blasted the Blazers, 132-108, for their 8th win in a row. Westbrook had another triple double, finishing with 28 points, 13 boards, and 10 dimes. Portland led after one quarter, but Houston blew the game open in the second period, and this contest was never close. It’s time to recognize the way Westbrook has transformed this team. The Rockets will only go as far as the Beard grows, but Westbrook drastically changes the pace for Houston. In effect, it creates more offensive possessions for one of the deadliest offensive teams of all time. Brodie plays like someone who needs an action figure. Westbrook is everywhere, sometimes seemingly everywhere at once, on both ends of the court. These triple doubles aren’t a coincidence. An action figure is defined as a doll, or in this case a bobblehead, representing a person known for vigorous action. No one’s action on the court is more vigorous than Russell Westbrook’s. Not just on Houston’s roster, but in the entire league.

James Harden had an efficient 36 points on a solid shooting night. Although still leading the way in scoring for the Rockets, the Beard didn’t need to carry as much of the offensive weight, with the return of Clint Capela and Danuel House. And yes, 36 points on 58% shooting, including 5-of-10 from deep, brings Harden’s scoring average down. Not even the Michael Jeffrey Jordan would 36 and see his scoring average drop. James Harden is in a league all his own. These Classic Average Nights are starting to become ridiculous. After missing two games with a concussion, Capela wasted no time crashing the party. Houston’s big man continues to be dominant on the glass. On Monday, Capela recorded 22 points, another 20 rebounds, and 4 blocks. It’s the Big Swiss’ fourth consecutive 20-rebound game. A feat not even the great Hakeem Olajuwon or Moses Malone ever accomplished. Capela is finally resembling the player who looked like an All-Star before his injury last season. And as he joins the party that’s looking like the NBA’s best team, the league has a Three-Headed Monster on their hands: James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Clint Capela: the best trio in basketball. Danuel House’s return was an efficient one, as has become the norm for the Houstonian. House had 11 points, including 50% shooting from three, 6 boards, 4 assists, and 3 steals. P.J. Tucker had 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, and Isaish Hartenstein continues to slowly blossom. Hustlestein only saw 13 minutes of action, but scored 9 points, and continues to gain the trust of Houston Coach Mike D’Antoni with each performance. And the suddenly beloved fan-favorite, Austin Rivers, continues to quietly play the best perimeter defense in the NBA. Rivers is locking up opposing All-Star point guards night-after-night. Don’t believe me? Look at the stats. Over the last 5 games, when Rivers guarded one of the opponents top guards, in this case: Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, Jeff Teague, Lou Williams, or Justin Holiday, they shot a combined 2-for-17 from the field. That’s putting the clamps on defensively. Austin Rivers has quietly been extremely efficient and productive season for Houston this season off the bench. He fits in perfectly in D’Antoni’s system, and is one of the main contributors to why the Rockets defense has improved vastly since their 3-3 start. Houston isn’t on this 8-game winning streak without him. And with everyone but Eric Gordon back, this Houston Rockets team is beginning to resemble a beautiful machine. Everyone working in place, functioning as a unit, as the squad continues to learn on the move. Such a unique, special, beautiful machine. We won’t know to what degree for months to come. And this June, I truly believe the Rockets are going to win the NBA championship. You might ask, “what am I thinking?” I know It’s a long way to go until we get to the playoffs. But if Houston keeps playing this way, Westbrook will have something more than his own bobblehead after this season. Real validation.