Month: January 2020

Rockets, Desperate for a Win, Square Off Against Nuggets to End Home-Stand

Home Finish.    Another Test.    No Margin for Error.

This game was always going to be a tough test. It’s now turned into a tough test of the must-win caliber. The Nuggets come into Toyota Center on Wednesday night, seeking to ensure that Houston’s skid continues. Denver is one of the West’s top teams, tied for second along with the Clippers and Jazz, with a record of 30-13. The Rockets were in the thick of the race with those clubs, but now sit three games back. Houston needs a win on Wednesday to get back on track, and end this miserable losing streak. After tonight, the Rockets head out on a tough four-game West-Coast road-trip. The schedule’s not going to get any easier. At least Houston’s at home tonight, closing out their longest home-stand of the season, also the most dreadful. James Harden has been completely out of sync. The Rockets need him to bounce back if they’re going to be the Nuggets. Russell Westbrook’s emerged as Houston’s best player during this losing streak, and his teammates need to play with the same energy. The Rockets need to start winning games.

The squad has no margin for error. With 40 games remaining, and five competitive teams playing well ahead of them in the West, Houston needs to fix whatever is going on. And they need to fix it by beating the Nuggets to wrap up this painful four-game home-stand. Otherwise home-court advantage in the first round will be out of the picture. P.J. Tucker is playing through a shoulder injury, and the Rockets needs Tucker on the court to win games. But other guys have to step up. The Rockets can’t afford to rest Tucker if he’s not risking getting a serious injury. P.J. is the glue guy on both ends for Houston. Tucker is the Rockets best defender, best screener, and so much more. When P.J.’s not on the court, his absence is glaring.

The Rockets need the energy of Brodie and Tucker to be contagious. Houston has to bring it tonight against Denver. The Nuggets hobble into Houston, playing without four of their top players, in Jamal Murray, Gary Harris Jr, Paul Millsap, and Miles Plumlee. Houston can’t afford to overlook the absence of these key players. If the Rockets play down to a wounded Nuggets team they should beat at home, it will only end their homestead in misery, and result in a fifth straight loss. Michael Porter Jr. has emerged as a potential All-Star caliber player recently. And Denver still has Nikola Jokic. The Joker will pose problems for Clint Capela and the Rockets inside. Look for Houston to bounce back, and finally get on the winning side of the scoreboard tonight. But don’t be look until there’s no time left on the clock. Until the scoreboard reads 00.00… anything’s possible. Especially with this Rockets team. A squad who relishes in making games as tough as possible for themselves. Expect more of the same, tonight. If the Rockets can’t finally close a game, and get a victory on this home-stand, especially against a decimated Denver team, it may signal time for tough changes in Houston.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Denver Nuggets (30-13):  White

Houston Rockets (26-16):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

The Slide Continues: Thunder Storm Back to Zap Rockets, 112-107

SOS.    Death from a Distance.    Rock Bottom?

In what’s become the season full of dreadful losses, the Houston Rockets suffered arguably their worst one yet, collapsing against the Thunder on Monday night, in a 112-107 defeat at Toyota Center. Houston held a 17 point lead, and even had a 15 point edge well into the fourth quarter. Holding leads means nothing, when the Rockets can’t seem to put a complete game together. James Harden’s slump continues. The Beard shot a horrid 1-for-17 from distance, killing the team with his inability to connect on shots he usually makes. It’s not even close, but Russell Westbrook has been Houston’s best player during this losing streak, which feels like the Dark Ages, with each collapsing defeat. Brodie finished with a triple-double, securing 32 points, 11 boards, and 12 dimes. Harden scored 29 on 9-for-29 shooting, and Danuel House had a “better” game, as he appeared thirsty ton burst out of his slump, garnering 13 points. Other than that, this was a contest where the Rockets’ sloppy play, inability to hit timely shots, and poor defense all led to their demise. No one’s smiled more after the game than Chris Paul. CP3 led the Thunder with 28 points, and has now won both games in Houston on his “revenge tour.”

Searching for the cause of Houston’s current four-game losing isn’t Rocket-science. Their best player, Harden, is in career-low slump that’s seemed to come out of nowhere. The Beard was in the thick of the MVP chatter before things went awry. Now all that talk’s turned into distant whispering. Any chances for Harden to get the MVP award have slipped away. Hopefully, that will get his focus on winning. It’s not the end of the world, but this current four-game skid feels worse than the 2017/2018 team’s five-game losing streak. And that was the Rockets team that set the franchise record with 65 wins. What’s happening in Houston now, feels like a slow unraveling. As the Rockets have held double-digit leads in three of the games they’ve dropped during this stretch. It’s simple stuff, the little things. Taking care of the basketball. Defensive assignments. For some reason, it’s not clicking for Houston. And it runs deeper than on the court.

Head Coach Mike D’Antoni continues to make questionable rotational moves throughout game. After Isaiah Hartenstein’s best game of the season, where he had 17 points, 15 boards, and 5 blocks, D’Antoni claimed Houston had found their backup center. And they had. Only, for some reason, he has rarely seen the court since. It’s a reason no one can seem to fathom. Harty’s not injured, and he’s not a shooter. Hartenstein brings hustle and energy every night. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be on the floor for at least 15 minutes a game. Hustle and energy are two factors that stay consistent. Unlike a shooter, who may have his off-nights, a player of Hartenstein’s caliber will always bring intensity when he plays. There’s no reason, after what Hustlestein resume’s shown this season, for him to be riding the bench. It’s as if the all-too-known rumor of D’Antoni being axed after this year is affecting the team. The coach doesn’t appear to want to make the right decisions. And from a player’s standpoint, it’s tough to play hard for someone who you know job’s up after the season.

I would say this is rock bottom, but I thought the same thing after the last two games. And with the competitive Denver Nuggets coming into town for the Rockets next matchup, Houston’s skid might not be over. The Rockets need to tighten up, focus on the fundamentals, and just play their brand of basketball. They were fine all season, amid a few letdowns, until this strange spell has plagued the squad. Hopefully, Houston can bounce back against the Nuggets. James Harden returned to the court at Toyota Center only minutes after Monday’s loss, and was seen going through his pre-game shooting routine. Whatever he needs to do, the Beard needs to find his rhythm. Brodie is finally playing well, and making the right decisions. It’s time for Harden to make a return to the court as well, and end this dreadful losing spell.

Rockets Eager to Right the Ship, Host Thunder

Act Two.    Still Time.    Prepping for a Storm. 

The second half of the season begins today, as the Rockets host the Thunder for a Monday holiday special. Houston’s lost three straight, and four of their last five games. This is the last time the Rockets play the Thunder this season. In the last matchup, OKC got the better of Brodie and Houston in Westbrook’s return to the arena he used to call home. Houston looks to snap out of their funk this afternoon, and push a Thunder team that has crept closer up the standings, back down.

There’s still plenty of time for the Rockets to right the ship. Houston’s only two games behind the second seed in the West. But the squad needs bring consistent defensive intensity every game, or their chances of home-court advantage in the playoffs’ first round will be at stake. Things don’t get much easier for the Rockets as the second half begins. The Thunder are right behind Houston in the seventh spot out West. If the Rockets lose today, OKC will inch to within two games of Houston in the loss column.

After today, Houston hosts the Nuggets on Wednesday, the West’s third seed. Hopefully, James Harden can find that MVP-level aggression and efficiency, and the team can start knocking down open shots. A storm’s coming, the Thunder will be ready and Chris Paul wants nothing more than to beat the Rockets twice in Houston, this being the season after they traded him. The Rockets need to close out this season-series with a win, and get back on track. Otherwise, those chances of a special ending to Houston’s journey for a title, will continue to slip away.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (24-19):  Blue

Houston Rockets (26-15):  Red

 

TV:  4 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Code Red: Lakers Cruise Past Rockets, 124-115

First Half Wrap.    Paying the Price.    Necessary Depths.

Everything was set up perfectly. The Rockets were in control, earning an 11-point lead over the Lakers in the first half at Toyota Center. Fans were rocking, despite the copious amount of L.A. jerseys seen in the crowd. Houston’s reputation, falling to bad teams, but beating good ones, looked to stay intact. At halftime, the Rockets led by six. Everything was lined up for a Houston victory. But it was just a first half wrap, on the game, and the season, on Saturday night. The third-quarter came, where any chances of a Rockets victory were barricaded by a Lakers storm. Houston kept the match contested, until a game-defining block by JaVale McGee on Clint Capela permanently swung momentum L.A.’s way. The Rockets were outscored 32-17 in the third, as the Lakers handed Houston their third straight defeat, 124-115, on Saturday night. And the final score isn’t as close as the numbers indicate. The Lakers, without Anthony Davis, were in complete control once they gained the lead in the second half.

LeBron (who else) led the way for L.A. LeBron scored 31 points and 12 assists. Nothing dominant, but LBJ didn’t need to take over in this one. Houston left too many shooters wide open. The trio of Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Danny Green combined to shoot 28-for-45, and torched the Rockets for 63 points. Russell Westbrook led the way for Houston, scoring 35 points, shooting 15-for-23 from the field. Brodie also had 9 boards and 7 dimes, as he continues to thrive individually despite the team’s woes.

Other Rockets have to pick it up. “Tough times don’t last long,” James Harden said after the game. Hopefully, he’s right. The Beard remains in a slump, and looks bothered by something. Harden lacked his usual aggression, and shot only 2-for-9 from downtown, scoring 34 points against L.A. He’s either frustrated with his teammates’ inability to knock down down open threes when he’s double-teamed and forced to dish. Or he has some strange injury we can’t see, but he doesn’t look physically hurt. It’s always mental with Harden. Whatever it is, the Beard has to figure it out.

Houston is now officially halfway through the season, with a record of 26-15. They’ve fallen to the sixth spot in the West standings, and now are a distant 7 games behind the Lakers for the top seed. The Rockets are paying the price for losing to bad teams in the first half. Houston lost to eight teams with losing records in the season’s first half. Harden and the squad need to pick it up, starting with Monday’s MLK day game against the Thunder. It took Westbrook time to adjust to the Rockets’ system, but now Brodie is the only Rocket playing well. Houston’s problems aren’t rocket-science. Harden has to snap out of his funk, and the team NEEDS to knock down open-threes. Connecting from distance fuels the Rockets’ offense. If guys aren’t hitting their open shots, Houston simply won’t win as many games as many expected.

Sometimes it takes rock-bottom to motivate a person, or team, to bounce back to expectations. It appears Westbrook’s team-meeting after Houston’s previous loss to Portland, was a bit premature. Hopefully, Brodie gave the squad another lecture after Saturday’s loss. The Rockets have now dropped 4 of their last 5 games. Houston failed to play hard against Memphis and Portland, losing both games. They brought more intensity against the Lakers, but you can’t just bring it against the good teams. Because, even when you bring 100% energy, sometimes you’re gonna get beat anyways. It’s pro sports, and the best teams in this league are consistent. The Rockets have to find the consistency in the second half of the season. The kind of consistency the Lakers and Bucks display. Otherwise, this second half will put Houston in the middle of a Western Conference full of hungry teams, all eager to be the first team in 5 years to represent the West in the Finals, after Golden State’s dynasty won the West for the past half-decade. I hope the Harden’s right about tough times. If they last much longer for the Rockets, Houston’s journey will be set up for another disappointing end.

Battle of the James’:  Rockets, Lakers Clash in Space City Showdown

Tread Lightly.    Raising a Brow.    Dreamchasers.

“If you don’t know who I am, then maybe your best course would be to tread lightly.” One of Walter White’s best quotes from AMC’s iconic series, Breaking Bad. An egotistical brash of arrogant confidence. The kind ready to be displayed for a national audience in an epic showdown this Saturday night at Toyota Center. The Rockets and Lakers finally meet for the first time this season. James Harden. LeBron James. Russell Westbrook. Anthony Davis. You know the names, but do you really know the teams? The Rockets have lost three of their last four games. Brodie led a team meeting in the locker room after Houston suffered the second loss in as many nights to a losing team. Hopefully, the Rockets took Westbrook’s words about playing with more intensity to heart. Houston needs to turn it up, as the best in the West, the Lakers, come to town for a prime-time showdown. LeBron James is putting another MVP-caliber season on his resume, as he has the Lakers off to conference-leading 33-8 record at the midway point. The Rockets are well aware of the threat King James brings to the court. P.J. Tucker will guard LeBron as much as possible, but he’ll need obvious help. Houston will need to step up on defense as a unit to hold back the freight train that’s still LeBron James, even at age 35. The Beard is coming off his worst game of the season. Nonetheless, the Lakers bring out the best in Harden. Expect both James to be ready for the bright lights.

Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ newest prized center, is questionable tonight with an injury. The Brow’s had injury history his entire career. He’s never played more than 75 games in a season. Can he make it to the playoffs healthy? Probably? Can he make it through facing top tier Western playoffs teams? Probably not. It’s something the Lakers will have to deal with, but they’ve been fine so far this season. Los Angeles is currently 4 games ahead of Denver for the top spot out West. As the Lakers ponder whether the Brow will play, Houston has their own eyebrows to raise. The Rockets have been their worst enemy this season. Houston has eight losses to teams under .500. Tops in the NBA. At least the Lakers are well-above .500. If Houston loses tonight, they’re clearly (for now) worse than the Lakers. Austin Rivers is out with a thumb injury, meaning the Rockets frail rotation’s already become thinner. However, Coach Mike D’Antoni stressed that he’ll play two bigs against the Lakers. If Mike’s a man of his word, Isaiah Hartenstein should thankfully see more action. Look for Harty to own a thin Lakers front-line on the hustle end, especially if Davis is out. Harty’s been improving almost with each game, it’s just a shame he hasn’t seem more playing time. That should change tonight, or D’Antoni will face brow-raising criticism.

Harden’s Rockets and LeBron’s Lakers. Two teams chasing their ultimate dream this season. For LeBron, it’s to win a title for a third different franchise and restore glory to a historic Lakers franchise. For Harden, winning a championship in Houston, with all the hate the Beard and his squad receives, with would be the stuff of legends. It’s more than likely that one of these teams will achieve their dream, come thin June. While the other will still be chasing fading dreams into next season. At the moment, the teams are trending in opposite directions. Houston’s dropped three of four contests, and gone 5-5 over their last ten games. An average record, which is what they’ve been. Average. Meanwhile, the Lakers, despite losing their last game, have won nine of ten. They’re rolling no matter who takes the court and no matter who they play. LeBron knows what’s at stake. Seeding’s crucial for the West’s top seed this season. Houston can get back in the picture with a monumental victory over LeBron and the Lakers. This matchup’s importance cannot be understated. A win moves the Rockets within five games of the Lakers. A loss puts Houston seven games back, as we reach the season’s half-way point. Everyone knows LeBron… face of the league, the GOAT in the eyes of some. But how well do you know the James Harden? He’s coming off his worst game of the year. After a terrible start last season, it was a home game against LeBron’s Lakers that sparked the Beard’s Ungradable Tour. Harden had 50 points that night, and never looked backed. The Rockets need a similar kind of spark RIGHT NOW this season. Everyone knows LeBron James. Face of the league. Constant Jordan comparisons. Most players think they know Harden, and what he’s got in his bag of tricks. But in case they don’t… their best course would be to tread lightly.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Lakers (33-8):  Yellow

Houston Rockets (26-14):  “Space City” White

 

TV:  7:30 PM CT – ABC

Rocket-Bottom: Portland Trounces Houston, 117-107

Falling Out of Line.    Basketball to be Murdered By.    Follow the Leader.

“It’s just playing hard… it’s as simple as that. Everything else is going to fall into line.” Russell Westbrook spoke up and led a team-meeting after the Rockets 117-107 loss to the Blazers on Wednesday night. Hopefully it worked, because Houston needs more than a team-meeting that makes it sound like this team is taking the regular season seriously. The Rockets need to start acting like it, or everything will continue to fall out of line. Houston’s now lost 3 of their last 4 games. The defeat at the hands of Portland is the Rockets’ second loss in two nights to teams with losing records. And this was one was never really close, with the Blazers in control for the entirety of Wednesday’s contest. With a record of 26-14, Houston’s is now 6 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the top seed. They’re L.A. and the West’s second-seed, the Jazz, recently lost. But the Rockets continue to shoot themselves in the foot falling to clubs they should easily handle. Against Portland, Westbrook had a 31-point triple-double. However, former Rocket, and aging veteran Carmelo Anthony outscored the NBA’s leading scorer, James Harden. The Beard scored a season-low 13 points. Harden took only 12 shots, making 3 of them. Five Rockets attempted more shots than the Beard, something that never happens. It seemed like Harden could’ve been passively-aggressively telling teammates, “you’re sick of me always having the ball, here, you carry the team.” Obviously, that didn’t work. Danuel House Jr. continues to be in an odd mid-season funk. He hasn’t been as effective coming off the bench. House’s confidence may have taken a hit. The Houstonian needs to be inserted back into the starting lineup. And hopefully, it was just a bad night for Houston’s MVP. More nights like that will bury the Rockets into the ground. Expect Harden to have a huge bounce back game on Saturday night as the Lakers come to town.

Houston should be ready for LeBron and co. for this weekend’s showdowns. Harden and company show up against the good teams. It’s a tired record at this point, but the bad teams are ones that give the Rockets the most struggles. Luckily, Houston won’t see any bad teams in the playoffs. However, they’re killing themselves playing this way. Championship teams play the NBA season like a golf course. The Rockets are just focusing on holes. They need to focus on the big picture, and realize how important seeding is this season. Houston still has a chance for the top seed, they can get within 5 games at the halfway mark with a win over L.A. Still, a lot of work has to be in the season’s second half. Saturday’s night game is even more important with all the toying around the Rockets have done with the NBA’s lottery. It’s Basketball to be Murdered By, and the Rockets are the victims. If this trend of not showing up against inferior competition continues, Houston will have fallen so out of line in the standings, their climb to the Finals will be so much harder. If the Rockets can somehow get back on track, and make a push for the top seed. they’ll avoid having to play both L.A. teams, Houston’s best competition for the Western throne.

All it takes is playing harder. The squad has to follow their leader. That may not be James Harden in the locker room, who was tight-lipped during a team meeting sparked and led by Brodie. Regardless, the Rockets need to listen to Westbrook. It all starts on Saturday night. The Lakers come to H-Town for a Saturday Showdown in arguably the most-anticipated home game this regular season. LeBron and the Purple and Gold’s lone visit to Houston. Thank God it’s not a losing team the Rockets are playing. Ironically, looking at last season, it was a home game against the Lakers that sparked the beginning of the Beard’s Unguardable Tour last season. Hopefully, a visit from LeBron does the same this year. Coach Mike D’Antoni had a remark post-game saying: “The focus is not on getting it right. The focus is more looking at the back of the jersey instead of the front of it.” Guys aren’t stepping up. Was this a passive-aggressive jab from D’Antoni at certain players? Who knows. One thing’s sure. Houston needs a spark. Or maybe they just need to play harder. It’s as simple as that. Right?

Rockets Seek Hospitality, Host Blazers to Begin Home-Stand

Searching for Urgency.    Return of the Hoodie.    Home, Sweet, Home.

Houston returns to Toyota Center on Wednesday night, hoping to get back in the win column as they host the Trail Blazers. The Rockets had a disappointing loss in Memphis last night, falling to another team with a losing record. Houston looks to bounce back against a Portland team that’s been one of the league’s most disappointing squads all season. The Blazers are also under .500, at 17-24 at the halfway mark of their season. A team many expected to be playoff-bound is currently on the outside looking in. Although they’re one of the seven teams in the West that have a chance at the final playoff spot, and Damian Lillard, well, has a history against Houston. Portland’s dynamic backcourt of Lillard and C.J. McCollum is still one of the best in the league, despite the Blazers’ record. Russell Westbrook returns for the Rockets after resting last night in Memphis. His absence was sorely missed, as James Harden forced too many bad shots with Houston lacking their secondary playmaker. Hopefully, Brodie’s return will get the Beard and the Rockets back on track.

Also returning to Houston is Carmelo Anthony. He only played ten games for Houston last year, before sitting out the rest of the season after the Rockets finally waived Anthony. Melo has been a better fit with Portland this season. Tonight marks his first game on the court facing Houston as a Blazer. The Rockets should bounce back, and blow this team out of the water at home. However, two things come to mind. First, the obvious: Houston’s obsessive tendency to keep it close with sub-par teams, a policy that frequently results in the Rockets shooting themselves in the feet. And secondly, Houston just has not been as good on the second night of back-to-backs recently, whether it be at home or on the road. Brodie will have to bring extra energy to make up for any of his teammates’ fatigue. 

Wednesday begins Houston’s longest home-stand of the season, a four-game stretch, all featuring Western Conference playoff contenders. After tonight, the Rockets host the Lakers in a Saturday night showdown, before games with the Thunder Nuggets to close out the stretch. Portland is the worst out of the four teams visiting Houston over this stretch. The Rockets have to start playing with a sense of urgency, and up their level of defensive intensity. It’s crucial for the Beard and company to get a win to keep pace in the standings. They want their confidence riding high going into arguably the most anticipated game of the season: LeBron and the Lakers’ lone visit to Toyota Center on Saturday night. It will be a chance for the Rockets to get a game closer to the top spot, but they can’t overlook these Blazers like they did the Grizz in Memphis. It’s the first time a Houston sports team’s played at home since the reckoning that bellowed on Black Monday. Hopefully, the Rockets will be inspired by the city, and secure the victory they need to get back on the right trail.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Portland Trail Blazers (17-24):  Red

Houston Rockets (26-13):  White

 

TV:  8:30 PM CT – ESPN,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Grizzlies Run Past Rockets 121-110, as Houston’s Road Woes Continue

Morant’s Town.    Waisting a Backup.    Resting Problems.

Houston strolled into Memphis on two days rest, ready to take on a hot Grizzlies team. At least they looked ready pregame, but looks can be deceiving. The Rockets led for most of the game, but let another losing team hang around. Houston’s defense gave up 36 points in the fourth quarter, as the surging Grizzlies topped the Rockets, 121-110. James Harden didn’t have enough in the tank, despite another high-scoring affair. The Beard finished with 41 points, but his efficiency and decision-making were below average. Harden hoisted 37 shots, but only made 13, and couldn’t even make a basket in the final quarter. Ja Morant showed everyone why he’s the Rookie of the Year. Morant scored 26 points on a stellar 10-for-11 shooting, along with 8 dimes and 5 boards. Ja is poised to become one of the NBA’s premier point guards for years to come, and the face of the Grizzlies’ franchise. Houston’s now lost 4 of 5 on the road, after starting out 11-5 away from Toyota Center. The halfway mark is two games away. Losses like Tuesday’s in Memphis aren’t world-enders, but the Rockets chances for the top seed out West are slipping out of reality with each passing day.

It wasn’t like this game was out of reach. The Rockets led by 5 after one quarter, and trailed by only 2 heading into the final period. However, Houston displayed no sense of urgency, particularly on defense, allowing Memphis wide-open threes and layups all night. I don’t know if the 36 points the defense gave up should be taken that the team was gassed, or if the Rockets are still too laissez faire with losing teams in the regular season. It’s probably a combination of both. These 7-man rotations are starting to wear the squad down. Houston is dead-set on resting Westbrook for at least one game every back-to-back this season, but the Rockets struggle without Brodie. Houston is 3-3 when Westbrook sits. The more concerning issue is coach Mike D’Antoni’s coaching decisions over the last few games. At age 34, P.J. Tucker is still Houston’s heart and soul on defense But P.J. is playing way too many minutes, he’s 5th in the NBA in minutes per game. And Isaiah Hartenstein, who improves each time he sees the floor, has seen his minutes toyed with over the last few matchups. There’s no reason Hustlestein shouldn’t be playing more minutes every night. He’s earned it, and it will give the squad rest overall. Looking at Houston’s last three games, Harty played 4 minutes in the losses to Oklahoma City and Memphis. However, in the Rockets victory over Minnesota, Hartenstein finished with 17 points, 15 boards, and 5 blocks in 39 minutes of action. Watching the big fella play, he’s nicknamed “Hustlestein” for a reason. D’Antoni earlier in the year said he didn’t want to give Harty more chances because he was too foul-prone. Isaiah isn’t hacking as much anymore, and deserves to be on the court more than the bench. If D’Antoni doesn’t give the big fella more minutes, it will only hurt his confidence that’s already at an all-time high. Houston has their back-up center. They can’t afford to let him rot away at the end of the bench. It makes no sense. Hopefully, Harty sees more action in the future, or the Rockets inconsistency will continue. This squad doesn’t have the depth at the interior positions to be resting a player of Hartenstein’s caliber. He needs more court time. With Brodie resting a game on back-to-backs, and the continued occurrence of minor injuries, the Rockets can’t withstand the rest of the season with their backup center waisting away on the bench.

Westbrook returns for Houston’s next game, Wednesday back home, against Portland. And the Rockets will be better, at least they should, despite their recent history on the second night of back-to-backs. But these problems Houston’s dealing with, they’re not going anywhere. They’ll be resting with the squad all season. We are two games before the halfway mark of the season and only thing’s crystal clear: the Rockets don’t respect teams with losing records. Memphis is on a roll after a slow start, and much better than their 19-22 record, but the Rockets are better than these Grizzlies. With or without Westbrook. Houston had two days off to prepare, yet still lacked the sense of urgency teams like the Lakers and Bucks are playing with this season. Those squads understand the importance of seeding this year. Especially in the West. And the clock’s ticking on the Rockets chance for a top spot. Houston faces the Trail Blazers next, another team with a losing record. The Rockets have to start taking care of business against inferior opponents. If this trend continues all season, Houston will be the fourth or fifth seed. Making their playoff run all the more steep and difficult. Take care of business now, and the challenges won’t be so brutal later. A mantra the Beard and the Rockets can’t seem to understand. They’ve got a chance to get back on the winning side in their next game, and they’d better. Houston needs to stop strolling around like they’re the “swag champs,” instead of approaching every game with the same intensity. Otherwise come playoff time… the mountainous climb to the NBA’s throne may be too high to reach.

Rockets Carry Hopes of a City, Travel to Memphis for Battle in the Grind House

Black Monday.    Grinding Out.    The Secret Weapon.

Professional sports. Games that make you forget real-life problems as you watch real-life superheroes for a few hours. From the time we were kids, sports have been ingrained in all of us. Some more than others. Maybe sports isn’t your cup of tea. But unless you’re a lifetime agoraphobic, you’ve been around sports fans. We’re still players.. some of us. The others? Intense watch-birds of the game we love. And some of us are still growing with hope, teasing you with potential as the game’s next “big thing.” Whether attending the game, watching at a bar, or catching it on the couch, sports unite communities and regions unlike anything else. The internet allows fan-bases to continuously grow on a global scale. Even if you hate sports, you’d have to be blind as a bat not to recognize the impact these silly games have on communities worldwide. And on Sunday rolling over into Monday, the community of Houston, Texas was rocked with more devastation over 24 hours than any city in American sports history. 

“Black Monday,” as they’re calling it in H-Town, will go down as the worst day in Houston sports history. For people disinterested in the day’s drama, Monday was equivalent to Game of Throne’s Red Wedding scene. If your’re more of a Breaking Bad fan, Monday’s news was more gut-wrenching than Ozymandias. Ironically the Rockets, frequent contributors to Heartbreak-Houston, had nothing to do with Black Monday… a staggering, unprecedented day. The reckoning began on Sunday, as Houston’s football team, the Texans, played the Kansas City Chiefs for a chance at hosting the NFL’s AFC Championship. There’s leads, and then there are Houston leads, which never seem to be big enough. The Texans started out playing like Super Bowl-Favorites, earning a 24-0 lead early in the second quarter. However, in a matter of minutes, Houston’s football team resembled deer-in-headlights, and their lead vanquished. In typical-Texan fashion, Houston surrendered the next 41 points, leading to a season-ending 51-31 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City. And still, Houston’s football team, run by the apathetic McNair family, have no plans to fire Texans head-coach Bill O’Brien: the Webster definition for mediocrity.

It hurts when a team with championship potential ends their season short of the goal. But the Texans loss didn’t sting as much as the news that broke Houston’s baseball team Monday afternoon. First, Major League Baseball issued one-year suspensions for Houston Astros Manager A.J. Hinch, and GM Jeff Lunhow for their alleged involvement in “cheating.” Which wasn’t the end of the world. However, Astros owner Jim Crane, who’s faced various lawsuits as a businessman for unethical business practices in the past, decided to fire the two men who brought him a Championship, and built a winning culture from scratch. Whether they knew about it or not isn’t the point. If they did, so did Crane. All three were close. Hinch and Lunhow were class-acts, and represented the best manager and GM in baseball. Crane acted as backstabber to the men who constructed the culture and roster of Houston’s first baseball championship. I bet you’ve heard of the New England Patriots. Not exactly class acts, they’ve been involved in a scandal or three… but you don’t see Bill Belichick getting fired. What about the New Orleans Saints? Sean Payton was suspended a year, but he’s still calling plays in New Orleans. Different sports, but Crane’s actions are unprecedented in professional sports. It’s about the principle. As an owner, you take the penalty, and stand by your guys, especially if they’re successful. It’s absolutely shocking Crane decided to ax his manager and GM, the core minds responsible for building MLB’s best team over the last 3 years. Crane’s complete overreaction likely shuts the window on the Astros title-hopes in the near future. Houston will be hard-pressed to find a leader that matched A.J. Hinch’s quality in the clubhouse. Hinch wasn’t only the best manager in Astros history, he was the best manager in baseball, period. After Hinch’s suspension, don’t be shocked when he receives offers from other clubs immediately. A.J. is a baseball genius, has too much passion for the game, and most importantly, is truly loved by all his players. You can’t say that about every manager. It’s sad he won’t finish his career in Houston.

It’s well-known among professional baseball players, every team cheats. Stealing signs has been going on since before the 20th century. With modern technology, this is enhanced, but still achieved subtly by those with the experience, caution, and hindsight. The Astros got caught in a web of envy and blame that produced snitches who moved on to other teams. Alex Cora, the bench coach for the ‘Stros 2017 World Series Championship team, is currently the manager of the Boston Red Sox, and under investigation at the moment. Former Astros players Carlos Beltran and Mike Fiers also moved on to new places, snitching and dishing out secrets on how to stop Houston’s top-notch talent.

One of the MLB’s most-outspoken players on social media, Logan Morrison, recently shed some light on the situation. A seasoned veteran, Morrison has played for 5 different major league teams. He’s seen a lot, and on Monday he tweeted “I know from first-hand accounts that the Yankees, Dodgers, Astros, and Red Sox have used film to pick signs. Just want you guys to know the truth.” Believe what you want. Sure, the Astros might’ve cheated like many of their counterparts. But, guess what? Everyone does, to some extent. If you think only the guilty teams are being punished, you’re flat-out wrong. This is professional sports. Millions of dollars are in the air. Pressure exists in waves normal people never experience. Legacies are on the line, with a chance to shape history. In the pros, people will do anything to get an advantage. It’s part of the competitive nature of sports, the will-to-win. We’re all human. Everyone loves a winner. No one likes a loser. This philosophy to win at all costs is ingrained in every move a professional sports team makes. As former pro football coach Herm Edwards famously said, “you play to win the game!”

On Tuesday night, the Rockets head to Memphis, to try and win a game that will be more difficult that the their opponent’s record suggests. The Grizzlies are 18-22, good enough for final playoff spot in the West. Memphis has been rolling lately. The Grizz have won five straight, moving from lottery contenders into the playoff hunt. Ja Morant is the clear-cut Rookie of the Year, with superstar potential in his future. Memphis big man Jonas Valanciunas is coming off a huge 31-point, 19-rebound game. Clint Capela certainly has his hands full tonight. The Grizzlies also have vet Jae Crowder, and youngsters Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr. Players having career years excelling in their roles. They call it the Grind House in Memphis for a reason. Despite their lack of talent compared to other NBA teams, the Grizzlies play hard every night. James Harden and crew have to be ready for what should be an exciting first game of a back-to-back for the Rockets. Houston needs to continue grinding out victories as they approach the season’s midway point. Their schedule gets tougher for the rest of January. Lucky for the Rockets, they just may have found their secret weapon.

Eric Gordon, who’s always excelled alongside James Harden, wasn’t right before his surgery earlier this season. Since returning, the Rockets are 3-0 when EG, Harden, and Russell Westbrook all play. And it’s not even close. Houston has outscored their competition by 66 points in those games, all double-digit convincing victories. Once EG finds his groove consistently, and turns back into Splash Gordon, the Rockets will be a problem for the rest of the NBA. It’s been a rough 24 hours for the city of Houston. H-Town’s mixed with feelings of confusion, shock, and disbelief. Tonight, it’s bigger than just sports in Memphis. For the Rockets, this game’s for an entire city. For the Texans. For the Astros. For their fans. Houston needs a superhero… now more than ever.

 

FedExForum:  Memphis, Tennessee

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (26-12):  Black

Memphis Grizzlies (18-22):  Blue

 

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Feast on Wolves, Earn Comfortable 139-109 Win

Space City Cakewalk.    20K Club & Climbing.    The Sky Isn’t Falling.    

Sometimes all it takes is a return home to comfort the grind of the NBA season. The Rockets returned to Toyota Center on Saturday night, earning a comfortable 139-109 victory over the Wolves. It’s been rare this season. A Rocket-cakewalk. Houston controlling a game from start to finish. But the squad finally managed to make beating inferior teams seem like a challenge they should accomplish every night. Even with the heart and soul of their hustle (P.J. Tucker) suffering a game-ending injury a minute into the game, H-Town led by 16 points at halftime, and never looked back. Tucker’s injury isn’t expected to be serious, he’s considered questionable for Houston’s next contest, which luckily isn’t until Tuesday. Plenty of other Rockets got extended time due to P.J.’s absence, and ensured the Hustle King’s departure wouldn’t result in a loss to the lowly Wolves.

On Saturday night, James Harden regained his shooting stroke. The Beard connecting on over half of his shots (6-for-11) from downtown, and finishing with 32 points, 8 boards, and 12 assists. In the process, Harden joined the NBA’s 20,000-point club, becoming the 45th member of the group. James is only 30 years old. If the Beard continues to rack up points at a torrid rate, he has a chance to finish among the NBA’s all-time leading scorers, and passing up the likes of MJ and Kobe. It’s a nice accomplishment. But if Harden wants to be remembered in history like the aforementioned legends in the previous sentence, he needs what they have, a ring. The Beard can become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, but if he never wins a championship, Harden will never get the respect he truly deserves.

Russell Westbrook scored 30 points, and continues to play solid basketball in Houston’s offense. Isaiah Hartenstein had the best game of his young career, notching 17 points and 15 boards. “Hustlestein” saw extra minutes due to Clint Capela’s absence, who didn’t play as he nursed a minor injury, and Tucker’s unfortunate injury early in the contest. Harty yet again seized the moment, and showed he’s a solid future NBA-role player, at worst, in this league. The big man has the potential to be the backup center this Houston teams always searched for in the Harden era with Capela starting. Eric Gordon had another soldi game with 17 points, as he continues to adjust to feeling healthy after his knee surgery. EG sat out the previous game to nurse his sore knee, but with time, Splash Gordon looks to be returning to his old self. Michael Frazier played in his second game as a Rocket, getting a bucket and 3 rebounds in 8 minutes of action. Frazier needs more court time to determine if he can succeed with this Houston group. Only time will tell if he gets the chance.

After an embarrassing defeat in Oklahoma City, and the prospect of Houston not possessing a contender’s consistency, after Saturday night’s blowout, the big picture tells a different story. Sure, the Rockets have had way too many bad losses this season. But, overall, the sky’s not falling. Houston’s tied in the loss column for second-place. Harden and co. have won 9 of their last 12 games overall. They trail the first-seeded Lakers by 5 games. That may seem tough to overcome, but Houston has yet to play LeBron and the Lakers. The Rockets haven’t even reached the season’s midway point. And the Lake Show’s getting banged up with injuries as the season’s moved on. Anthony Davis is currently out with an injury, and is considered doubtful for next Saturday’s showdown in Houston. The Rockets have plenty of time to take the top seed. But, their test is coming, as the schedule gets tougher later this month. Up next for Houston, the Rockets travel to Memphis to face the Memphis Grizzlies, who’ve suddenly emerged in the playoff picture. Memphis currently sits in the eighth spot out, after starting the season appearing lottery-bound. League officials can confidently write Ja Morant’s name on the Rookie of the Year award. Morant has been terrific lately, leading the Grizz to 5 straight victories. It might not present a challenge like the Grindhouse of years past, when Mike Conley and Marc Gasol pushed the Grizz to the playoffs year-after-year. But Memphis is playing above expectations, on a roll with nothing to lose. Houston should pull off the victory on Tuesday night… just don’t expect a cakewalk in the Home of the Blues.