Month: August 2020

Rockets Intent on Eliminating Thunder in Game 6

Permanent Silence.    Rumbles of Revenge.    No Close Calls.

 

“Then you were exceedingly lucky. An inverted bullet through your body would be devastating. Not pretty,” another quote from Tenet, which hits theaters in Houston Monday night, just as the Rockets hope time run’s out on OKC’s season with a win in Game 6 tonight. Especially against Chris Paul, a seasoned veteran, and one of the wisest to ever play the game, closing out the Thunder won’t be easy. Russell Westbrook shouldn’t be as rusty as he was in Game 5, and James Harden has been stroking his shot efficiently, shooting 11-for-15 last game. The Rockets are lucky to have Westbrook back. And despite their season still being alive with a loss, Houston can’t take this OKC team for granted in Game 6. Chris Paul is going to have his Thunder team fighting until the final buzzer sounds. If the Rockets want to close out OKC tonight, they’re going to have to finally win a close game in this series… a task Houston’s failed to accomplish in this series.

All of three Rocket wins have been blowouts in this series. The Thunder aren’t going down without a fight. Close-out games are the most difficult, especially against the best leaders, and CP3, despite his age, will have OKC looking to push this series to a Game 7. A situation Houston needs to avoid at all costs. Anything can happen in a winner-take-all Game 7. Injuries, someone gets hot, or a close play decides the game, and thus series. But the Rockets are a better team than the Thunder. In order to avoid putting themselves in a dangerous Game 7 position, Houston has to enter tonight’s matchup with a Game 7 “leave it-all-on-the-floor” mentality. The key to Game 6, and Houston ending this series on Monday night, lies in the strength of their defense. After holding OKC to a mere 80 points in Game 5, the  Rockets now have had the best defensive rating in the playoffs at the moment. In this series, Houston is 3-0 when they hold OKC to under 115 points. When they allow the  Thunder to score 115 or more, the Rockets are 0-2. If Houston plays with the defensive intensity they’ve shown they’re capable of, this series should be over tonight.  Specifically, in OKC’s wins, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari have been factors offensively. However, Gallinari is inconsistent, and SGA is still a young player who’s shown elements of panic when swarmed by Houston’s defense. If the Rockets come out focused early, this game, and series, should be over in a few hours time.

However, That’s a big if. If Houston comes out lackadaisical or fails to match OKC’s urgency, we could be in for a close call tonight. And the Rockets don’t want any more close calls with Chris Paul and the Thunder. If Game 6 is close, with their season on the line, OKC will fighting on every possession. Houston needs to silence the Thunder’s noise, and get off to blast in Game 6. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are already patiently waiting, watching closely, as they await the winner of this series in the conference semifinals. And a Game 7 gives LA one more game to scout James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and the Rockets devastative small-ball scheme. A loss by Houston in Game 6 tonight also puts this series up in the air, and swings the momentum ferociously in OKC’s way heading into a decisive Game 7. A devastating situation the Rockets want to avoid. It’s time to get the job done in Monday night’s Game 6. Houston’s exceedingly lucky to be in this situation, 48 minutes away from moving on to the next round. And they’ve proven, with their blowout dominance (without Russ), they are the better team in this series. However a slip up in Game 6 could mean problems for Houston. Because A Game 7, where anything can happen… against Chris Paul, one of the smartest players and best closers in the league, and a guy you traded another superstar for this season. For James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Houston… that’s not pretty.

Advent Health Arena:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (2-3):  Black

Houston Rockets (3-2):  Red

 

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

Rockets Fire Past Thunder, 114-80, Clasp 3-2 Series Lead

Tale of Two Halves.    The Schrode to Nuttiness.    Closing Time.

“All right, Mr. Demille, I’m ready for my close-up,” one of the final quotes from the classic film Sunset Boulevard. The Rockets got one step closer to letting the sun set on the Thunder’s season, with a convincing 114-80 beatdown in Game 5. The 80-points is the lowest the squad’s held an oppenent this season, and the least amount of points any team’s scored in the playoffs, thus far. Russell Westbrook’s imapct on defense gets overlooked too often. The Rockets are immensley more efficent defensively with Brodie on the floor. Houston now leads the series 3-2, and is one win away from advancing to the conference semis to play the Lakers. James Harden had 31 points on an efficient 11-for-15 shooting from the field to lead Houston. Robert Covington found his shooting rhythm from deep, nailing a career-high six threes, en route to 22 points. Eric Gordon continues to struggle from distance but strayed from taking too many threes. EG continues to be aggressive driving it with ferocity to the hoop. With 20 points, Flash Gordon joined Harden and RoCo as the only other Rockets to hit the 20-point mark. Unsurprisingly, in his first game since August 11th, Russell Westbrook was rusty. Brodie finished with 7 points in only 23 minutes. Expect Russ to be more aggressive and closer to attack mode in Game 6. Houston’s going to need Westbrook’s explosiveness in a difficult closing game. Despite the final score, Game 5 wasn’t always one-sided… until the midway point.

At halftime, Houston only held a three-point lead, 48-45. But the Rockets came blazing out of the gates in the second half, starting the third quarter on a 19-3 to a seize advantage of the game. Dennis Schroder led the way for OKC with 19 points, and this game could have gone differently if the NBA’s Sixth Man didn’t go nutty. A little past the midway-point in the third quarter, Schroder decided to strike P.J. Tucker with a thunderous shot to the man-region. As the nuttiness ensued, P.J. understandably upset about the incident, gave Dennis a slight head-butt, and as a result both players were ejected from the game. A decision that came in Houston’s favor. OKC doesn’t have enough firepower to keep up with the Rockets without their best scorer in this series. Houston were already up 17 points when the game went nuts, but the Rockets grasped complete control en-route to their biggest blowout in franchise a history, a 34-point display of destruction. Which puts the squad one win from advancing to play the Lakers in the second round.

At the moment, Houston’s in control of the series. All they have to do is beat Chris Paul and this Thunder team one more. Something that’s easier said than done. The Rockets have to approach Game 6 with a Game 7 “win-or-go-home” mindset. Houston is the better team, and if they play focused should finish off the Thunder in Game 6. Game 7’s are dangerous. Anything can happen. And OKC is the best closing team in crunch time of close games in the NBA. Every close game has been won by the Thunder, while the Rockets have all had blow-out victories. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers await whoever comes out of this battle. Houston can’t take OKC lightly in Game 6. With a Thunder win in the next game, LA gets more rest and time to scout H-Town’s small-ball scheme. And Houston is pushed to the brink in a Game 7 situation where anything can happen. If the Rockets want to contend against one of the NBA’s best, they need to finish off the OKC in Game 6. After a dominant performance in Game 5… Houston’s ready to close this series up in six. 

The Return: Westbrook Back in Lineup, as Rockets Aim for Series Edge in Crucial Game 5

Don’t Lose Yourself.    MJ Saved the NBA… Again.    Russ’ Revenue.   

“Then do what you must. But don’t lost yourself. You are not a soldier. You are a king,” one of so many memorable quotes from the epic film Black Panther, starring Chadwick Boseman, who sadly passed away last night as 2020 continues to be the worst year ever. Boseman had colon cancer for the last 4 years of his life, and didn’t tell anyone. During this time, he represented icons from James Brown, to Jackie Robinson and the Marvel Comics character Black Panther, a film that became inspirational for so many. All these movies were filmed between multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, Boseman proved you don’t have superpowers to be a superhero. The world lost a true king last night.

After a crazy four days, where the NBA looked to be on the brink of cancelling the season, a fire that was started by the Milwaukee Bucks, when the team protested and refused to play Game 5 of their series due to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. On Wednesday night, the league’s players and coaches met for hours and discussed whether to continue the season. Reports surfaced that the Lakers and Clippers wanted to cancel the season, and with two of the NBA’s biggest contenders opting out, it looked like the season was over. But on Thursday morning, the NBA had another a meeting with the players and the owners. Michael Jordan intervened as the liaison who basically saved the season. After globalizing the sport across the planet and becoming the most iconic basketball player ever, MJ put the NBA on the map, and helped the league garner the respect the NFL and MLB always had. MJ is the only person on the planet with the power and respect of the players, and the owners. Most of these players idolized MJ, and the owners, despite their greediness, know how much he means to the game. Whatever Jordan said was impactful, and the driving force in why the NBA didn’t come to a compete end. So after Thursday morning’s meeting, the players and owners had come to a decision to finish the season. After a break the players desperately needed (it’s understandable, a lot is going on the world right now, and their isolated from the craziness, if it didn’t effect them, these players wouldn’t be human, despite looking like superheroes on the court, these guys are human beings just like you and me. And so, after MJ saved the NBA again, we’re back.

The Rockets may have been the most fortunate team to benefit from the break, because they’ve added a weapon they weren’t going to have, had the Bucks played on Wednesday: Russell Westbrook. Brodie will play his first playoff game as a Rocket tonight against the team he played his heart and soul for, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Throughout the first four games of this series, Russ has been Houston’s biggest cheerleader. Expect Westbrook to be ready to go. The Rockets just need him to control himself. There’s no doubt, Russ, in his first playoff game as a Rocket, and versus his former team, will be even more energized than usual. Westbrook has had noticeable tendencies to get out of control and force too many poor decisions and turnovers when he’s too amped up. We’ve got a tied series on our hands. Tonight’s winner gets one step from advancing, the loser.. pushed to the edge of leaving the bubble. Houston need Russ to be in control, despite what’s at stake tonight. If the Rockets can get an efficient Westbrook, they should beat the Thunder tonight, and get within a game of moving on to the next round. Brodie’s presence alone will be effective for James Harden, and take defensive pressure off of the Beard. Westbrook’s return hopefully will help Houston slow Dennis Schroder, who’s been the key component in OKC evening up this series. A lot is on the line tonight, as two heated rivals go at it for a chance to gain the upper edge and inch closer towards facing most likely the Lakers in the next round. The NBA’s back. And finally, Russell Westbrook will play his first ever playoff game as a Houston Rocket. Stay under control Russ, the squad needs you. Be aggressive, and attack the basket… but don’t lose yourself Russ, do what you must. 

 

R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman

 

HP Field House:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City (2-2):  Orange

Houston Rockets (2-2):  Black

 

TV:  5:30 PM CT – TNT, AT&T Sportsnet SW

Pressure Cooker: Rockets Clash with Thunder in Pivotal Game 5

Happy Beard Day.    Time to Get Free’d Up.    Redemption Russ?

“I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”, one of the famous rants in Network, an overlooked piece of nostalgic cinema from the 1970’s. After Game 4’s frustrating loss to OKC, James Harden appeared to be taking this mantra to heart. The Bread pushed over a hand sanitizer machine as he walked back to the locker room after the embarrassing loss. Even without Westbrook, Harden and the Rockets should beat this Thunder team. However, they’ve surrendered double-digit leads in the past two games, making life much more difficult for themselves. What once looked like a probable sweep, has now turned into a “who wants it more” best-of-three series. Tonight’s winner gets one step closer to advancing, while the loser gets pushed to the brink of elimination. If Houston wants to alleviate the pressure of being in a win-or-go-home situation, the Rockets need to push the Thunder to the edge of elimination in Game 5. More drives to the rim for Houston, and stopping OKC’s bench are keys to getting off to a hot start for the Rockets.

Tonight’s pivotal momentum swinging game in this series also happens to fall on the birthday of one of the players who’ll be suiting up for action on the court. In fact, the best player on the court tonight was born today, 31 years ago. It’s the first time James Harden has played on his birthday. Houston will heavily rely on their superstar to  be at his best, on a night when the Rockets upgraded Westbrook’s status from “out” to “questionable.” The real question is… does Houston need to rush Brodie back in Game 5? Or should they let him get fully healthy for Games 6 and 7, if the Rockets fall tonight. The choice is in the hands of Russ, who will test his quad and is listed as a game-time decision. I don’t know if this is bit of a chess move by Houston, putting the idea out there that Russ is returning… maybe to motivate the Rockets, and instill a little fear in the Thunder. We all know Westbrook’s licking his chomps to get revenge against his former team. But is the time for vengeance necessary tonight? Or can the Beard, on his birthday, carry the squad back in the right direction? We’ll know in a matter of hours.

What we know now, is two aspects need to change if Houston wants to start making noise in this series, and tune the Thunder out. First, Dennis Schroder has to be a priority on defense. Schroder’s layups are starting to resemble snatching candy from a newborn. It’s just two easy for OKC’s Sixth Man of the Year, who has been the key, along with Chris Paul, to getting the Thunder back in this series. As great as he is on defense, Robert Covington is much more effective as a weak-side defender helping in a stitching scheme, like Houston often runs on defense. However, when isolated with a quick guard, RoCo puts himself in trouble, and Schroder has exposed this area of Houston’s defense. The German has to be stopped, if the Rockets want to regain the momentum in this series.

The other aspect of this series that needs to change, are free throws. In Game 4, Houston attempted a season-low 10 free throws, while the Thunder had 28 shots at the charity stripe. Along with their live-and-die by the three mantra, free throws are the Rockets bread-and-butter. Houston has to be more aggressive, and focus on driving to the basket. Regardless of how poor the officiating is, there’s no reason OKC should have 18 more free throws than Houston in a game. Nonetheless, the Rockets should get hit more and sent to the line tonight. Harden leads the league in free throws. And on his birthday, everything’s free for the Beard. Expect Harden to have a potential career-defining performance, if he can carry these Rockets within one game of advancing, without Russ, would be impressive. Hopefully the rest of the Rockets attack and defend with more hyperactivity. When OKC scores 115 points, they rarely lose. Houston held them under this mark in the first two games, and won. The Rockets let the Thunder strike past this mark in Games 3 and 4, with both games resulting in Houston losses. The defense has to sharpen up, or the Rockets are in trouble, whether Russ comes back tonight or not. Personally, I would hold him out for another game, but if he really thinks he can give it close to 100%, I’d let the decision fall in Westbrook’s hands. Time will tell. It’s told multiple times in this series, to expect the unexpected. On the Beard’s birthday, I’d let Harden give the Rockets a chance at guiding them to a win, like he did in Games 1 and 2. We’ll see what happens. Celebrating will be in the air. Harden wants a victory on his birthday more than anything, and as a result the upper hand in this series. Look for Harden to gift himself a present on his birthday. If you think the Rockets are losing tonight, you don’t know the Beard… he’s not taking this anymore.

 

HP Field House:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (2-2):  Orange

Houston Rockets (2-2):  Black

 

TV:  5:30 PM CT –  TNT,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Stubborn Shooters: Rockets Struggle in Second Half, Collapse to Thunder 117-114, as OKC Knots Series

Prisoners of the Mindset.    Rollercoaster Variance.    Momentum Swinging in the Wind.

“Get busy living, or get busy dying,” Andy Dufresne says in The Shawshank Redemption, widely regarded as one of the best films ever made. And on Monday night, James Harden and the Rockets got busy all right. Houston started out Game 4 on fire from beyond the arc, and despite being tied 60-60 at halftime, you still had the feeling they had this game in the bag. This contest didn’t look bleak from the the opening tip. The tale of Game 4 came in the third quarter, when the Rockets came blazing out of the break, draining their first 8 attempts from deep to grab a 15-point lead. Everything was going according to plan, but then came the sudden switch. As Houston was on fire from distance, all of of a sudden, the shots stopped splashing. And to no surprise, the squad just kept launching from distance, helpless prisoners of their own mindset. The stubborn Rockets stuck to their “3 is better than 2” plan, despite their ability to get to the rim at will, which was on full display in the first half. And yet another Rocket Launchfest turned into a sloppy Brick City. As a result, Chris Paul and the Thunder rallied for a 117-114 victory over the Rockets. CP3 had 26 points and helped lead the comeback, but it was Dennis Schroder who once again keyed the Thunder victory. Houston couldn’t stop Schroder from getting to the basket if their entire families were at stake. The NBA’s leading scorer finished with 30 points off the bench, and got the to rim at relative ease whenever he pleased, making Houston’s stingy defense in Games 1 and 2 look like a thing of years past. The Beard had 32 points and 15 dimes in the loss to lead a balanced Rockets attack. But Houston fell short as they got outplayed once again in the clutch by CP3 and OKC. So far in this series, the Rockets have won big, but lost the close games. The Thunder, known for being the best clutch team in basketball, closed out Houston again, and proved that the Rockets need better late-game execution if they’re going to advance past OKC.

Game 4 was Houston Heartbreak Part Two. And this one stung way more than the previous game. Why? On Monday night, the Rockets lost for only the second time all season when shooting 37% or better from three-point land. Even if they jack up 60 threes a night, if the shots are falling… Houston wins this type of game at least 90% of the time. The problem with Game 4 was the Rockets started out so hot from distance, especially during that ever-so-promising beginning to the third quarter, when Houston hit 8 straight from deep. This early success entering both halves morphed into one of those “launch for an NBA-Record 3-Point Field Goal Attempt” nights, which happen to often, where the Rockets refuse to deter from the idea. It’s Houston’s Achilles’ heel.  Everyone knows Houston’s game plan. Either shoot from three, or drive the ball to the rack for free throws, a layup, or the open man. But if the shots aren’t falling and the splashes become a drought, the Rockets need to switch up their game-plan. Houston showed they could get to the rim early in Game 4, with James Harden and Eric Gordon having exceptional first halves driving the ball to the hoop. Danuel House Jr. and Jeff Green got in on the action as well, but these trigger happy Rockets stayed outside after that stretch of 8 straight threes to start the third quarter. And it eventually led to their doom in Game 3.

It’s crazy how dramatically different Game 4 has been compared to Game 1 in this series. Each game has its own identity. If there was one game Houston needed Russell Westbrook in this series, it was Game 4. Russ is not a heavy volume three-point shooter, regardless of how the team’s shooting overall from deep. Brodie helps the Rockets defer from their rollercoaster variance, as Westbrook’s drives are contagious. If they don’t result in layups, they’re often open looks for teammates from deep. Which the Rockets had in this game. However with Westbrook against the Thunder, Brodie’s former team, there’s little doubt Russ would’ve come out with his usual infectious energy and made a huge difference. Not just on the game, but specifically on the Beard. Westbrook’s presence calms the Beard, and alleviates defensive pressure from Harden because Russ is such a threat. And Westbrook has proven to be better finishing games than the Beard this season. Everyone knew Westbrook’s absence was going to impact this series, and now it’s definitely being seen. But after the first two games, it didn’t necessarily appear that way. Houston won Games 1 and 2 easily in double-digits without Russ. On the “road”, Games 3 and 4 have been heartbreaking losses for the Rockets. Houston now finds themselves in a bloodbath, best-of-three series, where Russ will be out for at least Game 5. And Game 4’s second-half drought that led us to this point, an even series between two heated opponents and former teammates, also has added momentum swinging in the wind, toward OKC’s favor. The “experts” expected this series to be close, but not in this way. Ask the analysts if they had the Rockets winning the first two, then dropping the next two in heartbreaking fashion. I doubt anyone saw this coming. Then again, if you know Houston sports, you’re familiar with heartbreak. I wouldn’t be surprised if this momentum swinging in the wind carries on to lead the Thunder to a Game 5 victory. It’s a pivotal game in the series, and era’s and legacies hang in the balance. I firmly believe Game 5’s winner will now win the series. If Houston can halt OKC’s momentum from the past two games, and play smarter, they should carry enough momentum to taste eliminating the Thunder in Game 6. However, if OKC wins Game 5, that’s three in a wins in a row. And it puts a lot of pressure on a Rockets team that already has questions facing them this offseason with rumors of Coach Mike D’Antoni’s ousting regardless of Houston’s success in these playoffs. Sounds a little familiar? Michael Jordan’s famously documented “The Last Dance”, which aired on ESPN earlier this summer, had the Bulls’ coach Phil Jackson,  staring at a similar fate. Westbrook is listed as day-to-day, and could come back for Game 6. But we won’t know until Friday. Harden, who happens to turn 31 on the day of Game 5, will need a Jordanesque performance, and help from his teammates, or the Rockets will be staring elimination in the face.

Don’t expect Houston to shoot any less from deep, or change the way they play. They simply need to alter their prisoner mindset. Become cohesively aware of the situation at hand. A three is better than a two, but if it’s not going in, a higher amount of layups bests a few threes any night. Even without Westbrook, the Rockets still have more explosiveness than the Thunder. Houston was a Danuel House Jr. free throw away from winning Game 3, and basically gave Game 4 to OKC. The Rockets should still win this series, but they need to have their collective mindset focused on attacking the basket in Game 5. Quit settling for deep shots, especially bad ones. Some deep shots are great looks, others just aren’t. See the floor. Be aware of the game situation. Better options are always available. Houston displayed this, with their best offensive display of the entire season, four minutes into Game 4 with a perfectly executed play. Precise and heady ball movement let everyone touch the ball, and EG got a layup at the end of the shot clock. The Rockets had multiple chances to take threes on that possession, but instead hesitated, and chose to make a better play. Houston just needs to play smarter. Smarter is better for these Rockets. Yes, it’s that simple. But if they can’t recognize the situation at hand, in this series and during Game 5, Houston’s in trouble. CP3’s one of the smartest players in NBA history, and has his Thunder on the verge of pulling a stunner. A Houston loss and the Rockets season hangs in the balance. Harden and company need to get busy making the right choices each possession. Shoot themselves out of their misery, or decide to make the best decision on each play. A lot is on the line in Game 5. No one expected the Rockets to lose three games in a row, after winning the first two without Westbrook. One thing you can expect in Game 5 is a special game from Harden. The Beard’s birthday always fell in the offseason, but due to the pandemic and suspension of play, Houston’s other superstar gets a chance to play on his birthday, for the first time. The biggest game of James Harden’s life. Expect The Beard to get busy on Wednesday night, as we celebrate the birthday of one of the greatest to ever play the game. In a matchup that’ll decide which team’s closer to getting busy living or dying, the Rockets have the coldest killer in the game. No time to be anxious, let’s step back and dance. Mr. Harden… it’s time to get busy.

Rockets Attempt to Regain Control of Series Versus Thunder in Game 4

Next Man Up.    Solving Dort.    No Time for Games.

“Well nobody’s perfect.” A quote from Hollwyood’s Sunshine Boulevard, and a reminder that the Rockets were never going to sweep the Thunder. Not without Russell Westbrook. And they’ll be without Brodie again tonight, as James Harden and the Rockets try to bounce back from a poor shooting night against Chris Paul and the Thunder in Game 4 of their first round matchup. Houston leads the series 2-1, but OKC has the momentum. The Thunder outscored the Rockets 15-3 in the overtime of their Game 3 victory. James Harden fouled out late in Game 3, and once that happened, Chris Paul took over for OKC, and the rest was history. Houston didn’t stand a chance with Eric Gordon shooting them out of the game with ill-advised shot attempts and poor decision making.

Luguentz Dort proved he’s the real deal on defense in Game 3. Or was it just a game? Harden still scored 38 points, but Dort showed to be a true challenger on the defensive end for the Beard. Still, Harden’s experience and drive should push the Beard and the Rockets past Dort and the Thunder in Game 4. Coach Mike D’Antoni needs to choose smarter in-game lineups to use. There’s no reason Robert Covington should be on the bench at the end of a close game.

As this series now stands at 2-1, the Rockets have no time for games. The Thunder demonstrated why they’re the best crunch-time team in the league. Houston has to buckle down, get off to a hot start, and get the victory in Game 4. If this series becomes tied, all the pressure shifts to the Rockets, and they don’t know when Russ is coming back. There’s no time for games. It’s time to strap in and get ready for liftoff. This time… hopefully the Rockets are a little bit closer to perfect.

 

AdventHealthn Arena:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-1):  Black

Oklahoma City Thunder (1-2):  White

 

TV:  3PM CT – TNT,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Foul Balls: Rockets Fall to Thunder Late in OT, 119-107, in a Hardened Loss

The Dort Problem.    Stop Trying to Splash!    Where in the World Was RoCo?

Houston’s daring attempt at a victory with OKC’s season on the line turned from probable, into a problem, late in regulation and overtime, as the Thunder outlasted the Rockets, 119-107 in OT. Chris Paul delivered in the clutch, as OKC inched closer towards Houston in the series, now trailing 2-1. Despite another horrendous shooting night, Houston had a 5-point lead with less than a minute in the game, but OKC rallied, and along with some questionable calls, dominated OT to get back in the series. The NBA admitted today that an errant inbound pass from P.J. Tucker was indisputably touched by Stevan Adam. The pass was nicked and the ball spin changed directions going out of bounds. In the face of common sense, the refs turned their heads, and gave the Thunder the basketball. A huge call that swung the game with 24.4 left on the clock. Had the refs made the correct call, it would’ve been Rockets ball with 24 seconds left, up 103-101. Instead, the Thunder took possession, and hit a three to go up by 1 point, 104-103. Houston’s Danuel House Jr. was fouled with under 10 seconds in the game. House made the first, but missed the second, and the rest was history. Chris Paul missed a layup at the end of regulation, but he dominated in overtime. CP3 had his best game of the series, scoring 26 points, and guiding OKC to a dominant 15-3 scoring advantage in the extra period.

Nonetheless, the Rockets (besides Jeff Green) were once again cold from long range. James Harden led Houston with 38 points, but fouled out late in the game, when the Thunder where gaining momentum. At least the Uncle Jeff Tour continued. Jeff Green continues to be a pleasant surprise for the Rockets. Green who scored 22 points, has shown he’s the perfect fit as a big in Houston’s micro-ball style. Eric Gordon had 18 points, but hold your horses. EG and the Beard combined to shoot only 5-for-25 from long range, and despite having a chance to win late, the Rockets gave this one away, with the help of sloppy officiating and poor shooting. Hopefully, Houston’s wakes up next game.

The Rockets have a Dort problem. What’s a Dort problem, you ask? OKC’s Luguentz Dort, who’s proven he just may be the best one-on-one defender in the NBA today. Dort guarded Harden, the league’s premiere score and one-on-one aficionado, for a majority of the game. Don’t be fooled by the Beard’s 38 points. They weren’t easy. Harden struggled against Dort more than he’s gone against any player this year. I haven’t seen anyone with Dort’s ability to stay in front of the Beard using his feet and self discipline on defense. Makes for a tough task for the Beard, but his facial hair’s grown for toughness. Harden had a difficult 38, not the most efficient of nights. But, if the Beard’s as focused as they say he is, James should be back with a vengeance. Dort may be an All-NBA Defender on the rise, but Harden’s an MVP-tier player in the prime of his career, aiming to advance to the next round.

Someone who’s seemed to lost complete control and focus, Eric Gordon, needs to stop shooting the ball, if he’s not going to exploit his explosive driving ability. EG basically shot the Rockets out of this contest. Gordon went only 2-for-10 from distance, implying he needs to stick to attacking the basket. Unlike Harden, Eric Gordon doesn’t have the green light to shoot whenever he wants, from wherever he pleases, especially when EG’s not taking great shots from deep. Houston Coach Mike D’Antoni should’ve taken him out and given someone like Ben McLemore or Robert Covington more minutes. EG played 41 minutes, likely got tired legs and couldn’t hit a shot. OKC’s CP3 got a bit of revenge, with a few dirty shots below the belt to Harden and Austin Rivers, at different moments in the game.
Meanwhile, Robert Covington and Ben McLemore combined to play only 36 minutes. D’Antoni made some questionable coaching decisions in Game 3. Ben McLemore has been one of Houston’s best three-point shooters, and Robert Covington is the squad’s best defender on the perimeter. RoCo played 19 minutes after getting into early foul trouble. But there’s still no reason why he shouldn’t have been on the floor in crunch time. Benny Mac didn’t make a basket, playing only 17 minutes. When EG is hoisting ill-advised shots and making poor decisions, Coach D’Antoni needs to sub Gordon for RoCo or Benny Mac. Either way, RoCo, Houston’s best perimeter defender, and Benny Mac, the guy who led the NBA in 3-point shooting during the first half of the bubble, both deserve more playing time. The Rockets especially needed RoCo, a starter, down the stretch on defense. D’Antoni’s coaching decisions, especially late in the game, were head-scratching. Coach needs to have more faith in RoCo and Benny Mac, and EG’s Fun Meter does NOT come with a green light. As a coach, you can’t just let Gordon shoot you out of a game with poor shot attempts, especially with EG’s driving ability.

Russell Westbrook has been officially ruled out for Game 4, meaning we’ll have these same guys in red reppin’ the good guys next game. A contest in which Houston needs to up their sense of urgency, and play smarter. Coach needs to make better decisions in Game 4, plain and simple. In certain situations, RoCo and Benny Mac are two of the most valuable players in these Houston lineups. Hopefully they get more minutes in Game 4. With Brodie still sidelined, the Rockets need everyone to step up for Houston to regain momentum in the series. Because if the improbable happens, and the Rockets don’t get their act together in Game 4… Houston may have a problem.

Rockets Shoot For Commanding Lead Against Thunder in Game 3

The “If” Game.    King’s Disease.    Right at Home.

“Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads,” a famous quote from Back to the Future that brings to mind Saturday’s upcoming Game 3, featuring Houston vs. OKC round 3. As the Rockets travel to Oklaho… wait, not this time. The Rockets aren’t going anywhere. Houston will try and blast the last gasps of air from any possible storm the Thunder can throw in Houston’s way. James Harden and the Rockets have won the first two games of this series, comfortably. Too comfortably. Houston’s defensive intensity as a unit has never been better. That visceral fire on defense will be put to the ultimate test as Chris Paul is poised to have a bounce-back game, as he heads back home to Okla… wait, he’s staying in the bubble. CP3 might be representing the “home” team in Game 3, but there’s no road here folks. Just an NBA Playoff Bubble with the focus primarily, and almost entirely, on basketball. And if the Rockets can keep their motivated determination on the floor, especially defensively, Houston should be able to withstand, under what normal circumstances, would be a tough Game 3 in a hostile environment.

After everyone picked the Rockets to basically falter without Russell Westbrook, Houston’s proven they’re a real dark horse threat to the national media’s love affair with L.A. and Milwaukee. That’s not saying Saturday’s tilt is going to be easy. CP3 is well aware no team’s ever come back from a 0-3 deficit. It’s practically win or go home for the Thunder in Game 3, and if they want any chance in this series, CP3 will be prepped to finally inch towards revenge. If the Rockets flip back to their pre-coronavirus complacent ways, Houston’s in trouble for Game 3. Up two games in the series, the squad has to avoid falling prone to King’s Disease, getting too comfortable or complacent with their dominance in this matchup thus far. With two wins in their pocket, and two in their grasp, the Rockets are still only halfway to sending the Thunder out the Bubble. Despite the advantage, this series is far from over. Houston can change that with a powerhouse Game 3 performance.  And if looks aren’t deceiving, bubble-bonding time has helped these Rockets more than arguably any team in the league. The squad is playing together, and truly look like they’re playing with a different vibe and intensity. But that can all change in one game. Let’s not jump ahead to the future. Step back with James Harden and these Rockets to the present. Appreciate these moments. Appreciate this ride. It could ultimately result in something very special and memorable.

Going into Round 3 of the series, this entire matchup is a game of “ifs”. Right now, the Rockets look like the best team in the West. Granted, we’re only two games into the playoffs, but if Houston keeps playing like this defensively, they’ll live by the three… all the way to a title. But that’s a big if. Houston still needs Russell Westbrook to return and prove he can erupt for explosive performances like prime Brodie before he suffered the injury. But when should the Rockets bring Brodie back. With a comfortable two-game lead, and already proven they can beat OKC (even on a bad shooting night), Houston might be better off resting Russ for Game 4 if he’s deemed questionable at all. Better to be safe and not risk a lengthy injury that could detriment the Rockets quest later in the playoffs. No one truly knows but Brodie. Currently playing the role of an assistant coach on the bench, Russ is engaged as one can be on the sidelines. You’ve probably seen some highlights, he’s been Houston’s biggest cheerleader. But, if he doesn’t return like the Russ we are all familiar with, the Rockets will have a mountain to climb against the Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, and Raptors (the only real contenders besides Houston).

Word on the street is Russ is doing basketball drills and improving in his rehab, but he’ll be out once again for Game 3. If it were any other season, the Rockets would be hitting the road for a trip to OKC. But it’s a year unlike any other. No one leaves the bubble… until you lose. And Houston plans on calling Orlando home for approximately another two months. They’re bonding just fine in Florida. Usually, road trips are where NBA teams form their deepest bonds during the regular season. However, these playoffs have given every team one long road trip, and plenty of bonding time. And Houston’s just fine with that… these Rockets never needed roads.

 

HP Field House:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-0):  “Space City” White

Oklahoma City Thunder (0-2):  Orange

 

TV:  5 PM CT  –  ESPN,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Clamp City: Houston’s Defense Stifle’s OKC, as Rockets Hush Thunder, 111-98, Grab 2-0 Series Lead

The Point God Grandfather.    Fire at Will.    Red Lockdown.

“I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” You all know the legendary quote from The Godfather. And after Game 2 of the Rockets and Thunder battling for supremacy, this quote came to mind. Despite a terrible shooting night from James Harden, who shot 2-for-11 from deep, Houston dialed up the intensity level on defense. The Rockets displayed one of the best all-around team defensive performances of the season, as they held off the Thunder for a 111-98 victory on Thursday, and a 2-0 series lead. And for the second straight game, Houston gave the guy they shipped away for Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, an offer he couldn’t refuse.

We’ll give you a shot a revenge, keep our superstar who we traded you for rehabbing on the sidelines, and you can have all the love of America on your side. And of course Paul took the offer, but CP3 can’t offer much against championship-caliber defense anymore. Father time has finally caught up with Paul. Chris used to be the Point Godfather. Now he’s the Point God Grandfather. Time’s undefeated, there’s no shame, it’s just the facts. A healthy CP3 wasn’t able to isolate on Eric Gordon, Austin Rivers (who had the dunk of the game during a dominant 2nd quarter stretch), Robert Covington, Ben McLemore, P.J. Tucker, Danuel House, or anyone the Rockets switched onto the Point God, even the bigger Jeff Green. Houston did put on one of the best all-around defensive performances of the season, and played with a sense off urgency, like a team down 0-1, instead of having a 1-0 lead. That lead’s now two games, but the Rockets have to win two more, and anything can happen in the playoffs. This series is far from over, but if Houston keeps playing this hard, the squad should finish off the Thunder earlier than many expected. Shai Gilegous-Alexander scored a career-playoff high 31 points, and Danilo Gallinari added 17 points, but OKC will need more firepower if they want to make some noise in this series.

The Beard led the way in Game 2 with a mere 21 points, but Houston had seven players reach double figures in scoring. Danuel House Jr. had 19 points and 9 boards, and brought his usual energy and intensity. The Jeff Green Revitalization continued, as Uncle Jeff had 15 points and 7 rebounds during a hefty 37 minutes of action for the veteran, and newest Rocket. Eric Gordon is still struggling to find the actual rim from beyond the arc, but EG is attacking the basket ferociously, with no regard for human life. The World Famous Eric Gordon Fun Meter is ON folks. EG just needs to find his shot from deep. Splash Gordon went 0-10 from distance, but still finished with 15 points as he Flash Gordon went 6-for-10 inside the arc. The Rockets need EG to keep attacking with this visceral fire, if they want to advance deep in the playoffs. Right now, with his kill-or-be-killed attacker mentality, Gordon is filling the void left by Westbrook’s absence. Houston needs EG to be in attack mode when Russ returns as well. Hopefully by then, Eric will be able to splash again with frequency. Speaking of splashing with frequency, the Rockets live-or-die by the three was in full gear Thursday night. Houston set an NBA Playoff record in Game 2, launching 56 shots behind the arc. The Rockets connected on 34%, slightly worse than the league average, but it didn’t matter. Houston played with more than enough heart to make up for missing 37 long-bombs. If the Rockets keep this sense-of-urgency mindset intact, this series should be over in two games.

Looking ahead, there’s still no timetable on Westbrook’s return to action. But Houston’s survived just fine without Brodie. Given they’re up 2-0 in the series, if Russell is feeling any doubts or isn’t 100%, there really isn’t a reason to force and early return. Russ is having a blast motivating his teammates on the bench, and James Harden, despite a poor performance, never looked more like a cheerleader. The Rockets started the fourth with a 17-2 run to pull away, with Harden on the bench, who looked ecstatic for his teammates’ success. Riding into Game 3, Houston has all the momentum in this series. The last thing the Rockets want is a long term injury lingering one of their superstars. Houston needs to make sure Westbrook is ready to return.. before just unleashing Brodie’s beast back on the floor. We all know Russ wants to play. And when he gets the green light to hit the floor with that visceral, tenacious intensity Russ is known for… it’ll be an offer he can’t refuse.

Rockets Strive to Seize Control of Series, Restrain Thunder’s Incoming Storm

Ready for Resilience.    Weathering Charged-Up CP3.    Stick to the Plan.    

“Don’t try and understand it… feel it,” another quote from this summer’s upcoming Tenet, as time continues to try to slap the Rockets in the face. It didn’t work the first time. Houston was supposed to be helpless against the Thunder without Russell Westbrook. This time, the Rockets shoot for a 2-0 lead in their first round series as they battle the Thunder on Thursday afternoon in Game 2. Houston would be the only team out West to start a series with two victories if they can conquer an infinitely more supercharged OKC team on in round 2. Chris Paul’s getting older, but mentally, CP3’s sharp as ever on the court. After a terrible and lethargic Game 1, expect Paul to energize his Thunder team and have them ready to attack the Rockets from the opening tip in Game 2. Once again, Houston will be without their energetic superstar, in Westbrook, who still has no timetable to return. Look for OKC’s trio of lethal guards, led by Paul, also featuring Shai-Gilegoeus Alexander and Dennis Schroder, to be much better in this second outing. If the Rockets want to gain a 2-0 series edge, the constant movement and help on defense shown by the entire squad needs to be a continuing trend if this group of small-ball hustlers want to reach the ultimate goal.

Many expected the Rockets to lose Game 1 to the Thunder. The same people didn’t predict the Bucks and Lakers would lose their openers convincingly. It’s only the second time in NBA history the number one seed in each conference lost their first playoff game. And no one predicted the Clippers would be getting pressured by Dallas the way they are, as that series knotted 1-1, with the Mavs proving their value as worthy opponents to a team, the Clips, who many “experts” pick to win the championship. In the minds of these pundits, Houston wasn’t supposed to beat OKC without Brodie. Now, as people start to jump on the Rockets bandwagon, hold on a sec. Houston’s in trouble for Game 2. Without Westbrook, the Rockets need to replicate their Game 1 perforce against what should be a motivated Thunder group. But that replication’s easier said than done. Houston’s knack to get “too cool for school” has been a trend throughout the regular season. And with a 1-0 series lead, the Rockets can’t afford to settle for a 1-1 split heading into Game 3. No one knows when Russ will be back, and in the playoffs, all it takes is a little momentum to give a team their edge back. Houston’s defensive intensity as a unit intimated the Thunder, and is the number one reason the Rockets lead this series. The squad needs to follow the lead of Robert Covington, P.J. Tucker, and play their heart out on every possession.

The Thunder were the best closing team in the regular season this year. Granted, Game 1 wasn’t close, but if Game 2 is, without Westbrook, everyone needs to be sharp for the Rockets. Will Houston shoot above 37% again, which they did in Game 1, and able to hold off CP3’s Thunder? Harden and co. is now 26-1 when they top the 37% mark from distance. If Houston can continue to knock down their threes, and get contributions from everyone as a unit, the Rockets should be able to grab a two-game edge in the series. But Houston’s tendency to get too comfortable could bite them on Thursday afternoon. And when the squad isn’t connecting on offense, their not as locked-in on defense. Houston needs to match OKC’s sense of urgency in Game 2. The winner of this game has a he advantage. A Rockets win, and they grab a commanding 2-0 series lead, with both wins coming without Westbrook. If Houston loses, the Thunder are back in this series, with a chance to do damage and prove Game 1 was just an anomaly. I hope I’m wrong, and the Rockets bring the same defensive intensity they displayed in the series opener.

James Harden will be required to carry the load offensively once again for Houston. If Eric Gordon’s rolling, and the Rockets are getting contributions from the likes of Jeff Green, Ben McLemore, and the rest of the squad, Houston should be able to fend off the storm for a Game 2 victory. However, I have a feeling this one’s going to be a true test for the Rockets. I hope I’m wrong, but I’ve seen this team get too comfortable with their own confidence too many times. Hopefully they lock-in, and focus on the win, despite the incoming storm. The Lakers lost, and look like they’re in big trouble. The Bucks, favorites out East, have been a mess since they arrived in Orlando, going 3-6 so far. And the favorite in the eyes of many, the Clippers, are in a bloodbath with the Mavericks. The NBA Playoffs are officially here, as we’ve never seen them before. And despite a 1-0 series lead, Houston’s in trouble heading back into Game 2. Don’t try and understand it… feel it.

 

AdventHealth Arena:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (0-1):  White

Houston Rockets (1-0):  Red

 

TV:  2:30 PM CT  –  ESPN,  AT&T Sportsnet SW