Month: September 2020

Dyin’ Hard with House Money: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Second Round Preview

Small Meets Tall.    House Money.    Pure Pandemonium.   

“Now I have a machine gun… ho ho ho,” Bruce Willis declares as he’s strapped with heavy artillery in Die Hard, one of the best action movies of all time. On Friday night, what might go down as one of the most action packed series in NBA Playoff history, begins. James Harden, Russell Westbrook and the Rockets fully-loaded Houston Rockets face their first real test of the season: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers. And sure, you’ve heard all the talk. Houston’s the underdogs in this series. Not one “expert” on ESPN picked the Rockets to win this series. But that’s right where the Beard and Houston want to be. The pressure was mounting, like trying to climb Mount Everest, as the clock winded down in Game 7 of the Rockets first round victory over OKC. Harden and Houston dodged a bullet. If Harden doesn’t hustle his tail off to get that signature block, the Rockets are back in Texas right now. I had a feeling that was going in… but the Beard intervened, keeping Houston alive, and changed the Rockets destiny. Sure, a seven game series against a team that wasn’t even supposed to make the playoffs, as people say, in OKC, isn’t the best of looks. But, the way Houston came out of that series… how they won. The Rockets, especially James Harden, took pressure that must’ve felt like the weight of the world off their shoulders by ousting OKC. It would’ve just been too embarrassing to even process, trading Chris Paul and four future draft-picks, for Russell Westbrook. The trade was fair, but Houston wasn’t even supposed to be meet the Thunder this postseason at the time of that swap, let alone on the hinges of a Chris Paul jumper away from sudden death. CP3 and OKC were supposed to be in rebuilding mode, but they proved everyone wrong, and pushed Houston to the limit, in the process improving the Rockets going into next round’s battle with L.A.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, besides people in Houston’s locker room, and people who really know the Rockets, are picking L.A. to win this series. And it’s understandable. The Lakers still have arguably the best player in LeBron James, and the best big-man in basketball, Anthony Davis. However, unlike the Thunder, LA has no one who can guard James Harden, or Russell Westbrook. Besides LeBron James. But at his age, and with the load he’s carrying, LBJ won’t be on Houston’s superstars much unless it’s in the final minutes of clutch time. Nonetheless, the Rockets have two, so LeBron can’t guard both, and AD can’t guard either Russ or the Beard. And yes, Houston has a wooly mammoth of a problem on their hands with Anthony Davis. Small meets tall as L.A. is a much bigger team than the Thunder squad Houston faced in round one. P.J. Tucker will do his best, but he’s going to need help, and the Rockets have to out-shoot the Lakers if they want to win this series. Houston is by far the better shooting team on the perimeter, and three is still bette than two last time I checked. If the Rockets can avoid those soul-draining droughts, where they shoot 0-for-20-something from distance, Houston has a real chance to take the Lakers deep, and win this series. And against L.A., James Harden can’t play like he did offensively in Game 7 of the first round. But the Lakers have no one with close to the perimeter defensive abilities of Lu Dort, who honestly gave Harden the most fits of any player all season. Most people are focused on the size advantage L.A. has, and they do have a giant one. But the Rockets have a huge advantage on the perimeter. If James Harden and Russell Westbrook play up to their MVP-caliber level, the Rockets should win this series. That’s a big if, and it will all be determined over the next two weeks.

LeBron James, at 35 years old, is still one of the most dominant players in the game, and with his immense experience, never backs down from the moment. He’s one of the few players who can basically win a game by himself, maybe not anymore against the great teams, but LBJ gets compared to the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan, for a reason. And LeBron is still one of the best players, if not the best when he wants to be, despite showing signs of aging and of nearing the end of the basketball tunnel. With a healthy LBJ and Anthony Davis leading guys playing their roles, even if they’re just Alex Caruso, or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Lakers can beat anyone, and it’s not a surprise at all that they’re heavily favored in this series. But don’t think Houston doesn’t have a chance. The Rockets can beat the Lakers if they can maintain L.A.’s bigs, not only Anthony Davis, but Javale McGee and former-Rocket Dwight Howard. They’re going to be just as important for the Lakers, as guys like Eric Gordon and Robert Covington will be key for Houston if the Rockets want to pull the upset.

As important as these “others” on both sides, this really is just a battle between superstars. A fiery chess match on the court. We know everyone thinks the Rockets can’t guard Anthony Davis and the Laker bigs. But who for Los Angeles, exactly is going to contain Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Tooth for a tooth, eye for an eye. This matchup’s an even battle if you look closely. The Lakers play hard every night, have the most experienced player in LeBron, and the best big-man in Anthony Davis. But L.A. isn’t as deep as Houston. The Rockets have two superstars in their primes, and an arsenal of experienced veterans ready to outplay L.A.’s “others.” Houston is more likely to be apathetic if they get a lead in this series, so if this series is going to be short, it’ll likely be in the Lakers favor. But don’t expect a sweep with these two legitimate contenders going head-to-head. Don’t be surprised if the Rockets find themselves in another seven game series. This one will be more difficult, Houston can’t have letdowns. LeBron is a Game 7 is James 7. He will dominate, he will be the best player on the floor. What does that mean? Houston better not hope this series goes seven games, because LeBron’s feeling pressure now, and then need to end it in six games. I don’t see that happening due to the Rockets trend of getting too comfortable. They’re not going up 2-0 or 3-1 on these Lakers. If they are, L.A.’s storming right back to make this a seven game series. That’s not necessarily the case the other way around. Houston’s the team that needs to get off to a hot start in this series. Game 1 isn critically important, a lead and more pressure on the Lakers. L.A. hasn’t played in a few days, and while they may be more rested than the Rockets, Houston’s in a better rhythm right now, coming off that demon-exorcising Game 7 win in the first round. Harden and the Rockets have to seize advantage from the opening tip in Game 1, and show everyone this series is going to be closer than most expect.

After being labeled last series as the “favorites”, Houston is clearly the underdogs in the eyes of most, giving them an added arsenal. Instead of the weight of the world, the Rockets are playing with house money against the Lakers. After dodging a thunderous OKC-bullet, Houston’s fully-loaded with heavy artillery ready to feast on the likes of Alex Caruso, KCP, Danny Green, Kyle Kuzma, J.R. Smith, and an injury-riddled Rajon Rondo, who’s likely to return in Game 1. A much different look from Chris Paul, Dennis Schroder, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, at least for the Beard and Brodie. Houston’s superstars should excel in this series, as long as they’re smart finishing around the basket. Anthony Davis is one of the best shot-blockers in the game, and drives won’t be as easy as they were to finish in the OKC series against this Lakers team. Still, Houston has a legitimate shot, if they stay healthy and play up to the task.

The Rockets were the only team to beat the Lakers multiple times by double digits this season. I know, one of those wins didn’t feature a healthy L.A. team, but the other did, and the key to this series, besides the superstar matchup, is if Houston can prevent JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard from doing serious damage when they’re on the court. If the Rockets keep the action focused on the perimeter, take the bigs out of the game, and space the floor like Houston likes to do, Harden and Russ should have enough space and time to make the right decision. But this series is in their hands. If either one doesn’t show up, the Rockets will be in trouble. Luckily for Houston, Harden’s played well against the Lakers and LeBron, historically. The Beard’s outscored King James in their last seven meetings, and Harden has proven no one, not even LeBron (too slow, only in small stretches) can guard him on the Lakers.

So this battle of heavyweights comes down to Harden being Harden, and the Rockets slowing AD and the Laker bigs. Russ won’t back down from this moment. Neither will LBJ or AD. The Beard has to play like he does in the regular season against the Lakers, where 40-point performances are the norm, and the Rockets have the best chance at anyone, along with the Clippers, at dethroning LeBron from appearing in the Finals when he’s healthy. Expect Harden to play up to King James, and look more comfortable against a Lakers defense that has its hands full. After escaping a bout with revenge against an old friend, and a what seemed like a series of Russian Roulette, Harden and Houston is free of the pressure they were feeling since after losing Game 4 of the OKC series. And now, going into round two, all the pressure’s on L.A. This time, instead of passiveness, or a legit defender haunting him every game, Harden has avenues for aggressiveness, to explore en route to redeeming his entire reputation and career. Don’t expect anything but pure pandemonium. This one has the feelings of a classic series. Watch out Laker Nation, the Beard’s coming to ruin Christmas. And now, he has a machine gun… ho, ho, ho.

 

Series Prediction:  Rockets in 7

Harden My Presence: Rockets Block OKC’s Last Gust, Edge Thunder, 104-102, to Advance

Wild, Wild West.    Sigh of Relief.    Out of the Blue.

“Are you not entertained?”, Russell Crowe screams in Gladiator, after taking out a gang of fighters. And after an entertaining, twisty, and topsy-turvy seven-game series, the Rockets finally ousted the fighting Thunder in a decisive Game 7, 104-102, to advance to the next round. Houston barely made it out alive in the decisive game, and switched this matchup’s trend, winning their first close game of the series. James Harden, despite struggling offensively, made the defensive play that might define his legacy, that is, if the Rockets reach their ultimate goal. Luguentz Dort, Oklahoma City’s sneaky defensive stud, who most people had never heard of before this series, had the game of his life on Wednesday. Dort, not known for an offensive sharpshooter, had quietly improved his shooting over this series. And in the final game of the epic battle, the undrafted rookie went 6-for-12 from deep, scoring 30 points to lead the Thunder, their hottest player of the night.

The play that saved Houston’s season started out nerve-wracking. OKC started the possession with the ball, off a rebound from a missed Rocket shot, and about 18 seconds on the clock. Chris Paul dribbled past the mid-court line and could have held the rock for the final shot, with Houston leading 103-102. OKC eventually found Lu Dort beyond the arc with about 3 seconds remaining. Dort nailed half his threes in Game 7, and seemed to be in a groove he’d yet to display shooting-wise in the series. As Dort caught the rock he was wide open on the perimeter. When the ball was passed, the Beard was in the paint, trying to prevent Steven Adams from getting the ball. Exerting maximum effort, Harden, out of the blue, somehow found enough quickness to close out on Dort, getting a finger on the ball, and barely blocking the shot. An open shot that had at least a 50% chance of falling, with the way Dort was shooting not the night. Without Harden’s hustle, Houston is back home right now. It wasn’t just his hustle. The Beard had the presence of mind to avoid Dort’s attempt to throw the ball off Harden, and give OKC one last look. The Thunder would get one more chance, with 1.1 seconds left, but a P.J. Tucker steal punched a ticked to the second round for the Rockets, and ended a wild game, and series.

Game 7 had all the makings of a classic. The matchup was close throughout, and despite Houston, grabbing the lead for the majority of the game, the Rockets never held a sizable advantage. And with OKC’s reputation as the best clutch team in the NBA, the Thunder were always in it as long as the game was close. James Harden struggled mightily again offensively in an elimination game, shooting only 1-for-9 from three, and scoring 17 points, fourth on the roster. The Beard made up for his lack of aggression on offense with a season-saving play on defense near the end of the game. But Houston needs Harden to avoid these types of mental collapses on offense if the Rockets want any chance of beating the Lakers in the next round. Or at least seize the moment. Whatever it is, something about elimination games put the Beard in shock. Hopefully it was Lu Dort’s sudden offensive emergence, a surprising sight for all to witness, that put Harden in a shock. Luckily, he snapped out of it as he entered the fourth quarter with 8 minutes to go. The Beard, despite having a torrid first three quarters, actually had a productive fourth quarter. Harden scored or assisted on the Houston’s final 13 points, with two buckets near the rim, and three dimes. Throw in a game-winning block, and Harden’s night wasn’t as bad as most people will tell you. However, the Rockets can’t afford mental lapses from Harden against L.A. Luckily the Lakers, other than LeBron, who will be carrying enough of L.A.’s load, don’t have anyone on Dort’s level capable of guarding Harden. In fact, look for Harden to feast on the Lakers. The Beard’s also outscored LeBron James in their last seven meetings. Harden plays well against the Lakers, and the Rockets were lucky to get by a Thunder team who matched up better against Houston’s guards. The Lakers may have LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the size advantage, but L.A. has nowhere near the perimeter depth OKC had with Paul, SGA, and Schroder. Look for Harden, along with Russell Westbrook, to perform at a higher level in the next series. 

The Rockets aren’t playing the Lakers if it weren’t for the “Others”, guys like Eric Gordon and Robert Covington, who led the way with 21 points apiece. RoCo nailed 6 huge threes, and was Houston’s MVP in Game 7 on both ends of the court. Gordon had the defensive game of his life guarding CP3, preventing the former Rocket from getting the revenge he was desperately looking for near the end of the game. If Gordon, who went 5-for-9 from the perimeter, is back performing like Splash Gordon on a nightly basis, these Rockets are going to be a lethal matchup for the Lakers. Gordon, along with RoCo’s play are the keys to beating L.A. in the next round if Houston wants to advance.

James Harden, the “guy who doesn’t play defense”, exhumed some playoff demons with a roar after his block on Lu Dort to basically seal the win, and the Beard sounded extra relieved in his post-game interview afterwards. This was a wild one. A game that should have never happened. But the Rockets toyed around with the Thunder long enough, and they’re lucky to make it out alive. Very lucky. This series felt like a game of Russian Roulette. A game, they likely won’t win, with the same mindset against the Lakers. If not for RoCo’s exceptional night, EG’s sudden renaissance, and Harden’s career-defining block, the Rockets would be headed back to Houston. Westbrook had 20 points and held down the fort during Harden’s offensive struggles. Jeff Green continues to fit perfectly in Houston, scoring 13 points. With Green’s bigger size, expect him to see more action in the next round against L.A. And Danuel House has quietly been strong defensively all series, one of many the Rockets will throw at LeBron James to try and slow down the game’s most dominant player. Mike D’Antoni’s coaching decisions were more logical in the decisive victory. In the long run, Houston will be tougher overall after gutting out a gritty seven-game first round series against OKC. It was no cake walk getting through the Thunder. If the Rockets can hold off exhaustion, and build on their current momentum riding into the next round, Houston has a chance against L.A. It won’t be easy. Don’t expect to see any sweeps. This one features two of the NBA’s top three teams, with the Clippers likely awaiting the winner. Barring any injuries, this next series has the potential to be the most competitive we’ll see all postseason. It’s the only the series in the league that’s going to feature three former MVP’s in LBJ, Harden, and Westbook (Unless the Rockets face the Bucks in the Finals). If their first round win over the Thunder wasn’t exciting enough, the next matchup against LeBron and the Lakers promises to be something special… prepare to be entertained.

Rockets Battle Thunder One Last Time in Decisive Game 7

Execution Time.    Crumbling Cookie.    The Last Dance.

“I’ve gone where the universe takes me my whole life. It’s better to make those decisions for yourself.” It’s one of my favorite quotes of all time. A line from El Camino, the Breaking Bad spinoff-film. And it’s an idea the Rockets need to take to heart, as Houston battles OKC tonight in a decisive Game 7. A matchup that will decide who advances to the next round, and which team’s bubble gets burst and sent home packing. Coming into this series, many expected a tight series. However, the way this battle has unraveled has had twists, turns, and seismic momentum shifts. Regardless of who wins tonight, the Rockets are the better team, but they might not be the better executioner. In all six games of their first round series, Houston has led the game with less than two minutes remaining. Yet, due to their inability to execute in crunch time against the wise, vengeful Chris Paul, we’ve got a 3-3 series, with tonight’s winner moving on to play the Lakers. It’s pretty simple for the Rockets if they want to advance. Houston needs to blast out of the gates and not even allow this decisive game to include any crunch time. Every Rocket victory has been a blowout, whilst every loss has been a nail-biting, heartbreaking defeat.

This is the biggest game in the James Harden era. And it’s not close. Even without Russell Westbrook, the Rockets held a 2-0 series edge, and were on the cusp of a commanding 3-0 series lead, before the Thunder rallied to win Game 3, and the tide of the series began to turn in OKC’s favor. Despite their being no “home-court advantage”, due to everyone playing in Orlando. Oddly enough, the “home” team (squad with the lower seed), has won every game in this series. Houston’s praying that trend continues, as they’ll be considered the “home” squad in Wednesday’s do-or-die battle that will end one team’s season. And possibly an era. Chris Paul’s only getting older. But the CP3-Thunder era has only lasted a year. For Houston’s personnel, the situation’s different. Mike D’Antoni has thrived as head coach since taking over for the Rockets in 2016, yet a loss tonight, and it could be his last game on as coach on Houston’s sidelines. These rumors surfaced earlier in the season, long before coronavirus. Reminds me of this summer’s ESPN documentary, The Last Dance, named for iconic coach Phil Jackson’s final run with the legendary Michael Jordan and those Chicago Bulls. Gossip has already surfaced that the Indiana Pacers, who fired their coach Nate McMillan (after being swept by the Miami Heat), are interested in D’Antoni’s services. Hopefully, Mike won’t be needed in Indy. Yes. His job’s on the line tonight. But for the Rockets, it’s more than just their head coach.

In the NBA, where the game has evolved over the years from inside oriented to a perimeter three-point fest, the Rockets are the epitome of this mantra. No one lives and dies by the three like Houston. It’s not even close. And if the Rockets want to avoid another nail-biter down the stretch, especially in a sudden-death scenario, they’re going to have to make a change. They’ve displayed time and again this series, they have multiple players who can get to the rim with relative ease. Specifically the obvious drivers with no regard for human life: Harden, Westbrook, and Eric Gordon. And Houston also has Austin Rivers, who’s shown dominant isolation performances in the bubble at times, and guys like Danuel House Jr. and Ben McLemore, who despite their trigger happy fingers, need to attack if the long bombs aren’t falling. The Rockets have stuck with this “live by the three, die by three mantra” all season. Now, in a regular season game, that style can win or lose you games, just depends if the shots are falling. In a Game 7 with legacies on the line, Houston has to come out a much more focused. Even more importantly, they need to add on to any early lead the squad can maintain.

The Rockets have been outplayed by the Thunder thrice in this series, despite having the lead in all of those games under the two-minute mark. Despite the extra point, and the beautiful arc and sound of a deep swish, the three-point land has is killing Houston. Or, to be accurate, the Rockets are killing themselves by stubbornly relying on a potential extra point from beyond. Tonight, the “live or die by the three” theme needs to be tossed out to window. In a Game 7, with seasons, legacies, and careers on the line… every single possession counts. Turnovers, and poor shot and decision-making have to be rare for the Rockets tonight. Chris Paul’s on a roll, and he’s got almost the entire country (outside of Houston) rooting for his Thunder to pull the upset. The pundits are eager to unleash more Harden hate. The Russ haters who believe he stat pads are ready to laugh if he gets beat by the 35-year-old, Chris Paul, who was supposed to be “over-the-hill.” The only hill Paul’s over right now is the one the Russ and the Rockets are occupying. One’s going to fall off. One of the smartest players of all time, CP3 is going to make the right decisions tonight on the court. Will Houston have the mental capacity to change their stubborn permitter ways if the shots aren’t falling? Do they realize, there’s no second chances. A loss, and the season ends tonight. No more, “oh, that shot looked good, so I took it.” No, you pump fake, you move the ball around, you find the best shot possible, like the Rockets did on their best possession of the season, four minutes into Game 4. There’s no time to look back. No more time to hope Houston figures out a way to save their season. Will this be Mike D’Antoni’s “Last Dance?” Will the Rockets continue to shoot themselves into oblivion, or dribble some common sense back into their game? They’ve gone where Moreyball and D’Antoni’s schemes have taken them all season. Tonight… the Rockets need to stray from the Morey-verse, and realize, as players… sometimes it’s better to make those decisions for yourself.

 

AdventHealth Arena:  Orlando,  Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (3-3):  White

Houston Rockets (3-3):  Black

 

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

Deja Boo: Rockets Deflate Late Again, Crumble to Thunder, 104-100

Russ-strated.    Recurring Recipe for Disaster.    Closer to the Edge.

“How big a plane?”, The Protagonist, asks about crashing a plane, in Tenet, to which Neil replies, “well, that part is a little dramatic.” I was hoping I could use this quote in a later series, but unfortunately the Rockets crashed again, falling to OKC, 104-100. Once again, Houston were outplayed by Chris Paul and the Thunder in the clutch. CP3 scored 28 points, including some huge clutch threes to seal the victory against his former team, and force a decisive Game 7. Danilo Gallinari had one of his hot-shooting nights, with 25 points. James Harden had an average Beard-night, scoring 32 points, 8 boards, and 7 dimes. Other than Robert Covington, who finished with 18 points for the Rockets, Houston continues to be ice-cold from downtown.

Russell Westbrook’s certainly deserves much of the blame for this loss. But, haven’t played in weeks, and with only nitro gear to play on, Russ was bound to be rusty and turnover prone. Not only did Houston’s coaches know this before the game, any NBA fan did, and yet with the game on the line, Brodie found himself in charge of ball-handling duties. It’s time Coach Mike D’Antoni (MDA) takes some blame. There’s no reason James Harden shouldn’t touch the ball on the final three possessions of a close game. Yet, as Russ continuously turned the ball over, the Thunder creeped back in, and …after leading the series 2-0, and then 3-2, the Rockets find themselves facing a winner-take-all Game 7 on Wednesday night.

This series has been predictable, in that OKC’s won every close game, while all of Houston’s victories have been blowouts. So if you’re watching and wondering, as time clicks away on the clock, who’s more likely to win the deciding game in this series, just look at the score. The longer the Rockets allow the Thunder to stay in the game, or for as long as it’s a close face-off, the game favors OKC. The Thunder have been far and away the better team down the stretch against Houston. However, if the Rockets can replicate the dominance they displayed in their Game 1, 2, and 5 wins, they need get off to a hot start in Game 7.The squad needs to play with the mental aspect of blowing OKC back home, the second the ball is flipped at half-court. 

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I mean, most expected a close series, but for the “home” team to win every game is certainly surprising given there’s no fans in-house durning the playoffs. And they’ll have one last chance to advance. And to move on for a matchup with King James and the Lakers, the Rockets need to make a statement with another blowout win in Game 7. But blowouts are rare in Game 7’s where injuries and anything unexpected can occur. In a Game 7, everyone leaves all their energy out on the floor. Houston doesn’t need to win via the destructive blowout, but the longer the game goes with score close, favors OKC. Now, with the season on the line, the squad’s best chance to beat OKC comes by getting off to a quick start. The Rockets need to jump ahead early in the first quarter, and pad the lead over the second and third quarter to avoid any dangerous close-calls with the best crunch-time team in the NBA. It’s been a season full of drama for Houston. The Rockets play for their lives on Wednesday night against their former teammate, Chris Paul, who can now almost taste revenge. In a Game 7, where the winner advances, and the loser goes home, anything’s possible, with injuries more likely due to extra effort exerted on both sides, in a winner-take-all game. A loss would arguably be the most embarrassing end to Houston’s season in the James Harden era. A win, and the Rockets might gain the confidence boost/sigh of relief they need to play more relaxed, and possibly beat the Lakers in thinnest round. But to even see LA on the court, Houston has to get through the toughest storm they’ve faced in the MDA and James Harden era. Up next, either the Rockets’ season comes to a crashing end, or they’re invigorated with new life. Game 7… now that’s more than little dramatic.