Month: March 2021

Thunderstruck:  OKC Edges Houston, 114-112, as Rockets Lose 20th Straight

Close… but So Far Away.    Conversation Time.    20-Burgers of Shame.

The Rockets came so close, with a last-second shot by John Wall that would have broken Houston’s losing streak, had it fallen. But the heave from way beyond the arc was off-range, as the Rockets came up short against the Thunder, 114-112, enduring yet another loss in one of the most miserable losing streaks in NBA history. Hey, at least this one wasn’t by double-digits, right? Still, a Rockets team going up against a short-handed Thunder team should’ve won the game, but this Houston squad is bad… real bad.

The NBA Trade Deadline is this Thursday, only a few days away. Houston is one of many teams that have been in the rumor mill. Will the Rockets make a move or two at the deadline? With a team that can’t seem to win if you put a gun to the squad’s collective head, a change might be necessary. Something has to be tweaked. Because with  Christian Wood, John Wall, Victor Oladipo, and a young Kevin Porter Jr., Houston is too talented to lose 20 straight games. But alas, that’s exactly what they’ve done. That final shot summarized Houston’s season perfectly. Down by two points, the Rockets only needed a bucket to send the game to overtime. Nevertheless, in this world, where every player seems trigger-happy from long range, Wall settled for a long three-pointer that clanked off the rim. Despite his ability to get to the rack at ease, Wall settled. Houston needs to stop settling. It’s why they’ve lost 20 games in a row. The little things. Settling for the second-to-best-shot on a play instead of looking for the best. Until the Rockets play smarter, they aren’t winning any time soon.

Maybe it’s the fact that no one can score more than in the 20’s on a consistent basis. Houston no longer has a James Harden they can ride to save them on nights when the group collectively is in disarray. Houston’s got plenty of guys who can score 20 on any given night: John Wall, Christian Wood, Victor Oladipo, Kevin Porter Jr., Eric Gordon, and even other guys when given the opportunity to step up. But, the Rockets no longer have that go-to, get-me-a-bucket-right-now kind of guy that Harden was. And they can continue to score in the 20-point range, but one of these games, it would be nice to see someone take over, take control of the game. Does Houston have anyone with that kind of firepower. We’ve seen glimpses from all the aforementioned names, but not on a consistent basis. The squad needs some intelligence and consistency… or the Rockets will keep on coming up just short of victory.

Rockets Aim to End the Storm, Host Thunder in Matinee Affair

Day Game Rarities.    Filling the Void Again.    Quieting the Noise.

The Rockets host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday afternoon in a special weekend matinee. Houston is hoping to avoid extending their current franchise-record skid to a dreaded 20th consecutive loss. Despite being a day game, this matchup is still the first of a back-to-back for the Rockets. Which means of course, John Wall and Victor Oladipo are questionable. And Houston will be without their newest star, youngster Kevin Porter Jr., who suffered an injury during Friday night’s loss to the Pistons.

So, just as it’s been all season. It’ll be next man up for the Rockets on Sunday. As they’ll need everyone who’s suiting up to bring it all, and leave it all, including this losing streak, on the floor. Eric Gordon’s still nursing an injury. Christian Wood will be dominant, but the rest fo the squad needs to help Houston’s big man.

It’s time to quiet all the noise. It’s starting to get embarrassing. This losing streak. Not only have the Rockets lost 19m games in a row, but they’ve also dropped their last 12 games by more than double-digits. Houston isn’t just losing… they’re getting blown out of arenas. The Rockets will hope to erase that trend during a rare day game, and hopefully… get a rare win in the process.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (17-24):  Orange

Houston Rockets (11-29):  “City Edition” Blue

 

TV:  1 PM –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Roadblock:  Pistons Outdrive Rockets 113-100, as Houston Loses 19th Straight Game

Bitten Again.    Misery Index.    Opportunity Awaits.

It can’t get much more miserable for the Houston Rockets. They lost their franchise record-19th straight game. To the worst team in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons. Detroit cruised past Houston, 113-100, in another double-digit loss for the Rockets. John Wall led Houston with 21 points in his return from injury. Christian Wood scored 18 points and grabbed 11 boards. However, the most important footnote out of this game is the status of Kevin Porter Jr. KPJ went down early with a quad injury, and is listed as out without a certain timetable for a return. Porter finished with 2 points in only 10 minutes of action for the Rockets. Houston will be cautious with one of the centerpieces of their future in KPJ, and be sure not to rush the promising youngster back until he’s ready.

Along with their historic 19-game skid, the Rockets have lost 12 straight games by double-figures, tying the 1992-1993 Dallas Mavericks for the NBA record. Houston isn’t just losing, they’re not even visible late in these games as the opponent’s lead has grown too large to overcome. The Rockets have to snap out of the worst funk in franchise history. Getting hit with the injury bug again, a parasite that’s lived in Houston this entire season, certainly doesn’t help matters. But the Rockets will try and take advantage of playing another subpar team when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday afternoon.

Maybe a day game will get Houston back on track. It’s certainly an opportunity the Rockets need to grab hold of. The Raptors will be in town on Monday night, a much better team than OKC. If the Rockets want to end the skid, their best chance is Sunday afternoon. One hopes this team will eventually snap out of their funk, or if they’re just completely fading, in hopes of landing Cade Cunningham in the draft. Will the Misery Index continue? We’ll find out on Sunday.

Mirror Image:  Rockets Face Struggling Pistons, as Houston Tries to End the Horror

Wooden Revenge.    Rebuilt?    Best Chance.

Houston hosts the Detroit Pistons on Friday night as the Rockets try to end their franchise-worst losing-streak at 18 games. The Rockets are actually facing a team with  worse record than them, the Pistons have one more loss than Houston. But a loss to Detroit tonight places the Rockets behind Detroit as their rebuilding process continues tonight.

John Wall is questionable to return, as he’s been out longer than anyone initially expected. So the means the Rockets will be relying heavily on Kevin Porter Jr., and Kenyon Martin Jr., they’re young athletic 20-year olds, to get the job done. Along with Christian Wood, who happens to be facing the team who dumped him to the Rockets this summer. Expect Wood to have an especially dominant night, as he looks to show the Pistons what they’re missing.

Tonight is the Rockets best chance to win a game in a long time. Whether or not Wall plays is irrelevant. Houston is good enough to down Detroit, they’ve got to avoid the offensive lulls and slumps that seem to come with every game in this losing streak. If the Rockets can do that, they’ll have a great chance to win tonight.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Detroit Pistons (11-29):  White

Houston Rockets (11-28):  “City Edition” Blue

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Out of Fuel:  Warriors Cruise by Rockets, 108-94, Giving Houston Franchise-Worst Skid

No Luck Tonight.    Fade for Cade.    Hustle On.

It all happened so fast. In a span of hours, P.J. Tucker was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for a pair of D.J.’s. Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Wood, Houston’s future, played their first career game together. However, the Rockets found no luck on St. Patrick’s Day, losing to the Warriors 108-94, extending their skid to a franchise-worst 18 games. And James Harden, without Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, had his second 40-point triple-double of the season, guiding the Nets to a victory in what seemed like shades of the old Beard-led Rockets teams. So we now live in a world where it’s very possible Harden and Tucker guard each other in a 7-game series. And Houston… well… they’ve had a problem. The Rockets are just plain awful. One of the worst teams in basketball. Sure, this squad has the pieces to turn things around, but as of now, Houston is in disarray when it comes to this season.

It’s Fade for Cade time. Cade Cunningham, the expected number one overall pick in next year’s NBA draft, would be a nice fit on the Rockets as this squad is so torrid in the standings, they actually have a shot at landing a top-3 pick. 33 games remain in the season, and it looks like Houston is all but out of the playoff picture. A sudden burst of resilience is needed, and now, if the Rockets want any chance of saving this season. For now, they’ll just have to hustle on.

And speaking of hustling on, P.J. Tucker may have been struggling offensively for Houston this season, but boy, will he be missed in H-Town. The Sneaker King is the hardest playing basketball player in the NBA, as the Bucks will soon learn of their pleasant surprise. Hopefully, Tucker, like Harden gets a shot at the ultimate goal, a title. They both deserve a ring… it’s just too bad they couldn’t get it done in Houston. Don’t blink, before you know it, 20-year old Kevin Porter Jr. and Kenyon Martin Jr. will be seasoned vets… it all happens so fast.

Rockets Eager to end Skid as Wood Returns, Play Host to Warriors

He’s Baaack.    A New Era Begins.    Dead Rivalry?

“All bad things must come to an end,” a moniker the greatest show in television history, Breaking Bad, used to promote its final episodes. And i can’t help but think of that phrase as the Rockets get set to battle the Warriors tonight in a St. Patrick’s day special. After seemingly months of waiting, he’s finally back. Christian Wood returns to action for the Rockets tonight against Golden State. The last time Wood played an entire game, Houston won. Wood is that valuable to this team.

A new era begins tonight, as Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Wood, the future of the franchise, play their first ever game together. Hopefully they complement each other well. I can already see Wood knocking down open threes off of drives created by Porter Jr., and catching lobs for alley-oops. The pair should be an entertaining duo for years to come in Houston.

Last season, the Warriors were the team near the bottom of the standings. This season, it’s Houston. After years of seemingly being rivals, those days are long gone. But it sure would feel good to end the losing streak against Golden State, a team who blocked Houston’s path to glory many times near the end of the James Harden era in Houston. Steph Curry and the Warriors are bunched with a pack teams vying for the final playoff spots. The Warriors have fared well without Klay Thompson, but they’ll be without rookie James Wiseman, who’s out for contract-tracing tonight. Nothing lasts forever. And after enduring 17 games of misery, it feels like tonight’s the night Houston finally gets a W on the board. Christian Wood’s return should fuel this team’s confidence. Look for the Rockets to end the skid tonight… all bad things must come to an end.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Golden State Warriors (20-20):  White

Houston Rockets (11-27):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Collapse Against Hot-Shooting Hawks, 119-107

Perimeter Fire.    Posterman.    Back at It.

Despite career-nights from Victor Oladipo and Jae’Sean Tate, the Rockets couldn’t hang on against a hot Atlanta shooting squad, as the Hawks beat defeated Houston, 119-107, giving the Rockets their 17th straight loss. Oladipo had 34 points to lead Houston, and Jae’Sean Tate had career high 25 points in the loss. Atlanta was red hot from deep. Danillo Gallinari did his best Steph Curry impersonation, and Tony Snell morphed into a lankier version of Klay Thomspon. The two seemingly couldn’t miss, and kept the Rockets at bay.

Kenyon Marin Jr. had a spectacular dunk, posterizing John Collins in the second half. Along with Kevin Porter Jr. who scored 22 points, the Jr.’s represent a bright future for the Rockets.

And the future could get brighter as soon as the next game, as Christian Wood will finally make his return from his injury. The skid started when Wood went down. Hopefully his return will be a sign of better times on the horizon for these Rockets.

Rockets Desperate to End Skid, Hawks Swing into Town

Sneaking In.    Decision Time.    Opportunity Awaits.

The Atlanta Hawks come to town as the Rockets try and put an end to the worst losing streak the franchise has seen in decades. And usually, the Hawks flying in would be good sign. The last time Atlanta was actually competent, was way back when Houston last saw a skid this miserable. But this season, these birds are heating up. After firing their former coach, and bringing in savvy veteran Nate McMillan, the Hawks are 5-0, including wins over Miami and Toronto. Trae Young is one of the best young point guards in the league. A lethal threat from deep the Rockets defense has to focus on at all times.

Tonight’s the first of what seems like the third straight back-to-back for Houston, as the games keep coming after the All-Star break. The Rockets host the Warriors tomorrow night, a better squad than this Atlanta team. One has to be honest. The skid will end eventually. And it certainly would be nice to avoid that 20-spot on the franchise’s history of losing streaks. Hopefully, Kevin Porter Jr. has a bounce-back game from the field, and finds his rhythm to lead the Rockets to a victory. Otherwise, Houston will need a lot from Victor Oladipo and Kenyon Martin Jr. The two combined for 47 points in the Rockets last game. And among current healthy players on the squad, Martin is one of the squad’s best facilitators, despite his youth and need for growth.

Opportunity awaits tonight for a young Rockets team, as most of the older guys (Wall, Christian Wood, Eric Gordon) are out with injuries. Not to mention the absence of P.J. Tucker can’t help but be felt on the defensive end, and in the locker room. Winners of five straight, the Hawks aren’t world-beaters. Atlanta’s streak is bound to come to an end soon. Trae Young, former-Rocket Clint Capela, and the Hawks have snuck into the eighth seed out East. But Atlanta’s still a few years away from actually making any noise in the playoffs, if they even make it to the postseason. It’s time. For the Rockets to get back on track, and for the Hawks to get back and relax. The NBA world isn’t used to seeing big winning steaks out of Atlanta. The Rockets would love to put a little normalcy back into matters… and end the worst skid in Houston’s seen in some time.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Atlanta Hawks (19-20):  White

Houston Rockets (11-26):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

16 Oh No:  Houston’s Skid Continues as Celtics Cruise by Rockets, 134-107

Too Many Jays.    The Other Guy.    Stuck on 11.

The misery continued in Houston on Monday night as the Rockets fell to the Celtics, 134-107, resulting in their 16th straight loss. Boston was clearly the better team. And without John Wall or Christian Wood, Houston had little chance in the first place of gutting out a victory. Victor Oladipo led the Rockets with 26 points, but Houston nonetheless got blown out once again. The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who combined to score 47 Boston points. Kevin Porter Jr. struggled with his shot against the C’s, scoring 11 points on 3-of-12 shooting. However, the Rockets have another bright young stud blossoming during this borrowed season.

Kenyon Martin Jr. had the best game of his career, scoring a career-high 21 points, to go along with 4 boards and 3 dimes. Once KJ Martin gets more comfortable playing at the NBA level, Houston will have another dangerous young player on their team. Martin Jr. played with Porter Jr. in the G-League, and both were called up to Houston’s roster at the same time. While Porter’s getting most of the attention, and deservedly so, don’t sleep on Martin. KJ has the potential to be much better than people expect. The Rockets just need their young guns to gain more experience. And now’s a better season than ever.

Houston’s now lost 16 games in a row. It seems like the Rockets haven’t won all year. And while that’s not true (their last victory came in Memphis on February 4th), this losing streak has revamped the shape of this season. The squad was sitting pretty, a game above .500, with a record of 11-10, before all the savagery began. And Houston’s been stuck on number 11 ever since. The embarrassing part is, most of these losses have been blowouts. And yes, the Rockets are undermanned, but getting crushed every night is demoralizing.

Rockets Host Celtics to Start Homestand, Hope to Steal Some Irish Luck

Home, Sweet, Home.    Earn it Black.    Controlling the Jays.

Houston returns home to host the Celtics as the Rockets try to earn their first victory in their last 16 tries on Sunday night. Tonight’s matchup begins a seven-game homestand for the Rockets, their longest of the season. Sliding on the NBA’s longest losing streak, Houston hopes a return to their homes and the comfort of Toyota Center will bring an end to the skid. The Celtics are the Rockets first test. Boston has underperformed this season in the eyes of most basketball analysts. Regardless, the Celtics are loaded with versatile talent on the perimeter, notably on both ends of the floor. Houston has to hope Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker have off-nights, or the losing streak may continue.

The squad will debut their brand-new black “earned” jerseys on Sunday night as they host Boston. The 16 playoff teams from the previous season all receive special edition “earned” jerseys, as they’re called, the following season. The Rockets have earned this edition of the uniform the past few years, and hopefully a change of apparel will get the squad back on the winning track. Personally, I love the appearance of these new jerseys, and hope Houston keeps them around longer than expected.

If the Rockets want to stop the misery, and end the longest losing streak in the franchise has season in 20 years, they’ll have to contain the “Jays”: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston’s top two players. Tatum is slightly more skilled offensively, and Brown has an edge on the defensive end, but both are versatile All-Stars who can each explode for 30 points on any given night. Hopefully, Kevin Porter Jr. continues his stellar play in his third game as a Rocket. Right now he’s one the few bright spots Houston can enjoy watching on this roster. And if the Rockets want to earn a win tonight, and some respect back in the league, they’ll have to upset a solid Celtics team at home. It’s not impossible, as Boston’s been prone to play down to their competition this year. If the Rockets can come out with fire and intensity on both ends of the floor… Houston can start the path to earning some respect back in this league. 

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Boston Celtics (19-18):  Green

Houston Rockets (11-25):  “Earned” Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass