Month: April 2021

Rockets Head West for Tough Battle Against Clippers

The Sweaty West.    Absent Wall.    Something to Prove?

So… who has more to prove? Is it the Clippers? Early-season favorites to be the second seed out West. But Los Angeles now sits in third place, behind the surprising Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. Or is it the Houston Rockets? A team who’s been through more drama, escapades, and blind-sides compared to any other team in the league over the past year. Well this adversity-hit Houston squad faces even more of that adversity tonight, as they head to L.A. to begin a West-Coast back-to-back against the Clippers. Los Angeles got off to a slower start than expected, but the Clips have won three straight. And beating this loaded contender full of stars is a tall task for a Rockets team who will once again be without John Wall.

Being the first game of a back-to-back set, Wall will rest tonight, but hopefully play tomorrow against Golden State. The Rockets are night-and-day a different team with their veteran point-guard leader on the court. For now, Houston will have to rely more on Kevin Porter Jr. to handle the point, and show he’s ready to bring his skills as potential future star in this league to the forefront against one of the league’s best teams. KPJ will need help from Houston’s twin towers, Christian Wood and Kelly Olynyk, who have been building chemistry with each game. Wood, along with the addition of Olynyk, now give the Rockets an inside presence and threat they previously lacked before Kelly’s arrival. Wood could only do so much alone. Olynyk’s arrival in Houston has really helped both players games on the court.

The Rockets are coming off a rare win, after being victorious over the Mavericks on Wednesday night, 102-93. Houston will need to play an almost perfect game without John Wall to beat this Clippers team. Luckily for Houston, this Rockets squad is full of guys with something prove. So? Who’s got more to prove tonight? Is it the forgotten Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association? Or the overrated, media-darling Los Angeles Clippers? Tune in at 9 PM CT to find out.

 

Staples Center:  Los Angeles, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (14-37):  Red

Los Angeles Clippers (35-18):  “City Edition” Black

 

TV:  9 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fend-Off Mavs, 102-93, for Elusive Victory

Wall Don’t Lie.    Fitting In.    Eyes Ahead.

For the first time in months, the Houston Rockets won a game from start-to-finish, handing the Mavericks a 102-93 defeat, at the friendly confines of Toyota Center.     John Wall made his token random return from injury, and had one of his best games as Rocket. Wall scored 31 points on efficient shooting, and dished out 7 dimes to lead Houston. The Rockets are eons and eons better with Wall on the court. Too bad, his return to action is rare. Houston’s point guard will miss Friday’s match in L.A. against the Clippers. Granted, it’s the first of a back-to-back, but I can’t recall the last time Wall played in consecutive games for the Rockets. Regardless, as the rest of the roster begins to gel, Houston is slowly becoming more confident. Don’t look at the record. It doesn’t tell the whole story, but these Rockets are slowly coming together and improving.

Speaking of coming together, Kelly Olynyk has been a perfect fit since his arrival in Houston. And his developing chemistry with Christian Wood is a blessing to watch. The two big men are becoming more in sync with each other’s talent with each passing game. Olynyk had 10 points and a monstrous 18 boards for the Rockets in their win over the Mavs. Wood finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds. And Kevin Porter Jr. (aka The Black Joker), scored 14 points as he continues to work on his chemistry with John Wall. Houston outplayed Dallas from the opening tip, in a rare game this season where the Rockets basically controlled the game from start-to-finish.

Only 21 games remain until the finish of this season. Up next, the Rockets endure a very tough back-to-back out West. Houston will be in L.A. on Friday to face the Clippers juggernaut, and then Saturday they’ll face an old rival, in the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers have all but locked in a playoff-spot. Golden State, on the other hand, is trying to lock up one of the last spots. To sum up the situation, Houston’s next two foes have something to play for, as Dallas does. Can the Rockets bring the same chemistry and energy, and possibly upset the Clippers to start the weekend? It won’t be easy without John Wall, but a victory over the Clips would give Houston their first win over a contender in months.

Rockets Host Mavs, as Texas Rivalry Gets Renewed

Hot Hand Luka.    Inspiring Leadership.    Test Time.

Houston hosts Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. The Rockets are trying to get the rare victory over a Dallas team that’s intent on making a run in the playoffs. The Mavericks boast one of the league’s best young players in Luka Doncic.

Rockets Coach Stephen Silas will be seeing his old team, the staff he was part of last season, and the reason he became a head coach: Luka Doncic. Silas worked closely with Doncic and his guidance and Doncic’s improvement is one of the major reasons Silas got the Head Coaching gig in Houston.

It’s test time for the Rockets. Tonight’s game doesn’t mean anything in the standings. But, against an interstate-rival, can they ruin Dallas’ hopes of climbing up the playoff ladder? Hopefully the Rockets will play inspired, and make this a close contest. One thing’s for sure… expect Luka to put on a show.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Dallas Mavericks (28-21):  Blue

Houston Rockets (13-37):  Red

 

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

Rockets Shine Brighter, But Still Fall to Suns, 133-130

Same Old Story.    Sunset Season.    CP3 Effect.

The Rockets put up a fight, and honestly played one of their better games of the season, but it wasn’t enough, as the Suns were just a little better, besting Houston, 133-130, on Monday night. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 36 points, and Chris Paul had 19 points and 11 dimes over his former team, as the Rockets had no answers for the Suns’ lethal backcourt. Kevin Porter Jr. had 20 points, 9 boards, and 8 dimes for Houston, and Christian Wood added 23 points, but this was a game the Rockets really could’ve used the John Wall’s services. His veteran leadership in the point guard spot was sorely lacking in the clutch moments of Monday night’s contest.

With only 22 games remaining, the sun has set on this season for Houston. Or it’s been set, if Monday didn’t emphasize that point any further. The Rockets are starting to look towards the offseason and next year, as the squad has a bright future ahead of them after they navigate this difficult campaign.

The CP3 effect was on full-display on Monday night at Toyota Center. Houston failed to beat the guy they never should’ve traded once more. And once more, Chris Paul finds himself as one of the main reasons his team is headed for a playoff berth. The Rockets? Not so much. Houston needs to fight through the rest of this season, and see if they can improve, one game at a time.

Rockets Host Upstart Suns in Second Game of Back-to-Back

Earn It.    CP3 Returns.    Tough Stretch Begins.

The Rockets will be wearing their “Earned” black and red jerseys for the first time tonight, as they host the Phoenix Suns. After acquiring Chris Paul in the offseason, the Suns are one of the most improved teams in the league this season, with a ranking of second in the West. The former Rocket returns to Toyota Center to try and deal his former team another defeat on Monday night.

Tonight begins a very tough stretch of games for Houston against mainly playoff competition. If they want to win any of these games, starting tonight… like their jerseys, they’re going to have to earn the victory.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Phoenix Suns (34-14):  White

Rockets: (13-36):  “Earned Edition” Black

 

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

Rockets Fail to Fly with the Birds, Lose to Pelicans, 122-115

Same Old Story.    Waiting for Wall.    Up Next.

It was the same old story for the Rockets on Sunday night, as they were downed by the Pelicans, 122-115, in a fashion similar to the way they’ve lost most of this season’s games. Houston hung around, but eventually couldn’t execute late, as New Orleans took over in the fourth quarter.

John Wall has been out for a few games now, and while this season is out of hands in terms of the team making the playoffs, the squad is much better when Wall plays. It will be interesting to see what the organization decides to do with Wall’s situation.

Up next, the Rockets take on the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. The Suns are one of the surprise teams in the NBA, with the second-best record in the Western Conference. A lot of that has to do with Chris Paul. We’ll see if the Rockets can play in CP3-fashion when the teams square-off on Sunday night.

Rockets Attempt to Fend-Off Pelicans for Rare Victory

Not So Big Easy.    First Set.    In For a Show.

Houston hosts Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night, as the Rockets are looking to get a rare win in the standings. New Orleans is below .500, at 21-27, but have still shown they’re capable of beating this Houston team. As long as Zion’s on the floor, it won’t be so easy for the Rockets against the team from the Big Easy.

Tonight’s game is the first of a back-to-back, with Houston playing on Monday night against the Suns, who have the second best record in the Conference. That being said, the Rockets best chance to get a victory in this upcoming back-to-back is tonight.

Fans should be in for a show tonight at Toyota Center. Zion Williamson is having  a stellar sophomore season. The Rockets have no answer for him on defense. Houston has to pray he has an off-night. Nonetheless… it should be an entertaining show.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors

New Orleans Pelicans (21-27):  White

Houston Rockets (13-35):  Red

 

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

Rockets Trounced by Celtics, 118-102, as the Losing Continues

Out of Hands.    No Luck Season.    Goodbye Benny.    

The Rockets let their matchup the the Celtics get out of hand on Friday night, as Houston lost at home to Boston, 120-108. The squad held their own for the first half, but the Celtics pulled away in the second half.

It’s been a no-luck season for these Rockets, as yet another loss puts the team at 13-35. Houston hopes to get lucky in the lottery and land a high draft pick, but the odds are still against them. Regardless, the worse their record, the better chance they have at landing a high pick.

Ben McLemore was waived by the team on Saturday, as the Rockets now only have Danuel House Jr. and Eric Gordon remaining on the roster from last year’s squad. It was a surprising move, but one that indicates Houston is fully focused on the rebuild. They’ll get a chance to improve their performance in their next game on Sunday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Rockets Look to Rebound Against Celtics in Boston

Similar Foe.    Any Luck?    25 To Go.

Tonight, the Rockets take on the Boston Celtics, another team who’s had a disappointing season. Houston will try to take advantage of Boston’s miscues this year.

However, Houston hasn’t had much luck this season. Kind of  like myself. Apologies for the decrease in quality content this season. It’s hard to do this for free every single game, and try and maintain a life. But, this is the only Rockets diary on the planet. I’ll be doing this until the day I die. Hopefully, one day for a company who could used imported writing styles in their sports’ columns.

Houston has 25 games left in the season. 25 games to live, or die. Starting tonight in Boston, it’s ready to start get busy living or get busy dying.

 

TD Garden:  Boston, Massachusetts

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (13-34):  Black

Boston Celtics (23-25):  White

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fall to Nets, 120-108, Despite Harden’s Late Departure

Strong Start.    Tale of the Tape.    Learning Lesson.

The Rockets got off to a hot start against the Nets on Wednesday night, but couldn’t seal the deal, as Houston fell in Brooklyn, 120-108. James Harden left the game late in the second half, and didn’t return.

Houston had a chance to win this one, but without John Wall, the Rockets couldn’t seal the deal. Kevin Porter Jr. got off to a hot start and finished with 20 points and 6 dimes. But, KPJ cooled off as the game continued.

This loss is a learning lesson for the Rockets. They played hard, but they lost to the better team. And that’s going to happen. A lot this season, as it already has. Hopefully next time, that hot start will last just a little bit longer