Month: October 2022

Rockets Travel to Phoenix for Matchup with Hot Suns

Hot Nights.    First Half.    Big Missing Piece.

For tonight’s game, the odds are stacked highly against the Rockets, but anything’s possible early on in the NBA season. Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets get back in action on Sunday night, as they travel to Phoenix to face Chris Paul and the streaking Phoenix Suns. After starting 1-1, the Suns have won 3 in a row, as they look to contend once again in the Western Conference this season. The Rockets, meanwhile, enter tonight’s game at 1-5, leading only the winless Lakers in the standings out West. However, when taking a closer look, this start hasn’t been all that bad for the Rockets. So far, only two of the five losses have come by more than double-digits, a difference marker from last season, when it seemed like every loss was a blowout. And to start this season, Houston’s schedule has been brutally tough, the most difficult in the league so far early on this season. Four of the Rockets’ six games have been on the road to start the year, and six of their next seven matchups are also away from Toyota Center. Let’s take a look at the combined record of the teams’ that Houston’s faced so far: the Hawks (4-2), Grizzlies (4-2), Jazz (5-2), Bucks (5-0), and Trail Blazers (5-1). Those teams have a scintillating combined record of 23-7 to start the year. The Rockets have faced the hottest teams in the league to start this campaign. And it doesn’t get any easier against the Phoenix Suns tonight, who are 4-2, and seeking their fourth straight win on the season.

Tonight’s contest is the first half of a back-to-back for Houston, who will travel to Los Angeles to battle the Clippers tomorrow on Halloween night. If the Rockets want any chance to upset the Suns and slow their early-season momentum, they need to get off to a hot start in this first half. Houston failed to outscore the Blazers in any quarter in their previous game in Portland. The Rockets need a fast start, they can’t afford to play from behind against Chris Paul, aka the Point God, and these streaking Suns. Houston failed to shoot the ball efficiently in their previous game, so hopefully they can bounce back with a better shooting effort after a day of rest.

Phoenix will be missing this best interior player in center DeAndre Ayton, who is out with an injury for tonight’s matchup. Look for Alperen Sengun to try and expose possible weaknesses in the Suns’ defense inside, and possibly Jabar Smith Jr., if the rookie is aggressive and attacks the basket. Smith Jr. has been settling for too many shots from beyond the arc to start his career. He needs to utilize his size inside as he adjusts to the physicality of the NBA. Can the Rockets pull the upset against former Houston point guard CP3 and the Suns? They’re going to need extra effort and attention to detail on the defensive end, and avoid costly turnovers if they want any chance to pull the upset in Phoenix. The Suns don’t beat themselves with nonsensical mistakes on the court. The Rockets will have to overpower this streaking heat-train that is the Phoenix Suns themselves, with a commitment to taking care of the ball, and dominating the transition game. It’s easier said than done. Houston’s in for a big challenge Sunday night, but crazier upsets have happened. In this league… anything’s possible.

Footprint Center:  Phoenix, Arizona

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (1-5):  White

Phoenix Suns (4-1):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  8 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fail to Keep Pace in 125-111 Defeat to Blazers

A Different Kind Of Strength.    No Dame, More Pain.    Only the Beginning.

 

“You’re strength breaks men’s bones,” Olga tells the lead character in this year’s epic Viking film, The Northman. And while no bones were broken Friday night in Portland, Houston certainly received a pounding, as they failed to outscore the Blazers in any quarter, en route to a 125-111 loss. Just Nurkic dealt the majority of the damage for Portland. Nurkic, seemingly, right out of The Northman, was a barbaric beast in the interior. The Blazers’ big man dominated the paint on his way to registering 27 points, 15 boards, and 3 blocks. This young Rockets squad had no answers for Nurkic inside, as Aleperen Sengun lacked the strength to contain the big man inside. Houston had a balanced attack, with six players scoring in double-figures, led by Eric Gordon’s 18 points. However, no one on the squad reached the 20-point mark, and the team shot poorly from the field. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 16 points, Alperen Sengun had a nice showing offensively, posting a 14-point, 11 rebound double-double. Jalen Green struggled in his worst shooting game of the year so far this season. Green scored only 11 points on a dismal 4-for-19 from the floor. The Rockets will need to be better overall offensively if they want any chance in their upcoming back-to-back.

This game was supposed to be easier for Houston. The Blazers were missing star guard Damian Lillard (out due to an injury), who usually plays great against the Rockets. Yet no Dame, no pain for Portland. Anfernee Simons stepped into Lillard’s role and led the Blazers with an impressive 30 points on 50% shooting for the evening. The duo of Simons and Nurkic simply outplayed and overpowered Houston en route to dealing the Rockets another loss. And it doesn’t get any easier after Friday night’s defeat in Portland.

Friday’s loss was the first game of three in four nights for Houston, as they continue this road-heavy stretch early in the schedule. Up next, the Rockets have a back-to-back that starts on Sunday in Phoenix versus the Suns, and ends the next night in Los Angeles against the Clippers. The Phoenix Suns are once again a contender in the Western Conference. They’re off to a 4-2 start, and should pose a tough challenge for this young Houston team. The squad will need to channel some of Jusuf Nurkic’s “bone-breaking” mindset, if they want any chance to upset former Rocket Chris Paul and his Suns on Sunday night.

Rockets Head to Portland, Face Upstart Blazers

Blazing Start.    Key Piece.    Repeat History.

Somewhere in the far northwest, Portland, Oregon, to be exact, Rockets’ coach Stephen Silas is reminiscing, with a grin bigger than the Grinch’s, about a quote he told star Jalen Green earlier this season, “they’re either wins, or leaning lesson.” Simply referring to losses as learning lessons, which they all are. But in his third season as head coach, Stephen Silas’ Rockets have endured enough learning lessons. It’s time to put some wins on the board and show real improvement. Houston has a great chance against one of the early surprises of the season, the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Blazers will be without their All-Star guard Damian Lillard, who is out for a few weeks with an injury. Houston needs to take advantage off his absence, as he’s been off to a red-hot start for Portland. He is their team basically. The Blazers are 4-0 when Lillard plays the entire game. However, Dame Dollar exited in the sec and half of their last game, which they ended up losing to the Miami Heat by 21 points at home. Simply put, Portland is a much less potent team without Lillard on the floor. Hopefully, Houston will get Alperen Sengun back, as his absence has been sorely missed by a Rockets’ offense that’s looked out of sorts lately.

These two squads have had close battles throughout the years past. The rosters may have changed, but don’t be surprised to see another tight contest in Portland on Friday night. The Rockets will need to seize the moment, and hope Dame’s absence doesn’t catch them off-guard. Moda Center is one of the toughest buildings to win for an opponent in the NBA. If Houston isn’t ready.. they could be in for another learning lesson.

 

Moda Center: Portland, Oregon

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (1-4):  Black

Portland Trail Blazers (4-1):  White

 

Tip-Off:  9 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Houston’s Comeback Falls Short, as Rockets Lose to Jazz, 109-101

Long Way to Go.    Seeking Sengun.    3 in 4.

It appeared as though the Houston Rockets ordered pizza in Salt Lake City the night before the game, never a good idea, for those who remember Michael Jordan’s “flu game” in Utah back in the NBA Finals decades ago. The Rockets lost some of their edge on Wednesday night, falling to the Utah Jazz, 109-101, to begin their 4-game road trip. Kevin Porter Jr. led the Rockets with 24 points, while Jalen Green scored 17 for the night. Houston just looked out of sorts, falling behind, and then staging a comeback that fell short. Lauri Markkanen ignited Utah’s momentum, and led the Jazz with 24 points and 9 boards.

Houston is really missing the presence of Aleperen Sengun, especially on the offensive end. At times, it appears Stephen Silas may not have full command of his roster, as questionable play calls and coaching have been on display to start the campaign. Five games in, and the Rockets are 1-4. There’s still a long way to go in the season, but Houston should improve once their schedule gets easier after this current road trip.

The Rockets will now finish their road trip with three games in four nights, in three different cities, The team’s mental aptitude will be tested, as will their ability to hopefully steal one of these next three games, all of which Houston will be the underdogs. Up next, the Rockets head to Portland for a matchup with the surprising Trail Blazers, who are off to a hot start. It poses be a great challenge to see if Houston can regain their edge. And avoid pizza delivery… at all costs.

Rockets Seek Deja Vu Against Jazz in Utah

On the Road Again.    Part 2.    Statement Game.

After a brief stop at home, Houston heads on the road for a four-game road trip out West. First up, the Rockets will battle the Jazz in a rematch from Monday night’s game, Houston’s first victory of the season. Can the Rockets sweep the two-game set? Find  out tonight.

After this matchup, Houston will visit Portland, Phoenix, and cap the road trip with a stop in L.A. against the Clippers. A statement game, in terms of maturity, is what a victory would yield for this Houston squad tonight, if they can beat the Jazz twice in a row.

It’s difficult to beat any opponent twice in a row, especially when the second game is on the road. Houston will still bne without Alperen Sengun, but they have plenty of firepower in the lineup to get the job done tonight. Tune in to see if Jalen Green and the Rockets are up for the challenge. 

 

Vivint Arena:  Salt Lake City, Utah

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (1-3):  White

Utah Jazz (3-1):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  8 PM CT

 

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Quiet Jazz, 114-108, Garner Season’s First Win

Opposites Attract.    The KPJ Show.    Intermission.

Maybe that’s all the Rockets needed. An undefeated division rival strolling into town. Houston and Utah have had many battles, but this was the first with both squads inn  rebuilding mode. Despite coming into the contest winless at 0-3, and facing an undefeated Jazz team, the Rockets knocked off Utah, 114-108, for their first win of the season. Kevin Porter Jr. led the way for Houston with 26 points and 10 dimes. Jalen Green scored 25 points as his stellar sophomore campaign continued on Monday night. Jabari Smith Jr. added 21 points and 9 rebounds in his best game yet as an NBA player. Smith Jr. joined the legendary Hakeem Olajuwon as the only Rockets to score in double figures in their first four games of their career. Houston’s prized rookie knocked down 3 of his 5 shots from deep, and shot 6-for-10 from the floor overall. Efficient numbers for an athlete who’s been more raw, and less polished, than some expected over his first few games.

As great as Green has been all season (he shot the ball extremely efficiently again, going 9-for-16 from the field), it’s even more impressive how KPJ has stepped up his game to accommodate Green’s superstar-level talent, without sacrificing any of Scoot’s own intangibles. It will be intriguing to see how Houston’s backcourt continues to evolve throughout the year. This was only part one of two contests against the Jazz, as the teams will suit up for a rematch on Wednesday night in Salt Lake City.

After three hard-fought losses over playoff-caliber competition, the Rockets took advantage of a less-talented Utah team to finally snag their first win of the season. Hopefully, Houston will get some firepower back for Wednesday night’s contest. Alperen Sengun, Eric Gordon, Tyty Washington, and Daishen Nix all missed Monday night’s contest. Tari Eason played spry and Usman Garuba made the most of his minutes. The Rockets will try and make it two wins in a row as these two squads head battle again on Wednesday night. Regardless, it’s always good to finally get that first win of the season, especially when Houston’s been playing so hard to start the year. Maybe they’ll be rewarded with some Deja Vu in Utah on Wednesday night.

Rockets Seek First Win, Host Surprising Jazz

Familiar Foe, Different Faces.    Louder than Usual.    Measuring Stick.

The Rockets host the division rival Utah Jazz on Monday night, as the teams celebrate Filipino Heritage Night at Toyota Center. Jalen Green and Houston are still searching for their first win of this young campaign. Utah, meanwhile, has been an early season surprise. The Jazz are 3-0, and they’re coming off two tough overtime victories over playoff-bound teams in the West. With victories over the Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Pelicans, Utah is showing a change of their core from the past few seasons hasn’t changed their play on the court, not yet. Donovan Mitchell left for Cleveland in the offseason, while Rudy Gobert departed to Minnesota. Those were Utah’s two best players. Now, Houston will have to shift their focus on guys like Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen.

Houston will be extra short-handed tonight as the Rockets are without Alperen Sengun due to an illness. It doesn’t appear to be anything serious, but the team’s exercising caution. This will give the rest of the guys fighting for playing time more space to prove their value.

Unlike Houston’s first three games, where they were the obvious underdog, the Rockets have a legitimate chance to snag their first win of the season tonight. Despite their record, the Jazz likely won’t be playoff-bound this year, and this young Houston team is starving to get its first win on the board. All of Utah’s games have gone down to the wire, while the Rockets have yet to participate in a nail-biter. That could all change tonight… buckle up for a manic Monday night at Toyota Center.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Utah Jazz (3-0):  White

Houston Rockets (0-3):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Forty View:  The Greak Freak’s 44 Points Lead Bucks’ Route in Milwaukee, 125-105, as Rockets Remain Winless

Home Opening Headlights.    Unhealthy 40 Burgers.    The Advantage.

Houston got caught like deer in headlights from the opening tip in Milwaukee. The Bucks scored the first 13 points, and never looked back as they dealt the Rockets their worst loss of this early season, 125-105. This was the third consecutive home opener (counting Toyota Center) that Houston has played in, but more importantly, this was the second half of a back-to-back against the best opponent they’ve yet to face this season. Kevin Porter Jr. led a tired Rockets squad with 22 points. Houston still fought hard, but the Bucks are legitimate title contenders again this season, and simply over-powered a younger, inexperienced Rockets squad.

Milwaukee took advantage of a young, undermanned Rocket team who were without Eric Gordon and Jae’Sean Tate among others. Giannis Antekounmpo scored 44 points to lead Milwaukee as he proved to be an unstoppable against this inexperienced Houston defense. This was the second straight game the Rockets had an opponent have a single player drop 40 or more points on them. They’ll look to avoid that, and get on the winning side of basketball in their next matchup. Their next opponent doesn’t necessarily have anyone who’s prone to putting up 40 points, so this streak should end in Houston’s next matchup.

Up next, the Rockets have two straight games against the Jazz. Monday in Houston, and Wednesday they’ll travel to Utah to complete the double-bill. Utah’s off to a surprising start, but they don’t have the talent or superstars the Rockets have had to deal with so far in this extremely tough start to the season. Houston has yet to play an opponent that won’t be in the playoffs come this spring. Despite their strong start, Utah likely won’t be able to sustain their impressive success over a full 82-game season, and should be lottery bound. It’s time for the Rockets to take advantage of the decrease in their opponent’s talent in the next couple games. Houston has a great chance to finally get on the winning board, maybe even twice… as long as they’re still not caught in the headlights that are the early start to the NBA season.

Rockets Travel to Milwaukee to Face Giannis’ Bucks

Part 2.    Beasts of the East.    Night and Day.

It’s the second half of a back-to-back for Houston tonight as the Rockets head to Milwaukee to battle the Bucks. Milwaukee is coming off a close road victory over Philadelphia, 90-88, on Thursday night in their season opener. Tonight is the Bucks’ home opener, making tasks more difficult for Houston. It’s always tough to beat a contender on opening night at home. The Rockets will still be without Jae’Sean Tate, Tyty Washington, Daishen Nix, and now Eric Gordon is also out for tonight’s matchup.

Jalen Green will need to continue to evolve into a superstar in front our eyes if Houston wants any chance to pull the major upset tonight. The Rockets will need more from Kevin Porter Jr., and the rest of the squad as well without EG in the lineup. Hopefully, Jabari Smith Jr. plays like he did in the second half in Atlanta, which has been his only solid half all season so far.

Despite the 0-2 record, Houston’s hustle and work-ethic is night-and-day different from last season. This team is playing so hard, and looks like they refuse to be blown out. They’re staying in games, even if they have a deficit, this young Rockets squad has already shown growth since last season. Snagging a victory will be tough tonight against the best team the Rockets have faced so far in the Bucks, as they play their first home game of this young season. Undermanned, and on tired legs, Houston needs contributions from the entire squad if they want to shock Milwaukee tonight. The Celtics may have won the East last year, but healthy, the Bucks are the beasts of the east, and the likely favorite to return to the Finals, after they won it all two seasons ago.

Expect to see more Josh Christopher and Garrison Mathews tonight in Gordon’s absence. Their minutes have been sparse to begin this season compared to last year. Hopefully they’ll be ready to battle with their teammates as the Rockets head north for their toughest contest yet in this early portion NBA season.

 

Fiserv Forum: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (0-2):  White

Milwaukee Bucks (1-0):  Green

 

Tip-Off:  7 PM CT

 

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Jalloween:  Morant’s 49 Points Points Push Grizzlies Past Rockets, 129-122

Second to None.    Encouraging Start.    Part 1.

Houston opener their season at Toyota Center with a hard-fought battle, but ultimately lost to Memphis, 129-122. Superstar Ja Morant exploded for 49 points for the Grizzlies, including 19 points third quarter points that helped seal a Memphis deficit. Jalen Green had his best game of this early season. Houston’s young superstar scored 33 points on 13-for-21 shooting from the floor, including 4-of-5 from deep. Alperen had his best showing of the young campaign, scoring 23 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and recording 2 blocks. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 18 points on a less-efficient scoring night opposed to the opener in Atlanta. And Jabari Smith Jr. struggled to settle in during his first home game as a pro. Jabari scored only 5 points on a dismal 3-for-14 shooting display. We’re only two games into the season. Smith Jr. has plenty of time to find his groove at the NBA level.

Although the Rockets are 0-2, it’s been an encouraging start. Last season, the Rockets would’ve been blown out twice. This year, the squad has kept contests competitive. Houston’s played two playoff teams, and lost both by 10 points or less. The Rockets were pesky in Atlanta, but could never get over the hump. And Houston held a 16-point lead at one point on Friday against Memphis. But Ja Morant had one of those superstar-caliber performances that edged the Grizz past the Rockets. Houston has a lot to look forward to despite the winless start in the first couple of games.

Like Morant, Jalen Green was also the second pick in his draft class. And to start the season, he’s proving to the league he deserves recognition as the best sophomore in the league. Once the Rockets settle in after a tough start schedule-wise to the season, the squad will develop the requisite chemistry to acquire victories in these hard-fought battles.

It doesn’t get any easier as Houston travels up to Milwaukee to take on the Giannis Antetekounmpo and the Bucks in the second half of a back-to-back. The Greek Freak will be a handful for this young Rockets team. If Jae Sean Tate returns for Houston, he gives the Rockets a huge boost on the defensive end. Regardless, hopefully it’ll be a hard-fought battle like the one we witnessed Friday night at Toyota Center.