Month: March 2024

Rockets Strive for Nine in a Row, Host Trail Blazers

One Game Back.    Staying Present.    Easy Street’s End.

The red-hot Houston Rockets welcome the Portland Trial Blazers into town, as they close their three game home-stand on Monday night. Winners of their last eight contests, the Rockets roll into this matchup with the league’s best record (10-1) in March. The eight straight victories is the longest winning streak in the West, second only in the league to the team with the NBA’s best record, the Boston Celtics. Entering tonight’s matchup, Houston now sits only one game behind the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final Play-In Spot. Twelve games remain including tonight’s matchup. Plenty can happen in the final dozen games. Both the Rockets and Warriors have tough schedules as the season winds down, so it’ll be interesting to see how the race for the last spot unfolds.

For tonight’s matchup, Houston needs to stay present and avoid overlooking this bad Portland team. The Blazers are in the midst of a six game losing streak, but Portland did deal the Rockets their worst loss of the season in the first matchup at Toyota Center between these squads. Expect Ime Udoka to have his team prepared to keep rolling over a very young and inexperienced Portland group. In their previous game, the Blazers became only the second team in the NBA since 1971 to start five rookies. Portland is still heavily injured, missing guys like Jermami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon, who were responsible for dealing Houston the loss in the first meeting. Expect to see more of Scoot Henderson, the third overall pick in this past year’s draft. And plenty of other players you may be seeing for the first time. As long as the Rockets stay poised, and don’t overlook this Blazers team, they should be able to win their ninth straight game on Monday night.

Jabari Smith Jr. will be out for this matchup. He’s serving a one-game due to his involvement in a scuffle with Kris Dunn in the Houston’s previous win over the Jazz. That means more guys will have to step up, as has been the protocol for this Rockets squad this season. Tonight’s match marks the end of a three game home-stand for Houston. This is the last “easy” game the Rockets will have in the regular season. After this tilt, eight of Houston’s eleven remaining games are against teams with winning records. And that doesn’t include to trips to Utah, one of the toughest places to play in the league. If the Rockets want any chance to complete this comeback to sneak into the Play-In, they need to beat this Blazers team. Expect Houston to keep their winning ways intact with a win tonight, before the schedule toughens up for the final eleven games.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Portland Trail Blazers (19-52):  Black

Houston Rockets (35-35):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Blitz Jazz, 147-119, for 8th Straight Win

Flaming Start.    Splashtown.    Another One.

The shots kept falling for the Rockets on Saturday night, as they cruised to a 147-119 victory over the Utah Jazz, extending their winning streak to 8 games. Jalen Green continues to play at a superstar level since Alperen Sengun suffered an injury. Green was last week’s player of the week in the Western Conference, and he’s had an even better week this week. Green led the Rockets with 41 points on an extremely efficient 15-for-22 shooting from the floor, including 7-for-11 beyond the arc. Fred VanVleet scored a season-high 34 points and dished out 7 assists. And ageless “Uncle” Jeff Green had one of his best games of the season, scoring 21 points off the bench. John Collins led Utah with 25 points, and Collin Sexton chipped in 20 points, but the Jazz were never in this contest.

Houston absolutely blitzed Utah front the opening tip. The Rockets had their highest scoring half of the season, thanks to an absolutely dominant first quarter. Houston scored 47 points on a ridiculous 82.6% shooting from the field in the first frame. The Rockets held a 26 point lead after the first quarter, and led by as many as 35 points. At halftime, Houston had 85 points on the scoreboard, the second most in franchise history. The Rockets 27 made threes, were also the second most in the squad’s existence. Utah’s defense didn’t put up much of a fight, but regardless, Houston displayed a season’s worth of highlights in this single dominant performance. Watching this matchup, it’s easy to wish the Rockets would’ve saved some of these plays for future performances, but hopefully they’ll provide more of these encores in the final dozen games.

This matchup featured another confrontation which had to be separated by both teams’ security and other staff. Jabari Smith Jr. and Kris Dunn, who were in a scuffle in the previous meeting between these teams, got in another one just seconds into the second quarter. And like in the previous matchup, Dunn initiated the flare up between opposing players. Both players received ejections, unfortunately for Houston, considering Smith Jr. is far more valuable to his team than Dunn. Nonetheless, the Rockets are now 5-0 in 2024 when matters escalate and proceedings get chippy on the court. Houston is still one of the league’s youngest teams, but this group is growing up fast. Ime Udoka has instilled in these Rockets a mental toughness and grittiness we haven’t witnessed in years. As opposed to the previous three seasons under Stephen Silas, this Houston squad won’t get pushed around, regardless of the competition.

Up next, the Rockets finish their home-stand  by welcoming the Portland Trail Blazers for a Monday night clash. Houston is 1-1 against Portland this season, with the Blazers dealing the Rockets arguably their worst loss of the season in the first matchup at Toyota Center between these foes. Houston bounced back in Portland to even the seasons series, and the Rockets will aim for further vengeance, as they strive for their ninth straight victory on Monday night.

Rockets Seek 8th Straight Win, Welcome Jazz

Different Tunes.    Embrace the Noise.    Stay on Mark.

For the first time since 2019, the Houston Rockets are aiming for their 8th straight victory, as they host the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. These teams have been singing different tunes since the Jazz were 26-26 in February. Back then, Utah appeared to have a shot to sneak into the Play-In, with the Rockets a few games behind them. Since then, the Jazz have gone 3-15, and now hold a 29-41 record. Over that same stretch, the Rockets have gone 11-8. More recently, Houston has won seven consecutive games and now sit only a game below .500, with a 34-35 record. The Rockets won the first matchup with the Jazz, a thrilling 127-126 overtime victory in Houston, back on January 20th.

The Rockets will see this Jazz team more than any other opponent over the final 13 games of the season. After tonight, Houston will travel to to play the Jazz in Utah twice over the final dozen games of the season. The Rockets need to embrace this opportunity. Utah is headed in the opposite direction, bound for the draft lottery. Houston needs to take advantage of these matchups with Utah. The Rockets still have eight games remaining against teams with a winning record. So their schedule down the stretch does toughen up.

Utah limps into Houston tonight, as they are without two of their best players, Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, for this matchup. The Rockets can’t afford to take this Jazz team lightly. Houston barely survived the first meeting, and this Utah team always plays hard, regardless of who’s available. With more than enough firepower to beat this wounded Jazz squad, the Rockets should continue their winning ways tonight. Expect Houston to fend off a feisty Jazz team, and earn their eighth straight win on Saturday night.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Utah Jazz (29-41):  Black

Houston Rockets (34-35):  “City Edition” White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Wrangle Bulls, 127-117, for 7th Straight Win

Scrappers.    Necessary Villain.    Bakers Dozen.

Led by Jalen Green’s 26 points, the Rockets used a balanced attack to beat the Bulls, 127-117, on Thursday night. Six different players scored at least 14 points for Houston, who won their seventh straight game to climb back to within one game (34-35) of .500 on the season. Green’s 26 points came on 10-for-22 shooting, as he continues to lead the way and play with an unforeseen consistency since Alperen Sengun’s injury. The Rockets led by as many as 19 points in the first half on Thursday, and weathered a Chicago comeback attempt to fend off the Bulls for victory. Jock Landale had the best game of his Rocket career. Landale scored 17 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, to go with 5 assists and 2 blocks. The Aussie continues to take advantage of his increased playing time due to the absence of Sengun. Amen Thompson had another solid game with 15 points and 8 boards. Aaron Holiday chipped in 15 points off the bench, and the never-aging “Uncle” Jeff Green contributed 14 points off the pine for Houston. Ayo Dosunmu led the Bulls with 35 points, as he, along with Coby White, continue to have break-out seasons for Chicago as they deal with several injuries (Zack LaVine, Patrick Williams, and others).

The most talked about play of the game came in the third quarter, when DeMar DeRozan frustratingly hip-checked Jalen Green. Thankfully, Dillon Brooks immediately came to have his teammates back. DeRozan attacked Houston’s best player, and Brooks was having none of it in his house. A scuffle ensued, and afterwards, Brooks was ejected for initiating the confrontation with DeRozan. It was obviously a dirty play, and DeRozan was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 and  also ejected from the contest. Brooks was having one of his best games of the season, as he scored 23 points less than three quarters into the game. Regardless, Brooks sent a message that these young Rockets are not going to be bullied or pushed around, especially in Houston. Dillon may be a “Villain” to the rest of the league, but he’s the villain the Rockets need right now. Someone not afraid to stand up for his teammates. Three seasons ago, Green would’ve been tossed aside and non one would’ve confronted DeRozan. Those days are long over. These Rockets are genuine scrappers. Houston is now 4-0 this calendar year in games where a scuffle breaks out. The squad is truly fighting their way back into the playoff picture.

The Rockets now trail the Golden State Warriors by only two games in the loss column for the Final Play-In Spot. Only 13 games remain for the Rockets on this campaign. Houston’s schedule toughens up after the next two games, and the Rockets are still long shots to make the Play-In, but their winning play recently has put them right back in the picture. The Rockets are breathing down the necks of the ninth and tenth place Lakers and Warriors respectively. Houston still needs help via losses from L.A. and Golden State, but if the Rockets keep winning, they could shock the NBA world and sneak into the Play-In Tourney. Up next, Houston hosts the Utah Jazz on Saturday night at Toyota Center, as they’ll aim to reach .500 in the standings for the first time since last November.

Rockets Aim for Seven Straight Wins in H-Town Clash with Bulls

March Gladness.    Sneaking Up.    High Leverage Necessity.

With March Madness in full swing, the surging Houston Rockets return home to host the Chicago Bulls. These teams are rising in their respective conferences, trying to get back to .500 in the standings. Chicago is 10th in the weaker Eastern Conference, and will likely secure a spot in the Play-In Tournament. Houston sits in 11th place out West, with a more difficult path to the Play-In. The Rockets will need to rely on the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Lakers losing the majority of their final games to have a chance. The Bulls won the first matchup between these squads, beating Houston in Chicago, 124-119, back on January 10th. Entering tonight’s matchup, Houston is playing their best basketball of the season. The Rockets have seemingly ended their road woes, and return to H-Town seeking a season-high seventh straight win. Houston now owns the longest winning streak in the Western Conference, and the second longest in the entire league only to the NBA-leading Boston Celtics.

With their brilliant play of late, the Rockets are sneaking back into the playoff picture out in the Western Conference. Houston trails the Warriors by three games for the 10th and final Play-In position. They will also host the Warriors on April 4th in what could be a very high leverage contest. It’s been nearly three years since Houston has played meaningful games in March and April. This team was 27-35 only a few weeks ago, and seemingly out of the picture entirely. With this winning streak, the Rockets have made a realistic push to sneak into Play-In. It’s still a long shot and the odds are still against Houston, but if the squad keeps winning, they could potentially surprise the Warriors and knock them out of contention, essentially ending any memories of the fizzling Bay Area dynasty.

Tonight’s tilt with the Bulls is the first of three straight winnable games at home for the Rockets. After tonight, they host the Jazz followed by the Trail Blazers, two teams below Houston in the standings. This Bulls team has been playing well since they lost Zach LaVine to a season-ending injury earlier in the campaign. Chicago has won three of their past four games overall, and they sit only a game below .500, sporting a 34-35 record. The Rockets are aiming for that mark with a seventh straight win tonight. They’ll need to buckle down defensively on DeMar DeRozan, and contain Nikola Vucevic in the paint. Although he’s not playing, tonight is Tari Eason Bobble Head night inspired by Spider Man at Toyota Center. Hopefully the Rockets on the floor will be inspired to play with the defensive swagger and hustle that embodies Eason’s game. The Bulls have played ten overtime games so far this season, by far the most in the entire league. With both these teams on the rise, expect a close and competitive contest at Toyota Center. If Houston continues to play with defensive intensity, and Jalen Green continues to shine, the Rockets should swipe their seventh win in a row tonight.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Chicago Bulls (34-35):  Black

Houston Rockets (33-35):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Blast Past Wizards, 137-114, Win Sixth Straight

Greenlit.    Block Landale.    Capitol Victory.

Jalen Green continues to evolve into a star in this league, as he scored 42 points to lead the Rockets to a 137-114 win over the Wizards on Tuesday night. The 42 points ties a career-high for Green, who’s efficiency and consistency has both spiked since the All-Star Break. In his first game after being named the Western Conference’s Plaer of the Week, Green scored 42 points on 12-for-21 shooting, including an impressive 7-for-13 from beyond the arc. In the past, Green would put up big numbers, but it didn’t necessarily translate into winning basketball. Now, Green’s showing an increased confidence and maturity on the court that’’s propelled his game to different levels. He finished the win in D.C. with a plus/minus of plus 26, second on the team. Whereas he used to be a stat padded, Green has been easily the Rockets best player during this current win streak. His improvement as a rebounder continues, as Green grabbed 10 boards on the evening as well. The young guard is playing with more aggressive and confidence. Green’s being more active on both ends of the court, leading to his increase in rebounding numbers. With Sengun out, Green’s taken full-advantage of increased usage. We’re finally seeing glimpses of the player the Rockets envisioned they were getting when they drafted Green with the second overall pick back in 2021. His next step is working on facilitating chances for teammates, a facet of the game Green’s already improving on this season. He’s shown he has the potential to dish out more assists with his quickness and play-making ability, even achieving his first career triple-double earlier this season.

Houston spent a little more time in the locker room than usual at halftime after holding only a three-point lead over the Wizards at the break. Whatever Coach Ime Udoka said fired up his squad, as the Rockets burst out the gates after halftime, outscoring Washington 41-25 in the third quarter to take control of the game. Jabari Smith Jr. had another solid contest with 18 points and 14 rebounds, and Fred VanVleet dished out 11 dimes to pass the 500 assist mark for this season, the most he’s had in any campaign of his career. And starting once again, Amen Thompson had one the of best games of his career. The rookie was a beast cutting and finishing around the basket with several ferocious dunks. Thompson finished the night with a career-high 25 points, to go with 10 rebounds, and team-high in plus/minus of plus 32. And Jock Landale recorded a career-high 7 blocks as he was a beast inside the paint defensively. Landalde has quietly been solid as a reserve, teaming up with Thompson, Smith Jr. and others to fill in the minutes that would’ve been designated for Alperen Sengun.

With the victory, the Rockets have now won six games in a row and eight of their last nine overall. After starting the season 5-24 on the road, Houston has won five consecutive away from Toyota Center. This was a huge win, as the Rockets are now 33-35, now only 2.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the final Play-In Spot. Houston holds the NBA’s best record this month, as they’ve gone 8-1 so far in March. It’s unfortunate Sengun and Cam Whitmore suffered season-ending injuries just as Houston seemed to turn matters around with this late push to sneak into the Play-In. Regardless, everyone else has stepped up accordingly. Green’s been playing at an All-Star level. Thompson is receiving more opportunities and finally showing why he was a lottery pick. Jabari Smith Jr. continues to quietly have a solid second season, and the team as a whole has really bought in on the defensive end. The Rockets still need a lot of luck to go their way over these remaining 14 games to make the Play-In, but they’ve given themselves a chance with this six-game winning streak. Up next, Houston returns home for three very winnable games at Toyota Center. If Jalen Green continues to play at a high level, and the Rockets stick to their defensive principles, this streak could extend into the next few games.

Rockets Seek to Keep Rolling on the Road, Travel to Face Wizards

Quick Trip.    Green’s Week.    Fresh Start.

The rejuvenated Houston Rockets make a brief one-game road-trip to Washington D.C to face the Wizards on Tuesday night. This is the second matchup between these squads in the past week, with the Rockets winning the first matchup, 135-119, back in Houston last Thursday. The Wizards are more beat up than in that first contest, as Kyle Kuzma will be missing tonight’s game with an injury. He’s arguably their best player, but the Rockets still are facing professionals on the other side, and need to particularly keep an eye on Jordan Poole on the defensive end.

Jalen Green was announced as the Western Conference’s Player of the Week on Monday. It’s the first time Green has received the honor, as he led the Rockets to a 3-0 week while playing the best basketball of his career last week. That included a season-high 37 points in a win over these Wizards. Expect Green to continue playing with more aggressive and confidence, especially against a team who’s defense he lit up less than a week ago. After tonight’s matchup, the Rockets return home for three very winnable games. Not to look too far ahead, but if Houston continues playing with this defensive discipline, they can pile on a few more wins before heading back out on the road for a tough matchup in OKC against the Thunder on March 27th. With a 7-1 record, the Rockets have been the best team in the NBA in March. They’ll aim to keep the winning ways rolling as they aim for their fifth straight road win, and sixth consecutive win overall, tonight in D.C.

Amen Thompson is back in the starting lineup tonight, and with Alperen Sengun out for the season, it appears Thompson has a starting role for the remainder of this campaign. The rookie has thrived with increased playing time this season, as if he’s been given a fresh start after beginning the season dealing with an injury. In nine games as a starter this season, Thompson is averaging 13.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and shooting 63% from the floor. He’s nearly a double-double machine when he starts. Look for the rookie to continue to be a key part of Houston’s success as we approach the final 15 games of the regular season, starting tonight with a matchup in the nation’s capital against the lowly Wizards.

 

Capitol One Arena:  Washington, D.C.

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (32-35):  White

Washington Wizards (11-57):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  6:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Out-Duel Cavaliers, 117-103, for Fifth Straight Win

Fusing Together.    The Stay Ready Crew.    Striking Forward.

Houston wasn’t fazed but the uptick in competition as the Cleveland Cavaliers rolled into town. The Rockets handled the Cavs easily, leading by double figures for the majority of the game, en route to a 117-103 victory on Saturday afternoon. Jalen Green continues to emerge as a star for these young Rockets. Green led Houston with 26 points and 11 rebounds against Cleveland. Fred VanVleet chipped in 13 points and dished out a team-high 16 dimes directing the offense. Jabari Smith Jr. registered 20 points and 7 rebound. And Amen Thompson continues to play well in the starting unit, just missing out on another double-double with 18 points and 8 boards in the contest. Houston’s defense held Cleveland’s stealthy backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to only a combined 25 points. The Rockets were excellent on both sides of the ball, as the win now gives Houston five in a row, as they continue to creep closer towards the final Play-In position.

Jock Landale mentioned a few games ago how important “The Stay Ready Crew” are for the Rockets. These are members of the film crews, assistants. and people behind the scenes who work hard with players who don’t receive much playing time. With the injuries to Alperen Sengun and Cam Whitmore, Houston’s needed guys to step up, and they’ve been more than ready to handle the task. It’s still a long shot for the Rockets to sneak into the Play-In, but if they keep taking care of their own business and winning games, it’s certainly not impossible. Houston is now 3.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the final Play-In spot.

Up next, the Rockets make a quick road trip out to the nation’s capital to play the Washington Wizards for the second time in a week. Houston won the first matchup back in H-Town, and they’ll look to the same in D.C. as they aim for their fifth straight road win on Tuesday night. The Rockets were in control during the entirety of their win over the Cavs on Saturday. The win wasn’t shocking, but the dominant fashion in which Houston controlled the contest was a welcome surprise. Washington still holds the NBA’s worst record, and they have only four wins at home this entire season. Houston’s in a great position to extend their winning streak as they hit the road for a one-game trip in Washington D.C.

Rockets Welcome Cavaliers for Matinee Matchup

Afternoon Hoops.    Drive for Five.    Step Up.   

Get ready for some afternoon hoops, as the Rockets host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday at Toyota Center. Houston is aiming for their fifth straight win today. The Rockets have won six of their past seven games, and are riding a four-game winning streak into this afternoon’s contest. Despite losing Alperen Sengun and Cam Whitmore to season-ending injuries, Houston is currently playing the best basketball they’ve played all season. This matchup will prove to be tougher than the Rockets’ most recent victories over league bottom-dwellers, as Cleveland is playoff-bound once again this season.

The Cavaliers currently sit in third place in the Eastern Conference, but have been playing average basketball lately, going 6-7 over their past thirteen games. Donovan Mitchell led the way in the first matchup that saw the Cavs beat the Rockets, 135-130, in Cleveland back on December 18th. Mitchell led the way in that matchup with 37 points, and he will once again be the focal point of Houston’s defense in this contest. His backcourt running mate, Darius Garland, could also be a major threat, as well as big man Jarrett Allen in the interior. Jock Landale will have his work cut out for him trying to contain Allen. Expect Houston to experiment with Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson defining Allen in the post, especially if Landale comes off the pine again, which has been the trend all season.

The Rockets are rolling in March, but the Cavs are a step up in competition compared to Houston’s last several opponents. The Rockets are coming off wins over both last place teams in each conference (Wizards in the East, Spurs in the West). If they want to extend their streak to five, they need to continue playing intense defense, with a balanced offensive attack. Amen Thompson is coming off arguably the best game of his career, and Jalen Green had a season-high 37 points in their previous win. If the Rockets can contain Mitchell, they have a solid chance to win their fifth straight game on Saturday.

 

Toyota Center: Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Cleveland Cavaliers (42-24): Maroon

Houston Rockets (31-35): “City Edition” White

 

Tip-Off:  4:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fly Past Wizards, 135-119, Win Fourth Straight

Different Shade.    Coming Up Jock.    Marching On.

Jalen Green scored a season-high 37 points, as the Rockets made easy work of Wizards on Thursday night with a 135-119 win. The victory is Houston’s fourth straight, and their sixth win in the past seven games. Green has been a different player since the All-Star Break. After an inconsistent first half to the season, Green is finally playing with consistency at a higher level. Green shot an extremely efficient 15-for-23 from the floor, and also grabbed 8 boards on the evening. Fred VanVleet supplied 27 points and 9 assists, and Amen Thompson had another double-double, contributing 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Rockets had six different players score at least 13 points, including all the starters. Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 25 points off the bench. Houston dominated the second quarter, outscoring Washington 42-25 to take control of the contest.

For the third consecutive game, Jock Landale produced a season-high in points, as he scored 13 points in 27 minutes against the Wizards. With Sengun sidelined for the season, expect to see plenty of Landale for the rest of the campaign. The Aussie has been efficient and avoided mistakes over his last three games. Landale will look to continue taking advantage of the extra playing time as we approach the final sixteen games of the regular season.

The Rockets are now 6-1 in the month of March, and they’ll look to keep their winning ways rolling as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday afternoon. With a record of 31-35, Houston still trails the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers by 4 games for the final Play-In spot. Without Sengun, who’s been the best player for the Rockets all season, it’s probably just wishful thinking imagining a scenario where Houston slips into the Play-In tournament. For now, they need to continue working on developing good habits for next season and the future. And if they keep winning and receive a bit of luck, who knows, they could possibly sneak in, but at this point it’s a long shot. The Rockets need to focus on ending this season on a positive note, and they’re certainly marching in that direction this month.