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Rockets Can’t Catch a Break Amidst the Heat,  Lose CP3 to Injury, Comeback-Bid Falls Short in Miami,  101-99

The Injury Bug Returns.  Those White Jerseys.  Can’t Stop Him Now.

The Rockets just can’t catch a break.  Houston said goodbye to Trevor Ariza on Wednesday night with a fitting video tribute, in a game where the Rockets set an NBA record, and persuaded much of Red Nation that, maybe, his loss wasn’t as detrimental to the team’s success as many will still admit.  Last night in Miami, the Rockets lost a nail biting, heartbreaker of a game on a missed Eric Gordon 3-point attempt (which was wide open) that would have given Houston a one-point victory, and their 6^th in a row.   Instead they fell short in South Beach as the Heat out-hustled (particularly on the offensive glass) the Rockets on their way to handing the squad a gut-punching 101-99 loss.  The Rockets started right where they left off the previous night, red-hot from deep to give Houston a 12-point first quarter edge.  As the second quarter rolled around, Miami brought more heat on the offensive end of the floor, and cut the lead to 8.  But the Rockets were still in control of the game.  Carrying the tactics with them that got them into full gear on their 5-game winning streak.  Until they got bit.  Again.  By the injury bug.  Chris Paul suffered yet another hamstring injury, in a storied career who’s ceiling has always been road-blocked by injuries.  No word yet has been announced on the severity of the injury, or CP3’s status for the future, but it didn’t look good.  Paul went immediately to the bench after gripping his left hamstring.  He was out of the locker room before the game ended, and the Rockets can only hope his injury isn’t as bad as it looks.  When asked about the injury after the game, Coach Mike D’Antoni said, “it’ll be some time.”  In other words, Paul’s going to miss a minimum of at least a few weeks.  Which is not good news for the Rockets. They’re currently 0-5 this season in games Chris Paul doesn’t play, and his injury last year is the reason the Houston Rockets don’t sport the title as reigning champs of the NBA this year.  And it couldn’t have come at a worse time, as Houston’s next 5 games are a brutal stretch against some of the league’s toughest opponent, including the Celtics, Thunder, and Pelicans.  Maybe it’s just me.  But the Rockets seem to have suffered the most DNP’s courtesy of the injury bug more than any other Championship contender in the 21^st century.  Look back at the T-Mac and Yao era.  Tracy McGrady had his share of injuries.  Yao Ming’s 7’6 frame put him at a disadvantage. His towering height and lankiness are traits seen in big men who have histories of recurring injuries.  Yao was absent for the majority of Houston’s franchise record 22-game winning streak, and was frequently injured early in playoff series throughout his career.  Last year, Luc M’bah Moute was never the same after his shoulder injury.  And of course, Chris Paul suffered another setback that will likely keep him on the sidelines for a while.  Harden’s one of the most durable players on Earth, but the bug has bitten even James himself, as he missed a few games early this season due to injury.  James Ennis has been injured for the majority of the season.  Eric Gordon’s missed time, and been in and out of the starting lineup, both factors undoubtedly affecting his poor shooting, as he struggles to find a rhythm, as he’s yanked in and out of the lineup due to the constant injuries.  Gerald Green’s missed time due to multiple injuries.  Thank God for Danuel House, who seems capable to carry a similar level of durability as James Harden, and House has been a revelation for the Houston’s bench.  Speaking of the bench.  Next man up.  James Harden’s been up all season.  He’s never been higher than he is now, playing at the peak of his athletic prowess while putting the league on notice.  Now he has a chance to put the history of the game of notice.  CP3 will be out for, at the very least, a minimum of 3 weeks (also wishful thinking) .  The Beard has another great opportunity, to silence more of the haters.  The (seemingly) millions who actually focus on his “flopping”, when he’s actually just skilled at duping the officials, (a real skill, indeed, one Harden’s the best at). Harden’s got a chance to move his legacy from superstardom to legendary.  Stars are fun and popular to watch.  But stars who win titles (aka legends)?  They’re remembered forever in the NBA history books.  Not that the Beard hasn’t broken enough records this season, but if he can somehow keep the Rockets afloat while Paul recovers from his injury, he should, without a doubt, win his second consecutive MVP award (although the voting is biased, especially towards the year’s previous winner) and legitimately earn the title of greatest offensive player in NBA history.  The Beard’s been on a torrid onslaught, but the Rockets can’t depend on him to do this the entire season.  Eric Gordon, Gerald Green, and others need to step up and fill the void left by Paul.  So, what’s up with these white jerseys?  The Rockets are now 2-6 when they wear the white jerseys, and 0-6 in white since Carmelo Anthony left.  It’s just a coincidence, but the Rockets need all the help they can get right now.  They obviously play better in red or black.  But for now, Houston must rely on Harden to do what the Beard does best: score at will.  On any player.  Any time.  The way the Beard’s been playing, along with Paul’s recurrent injury, make this an opportunistic season for James Harden to prove he’s truly one of the greatest players of all-time.  If he can lead these beat-up Rockets to one of the higher seeds in the playoffs, it’ll swing voter bias and make it hard for them not to appreciate his value and what he does for the Rockets.  But some (a lot) of people love to hate James Harden.  Hate stems from jealousy.   Opposing players, teams, and fans are all jealous that the Beard is dominating the NBA, all the while making other teams look foolish trying to stop him.  The Rockets can’t afford him to stop now.  Chris Paul’s injury is only going to shoulder more of the load that Harden is already bearing.  The NBA’s reigning MVP and the best player in the world at the moment, will have to do even more than his current production rate for the squad to get back to form in a season that’s seemed (not fair) due to all the injuries, officiating, etc.  But life’s not fair.  At times, neither is the game of basketball.  But when you have what Harden has: innate, natural talent, with the ability to do things few other humans can, you do what you have to do.  Even if that means winning the MVP award in consecutive seasons.  Just do it.

Up next, on Saturday night the Rockets hope to blow the Spurs out of Toyota Center this time, after silencing the silver and black crowd the last time these two Texas foes met. Houston can’t afford to fall back to .500 on the season in the crowded West, especially without Chris Paul on the hardwood for the foreseeable future. It’s all hands on deck for the Rockets. Everyone has to and will have the opportunity to contribute more due to CP3’s injury. Houston’s second unit needs to take advantage of these opportunities to earn more playing time when (or, I should I say, if) the team is ever at full-strength. James Harden needs some help, and the Rockets need to prove their depth is real. That they’re more than just a bearded legend.

Rockets Ride Hot Streak into Miami, Looking For a Baker’s Dozen

Bake Half a Dozen.  MVP, GreenHouse Effect, Brings Heat to Miami.

The Houston Rockets stroll into South Beach, riding their longest winning streak of the season.  The critics are questioning if this streak is just another upswing in a rollercoaster season full of ups and downs.  Or are the Rockets back to being the Rockets.  Houston shoots for its longest winning streak of the year tonight in Miami as they take on a Heat squad coming off to of they’re most impressive wins of the year.  The Heat are riding their own mini-streak as they’ve impressively gutted out consecutive road wins over two of the fourteen teams (Pelicans and Grizzlies) fighting for playoff position in the West.  Unfortunately for Miami, they recently lost their starting point guard, the vastly underrated former Rocket, Goran Dragic, to an injury recently as he will be out for tonight’s contest.  This should give Chris Paul an even further advantage, as he strives to get his form back, and remain out of his prior slump.  James Harden has been on a tear offensively.  Don’t just look at the numbers.  The Beard’s playing with a fiery intensity he’s yet to reveal in his career, playing the best basketball of his life, as he continues his quest to put every opposing team’s big man on a poster.  The rest of the squad finally came to life last night, setting an NBA-record with 26 3 pointers made on 55 attempts from beyond the arc.  The Rockets hope to carry the hot hands with them as they take on a Heat team that’s ceiling is, at best, a late seed in the Eastern Conference.  And that’s if they’re lucky.  This is another game in which the Rockets should win.  They’re clearly the better team, they’ve got the reigning MVP playing the best basketball of his life, and they seem to have finally regained some of last season’s swagger.  However, looks can be deceiving.  And the Rockets haven’t looked so great in their white uniforms, which they’ll be sporting tonight against the Heat.  Houston is 2-5 this season when they wear white, but 0-5 since Carmelo Anthony left the team.  I’m hoping that it’s just a coincidental stat, as the Rockets don’t wear white often, and haven’t at all during their current win streak.  If the Rockets really want to prove to the league that they’re not only back, but even better than last year, they’ll need to continue winning games like tonight’s in Miami.  Houston is coming off a record-breaking win last night and is playing its 3^rd game in 4 nights.  The Rockets will have to truly gut this one out, fight those tired legs, and “Run as One” if they want to take their winning streak to 6 games in South Beach.

American Airlines Arena: Miami, Florida

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (16-14): White

Miami Heat (13-16): Black (Vice City Edition)

TV: 7 PM CT – TNT, ATT Sportsnet SW

Rockets Set Dazzling 3-Point Record, Zoom By Wizards 136-118

The Record.  Five in a Row.  Are They Really Back?

“Three! Three! Three!” the crowd chanted, over and over again, during the final minutes of Houston’s 3-point barrage. The Rockets rode an assault of treys from the perimeter on their way to a 136-118 victory, their 5^th in a row on the season, over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night at Toyota Center. The Rockets finally secured a record they knew they should’ve been theirs long ago, as they went 26/55 from deep to set the record for the most 3-point field goals made in an NBA game. It’s amazing what great ball-movement does for a team’s shooting percentage outside the arc. And this time, the Beard’s friends joined the party. For the first time since November 23^rd, The Rockets’ Big 3 (James Harden, Chris Paul, & Clint Capela) all scored more than 20 points in the same game. They had help too as the Rockets splashed their way to a record-shooting night from beyond the arc. The Rockets had 6 guys put in double-digit scoring numbers on the board (Danuel House was a point away from being included on that list, finishing with 9 points). Anytime Houston has 4 players with a plus/minus of 14 or more, not named James Harden or Chris Paul, usually results in a win for the Rockets, as it did on Wednesday. Harden got the team off to a hot start, hitting his first 3 from deep, to get the team’s record-setting pace on its way. The Beard finished with 35 points, going 6 of 11 from the promise land, to go along with 9 assists and 3 boards. Chris Paul shook out of his shooting slump, garnering 21 points to go along with 8 dimes. Clint Capela was back in All-Star form, scoring 20 while grabbing 12 rebounds. Eric Gordon showed improvement, that he might be slowly getting out of his slump, getting 16 points for the squad. P.J. Tucker was solid as always. His value often doesn’t show up in the box score but last night, Tucker was part of the 3-point party, scoring 11 while out-hustling the Wizards on his way to 11 rebounds on the night. The “GreenHouseEffect” is still a major, underlying factor throughout the Rockets’ current 5-game winning-streak. Danuel House and Gerald Green combined for a plus/minus of 30 and their presence was felt on both ends of the floor. Their 3-point shooting, combined with their defensive pressure and intensity, has been one of the main reasons why Houston’s in the midst of a 5-game winning streak. It was nice to see Trevor Ariza again. The Rockets paid him a fitting tribute video during the first timeout of the game, giving Rockets fans a reminder of what made last season so special. However, the team Ariza’s currently on, are no where near the Rockets. He’ll have to get used to that just as Houston’s adapting to his absence. Bradley Beal was the biggest threat for the Wizards, scoring 28 points. John Wall struggled early but came on late to score 18 for the Wiz but it wasn’t enough. The Rockets proved they were the better team. They beat a team they were supposed to beat. Something Houston did almost all of last year on their way to a franchise-record 65 wins. The Rockets have been struggling with that this year. They’ve shown they can compete with the best, but they’ve tended to fall asleep on some of the league’s poorer competition. That trend didn’t happen tonight, and it looks like the Rockets are back to winning the games they should. Although looks can be deceiving, only time will tell. Up next for the Houston, the Rockets make a quick trip east for a battle with the Miami Heat in another game they should win. Let’s hope the Rockets bring the same heat they had tonight, with them into Miami.

Rockets Aim for 5 Straight as a Familiar Face, Wizards Come to Town

Chemistry.  Togetherness.  Teamwork.  Talent.  Talent is the most important element of basketball.  If you don’t have talent, you’re not in the league.  Look at me.  I have talent, but not that kind of talent.  That kind of talent is at the core of winning.  Just look at James Harden.  The Rockets are riding a 4-game winning streak, almost exclusively courtesy of the Beard.  Harden’s playing the best basketball of his life, as he carries a Houston team that otherwise wouldn’t have a chance at 5 in a row tonight.  Chris Paul and Eric Gordon haven’t been themselves, struggling shooting the ball and are in a slump.  They’ll be back to being the CP3 and EG we’re used to seeing at Toyota Center.  Splashing 3’s from deep, while being integral parts of victories.  The Rockets are fine.  They have James Harden, and he’s been better than ever. That’s where that kind of talent comes into play.  But without chemistry, togetherness, and teamwork, good luck winning a lot of games in NBA competition.  A championship?  Without chemistry, teamwork, and togetherness you can forget about that.  You’ve got no shot.  Just look at the history of Championship teams and great teams in general.  Name one that didn’t have chemistry, teamwork, and togetherness.  I’ll wait.  Can’t find any?  That’s right, there are none.  Without those 3 elements, an NBA basketball team can’t win enough games to be great or be a champion.  It’s common sense.  That at times, sadly, gets overlooked.  Tonight, Rockets fans will get a reminder of one of the reasons that made last season’s team the franchise’s best in it’s 51-year history.  Trevor Ariza makes his first debut in an opposing team’s uniform since leaving in free agency last summer, as the Wizards come to Houston.  Ariza brought those 3 elements. Chemistry, togetherness, and teamwork to the Rockets record-setting season last year, and was one of the main reasons for the team’s historical success.  James Harden and Chris Paul were superstars and led the team.  P.J. Tucker emerged as the best hustle player in the league.  Clint Capela showed Rockets fans why the organization drafter him.  Last season, the Rockets won a franchise-record 65 games. Do you think they would have won 65 games if Trevor Ariza wasn’t on that team? I don’t.  In my opinion, Trevor Ariza is one of the greatest “glue-guys” in NBA history.  He brings all the intangibles to the table. Sacrifices ego for the good of the team.  I’m not saying talented players don’t do that, but Trevor is talented too!  He just puts whatever team he’s on first because he’s all about winning.  He has a ring.  None of these Rockets players do, and one of the main reason’s Houston was a hamstring injury away from winning a title last year is Trevor Ariza.  Admit it or not, the Rockets miss him.  And boy could they use him now. It was a gut-punch when news hit a few days ago, about his trade to the Wizards, after months of speculation that he may return to the team mid-season.  Houston’s currently on a 4-game winning streak, and are playing what appears to be their best ball of the year.  James Harden has been the main reason for Houston’s current success.  The Beard’s playing basketball like his life depends on it.  Once CP3 and EG get back to form, the team will be performing at topnotch levels.  But, let’s look at the big picture.  The Rockets are 15-14 this season through 29 games.  Last year, Houston was a staggering 25-4 through 29 games.  They got off to a really hot start. But the Rockets lost only 17 games last year, and are only 3 games away from already matching that mark this early into the season.  They’re going to lose more than 17 games this year.  Unless James Harden has the best season in NBA history, and CP3, Caplea, EG, and PJ all have career years in the same season (which is virtually impossible).  This Rockets team hasn’t proven (yet) to have the potential to be better than last year’s team.  Trevor Ariza may not put up fancy numbers in the box score or wow you will SportsCenter-like highlights, but Ariza brings so much to a team’ success in terms of chemistry, and playing as a unit. Just look at the Rockets motto.  Run As One.  Trevor was all about that, and this year’s squad really misses him.  He’s durable, always had played well in D’Antoni’s system, and had a lot of fun.  His teammates loved him and vice versa. The chemistry was there.  This year’s Rockets squad has been beat up, experimented with Carmelo Anthony, and is one-year older in a league where age obviously plays a factor.  They really could use Trevor Ariza. Now more than ever.  But that wishful thinking’s over with and it’s time to get down to business.  The Rockets host a Wizards team coming off a tough loss to a bad Hawks team in Ariza’s debut where he was second to only Beal in scoring with 19 points, to go along with 8 rebunds, and 4 assists.  However, the Wizards had an inspiring beat-down over the the improved Lakers in their first game after learning Ariza had joined the team.  Trevor will undoubtedly make the struggling Wizards a better team.  The Rockets come into this game looking for someone to help out James Harden.  The Beard has been on a tear. But nothing lasts forever. He’s going to need some help and soon.  The Rockets’ next 11 games are arguably the squad’s most challenging part of the schedule this season.  With Houston (or Harden), slowly digging themselves out of an early-season hole, they can’t afford too many more losses.  After tonight, only 11 games remain for the Rockets until we’re officially halfway though the season.  Chris Paul looks like he’s aging a season with each game and Eric Gordon has been in a slump the team desperately needs him to shake off.  Clint Capela has slowed down a bit, it seems as if the big fella is getting tired and is already feeling the wear and tear of an NBA season.  Like many Rockets, Capela has been forced to play more minutes due to Houston’s injury bug that came earlier than expected.  Danuel House Jr. has been a hometown savior for the Rockets, coming out of nowhere in what is by far the in-season signing of this NBA season.  House has been fantastic, and Houston’s been outscoring opponents by devastatingly when House is on the court.  Gerald Green has been on and off, although recently he’s been a great tandem with House.  Their play together has re-energized the Rockets bench, an earned them the popular nickname the “GreenHouseEffect.”  Trevor Ariza might not be the most popular player, but Rockets fans and the team feel his absence, whether they want to admit it or not.  In the NBA, popularity only gets you to the All-Star Game, if you’re good enough.  Popularity doesn’t win championships.  Hopefully, James Ennis (who most casual fans have never heard of) will return to his aggressive form prior to his injury and remain on the floor for the rest of the season.  Ennis was the guy the Rockets expected to fill-in the void left by Ariza’s absence.  Ennis started slow, but showed great signs before suffering another early-season injury.  He appears, at least so far, to be one of the more injury prone players in the league.  Compare that to Trevor Ariza, who hardly ever misses a game, and is arguably a better player than Ennis, despite being on the downside of his career.  The Rockets will try and get their 5^th straight win tonight at Toyota Center against a Wizards team that looks to build upon Trevor’s arrival.  It will be tough to see Ariza, always a friendly face, and someone who did so much for Houston that went unseen last season.  That’s all in the past, however, and the Rockets need to try and contain him as something tells me he’s primed for a big night tonight against his former team.  Hopefully, Harden can some help tonight (especially come clutch time) so he doesn’t get worn out before the playoffs start.  Unfortunately, the Rockets don’t have the luxury of losing a game here or there.  These are must-win games for Houston as they continue to climb out of the hole they built themselves early in the season.  The Rockets need to limit Ariza’s looks from the perimeter, and contain Washington’s backcourt threat of John Wall and Bradley Beal, who combined to score 68 points the last time these teams met.  James Harden needs to have some help.  Look for Clint Capela to provide assistance with a big game, as the Wizards are one of the weaker teams at the Center position.  The Rockets’ big man should have himself a feast of points and rebounds in the paint.  Hopefully, EG and CP3’s shots will start falling so Harden doesn’t have to shoulder so much of the offensive load for Houston.  The Rockets need the “GreenHouse” to be in effect and they should be able to take down a Wizards team that has been inconsistent all year long.  Washington has its own trade rumors and chemistry issues, although Trevor Ariza seems to be a big solution when it comes problems in the locker room.  Don’t be surprised if the Wizards start to move up the standings in the Eastern Conference.  Let’s just hope it doesn’t start tonight.

 

Toyota Center: Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Washington Wizards (12-19): Black

Houston Rockets (15-14): Red

 

TV: 7 PM CT – ATTSportsnetSW

 

 

 

 

Harden’s Dominant Performance Carries Rockets Past Jazz, 102-97

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”  Words that were said once upon a time, by someone who goes by the nickname of, “The Goat”, among other things.  The Michael Jordan missed over 12,000 shots in his career, including 26 game-winners, and lost around 300 games.  No one’s perfect.  Even the greatest, superstar athletes, who, when compared to the average person on the street may seem immortal, make mistakes.  James Harden’s made plenty of mistakes.  Game 6 against the Spurs, 3 years ago.  An early-season hangover caused by last season’s defeat in the Western Conference Finals, after a historic season for the Beard, and the franchise.  His “poor” defense.  Harden’s took a lot of tough shots in the past, when he could have instead easily driven the ball to the hoop.  His effort, can at times, seem unconvincing to the fleeting observer.  You’ve probably heard casual fans perceive his defense as questionable at times.  We all make errors, blunders, and slip-ups.  It’s only human nature.  The greatest players (and people) learn, and improve, from their faults, to better themselves in the future.  Say what you want about James Harden’s “slow start”, I think he was just learning from his mistakes.  And class has ended, for the Beard as a student, folks.  He’s now teaching, the art of how to excel in an NBA where every call is questioned.  And last year’s MVP is taking the entire league to school, making defenders look like they’re deer in headlights, rocking the ball back and forth, keeping the opposition clueless as to what arsenal Harden will pull out of his bag of tricks next.  The Beard’s also putting a lot of his competition on posters, so kids across the country can have a reminder of what “unstoppable” looks like when they wake up and look at their walls.  That “make it happen” kind of mindset, that MJ mentioned, defines what separates the good from the great, the great from the superstars, the superstars from the legends.  On Monday night, The Beard realized that if the Rockets were going to gut this one out, he was going to have to make it happen.  The Rockets gave themselves a comfortable 18-point lead, built around another solid defensive team effort.  The improved communication on defense is getting overlooked, as James Harden continues to torch the entire league and any player who gets in his way (a la Rudy Gobert).  As much as the Rockets wanted to blow out the Jazz and get some rest (the team’s in the midst of a 3 games in 4 days stretch) that was just wishful thinking.  Utah stormed back to tie the game at 94 apiece.  Until James Harden “made it happen.”  Again.  The Beard scored 11 of Houston’s final 13 points, including a personal 8-0 run to finish off the Jazz and lead the Rockets to their 4^th consecutive win, 102-97.  Last year’s MVP finished the night with 47 points, 6 boards, 5 dimes, and 5 steals, continuing to perform at an even higher level than last season during Houston’s current winning streak.  James Harden is currently playing the best basketball of his life.  People can complain about a missed travel call all they want, but they can’t argue that James Harden is playing better than anyone in the NBA, right now.  He’s shouldering a Rockets team still dealing with injuries, trade rumors, and new acquisitions.  And he’s learned.  A lot.  The last time the Rockets played the Jazz, Harden had one of his weaker performances of the year, finishing with a mere 15 points.  The Jazz had figured him out.  Or, so they thought.  Since that blowout defeat, Harden has been on a tear.  Despite the heartbreaking collapse in Dallas, the Rockets have won 4 in a row and Harden has jumped back into the MVP conversation, playing with spectacular force (on both ends of the floor) at the highest level in his entire career.  The last 4 games, the Beard’s had two triple-doubles, including a 50-point game, and is playing with a different level of fire.  A burning desire to win, that comes from within.  Something only the greats can channel.  Jordan played with a fiery intensity, and James Harden has been able to channel the motivational fire that fuels the best in the game, and it all started with his first basket to start the winning streak.  The Javale McGee Dunk.  More importantly, was his statement afterwards, as he flexed in the direction of LeBron James, as if to say, “it’s time to pass the torch, I’m the real King James.”  Try and guard him.  No one can.  And the Beard proved that last night.  The Jazz simply couldn’t guard him.  The biggest shot of the game, a dazzling step-back three from Harden over Donovan Mitchell, gave the Rockets the lead for good, and sent the Toyota Center crowd into a circus-like frenzy.  P.J. Tucker was the only other Rocket to score more than 15 points, with 16 to go along with the usual hustle and grind he brings every night.  After the game, Chris Paul, who’s seen a plethora of some of the most dominant offensive forces to ever play the game from MJ himself to Kobe, summed up Harden’s night poignantly: “I say it all the time, he’s the best offensive player I’ve ever seen,” Paul said.  “Like, seriously.  He can drive, he can shoot, he’s got ball handling.  It’s going to be a tough night for you, whoever it is.  I don’t care what you’re doing.”  And neither does the Beard, because he knows he’s unstoppable.  Harden’s playing with the kind of confidence that Jordan, Kobe, Iverson, all had when they knew they couldn’t be stopped.  As long as The Beard is able to channel that fire within, and use it when the squad needs it most, the Rockets will be fine and should have a rested, motivated Harden for the playoffs.  Up next for the Rockets, the Washington Wizards come to town.  The Wizards just received ex-Rocket, Trevor Ariza, in a trade.  Last year’s glue-guy for Houston makes his return to the city on Wednesday.  The Rockets will look to prove all that Ariza is why Houston’s off to a slow start wrong, as Houstonian Danuel House is quietly showing he’s more than capable of filling the void Ariza’s absence left.  Other players need to step up offensively (Eric Gordon, among others) and give the MVP some assistance so he’s not worn out come playoff time.  The Rockets won’t have to rely on Harden to do this every night.  They can’t.  That’s asking a lot.  Even from someone who’s currently “making it happen” in a league of his own.

Rockets Hope Their Secret Winning Melody Tunes Out the Jazz

This is no guise. These guys are for real.  I’ll let you in on a little secret, one the Rockets already know.  This secret will soon allow ESPN, NBA TV, and the national media to take note.  The “GreenHouse Effect”, as fans are calling it, is the real deal.  The phrase refers to Gerald Green and Danuel House’s potent mixture of grit and teamwork off the bench.  The effect of having both players simultaneously on the floor for Houston has resulted in (so far) the NBA’s most potent lineup this season.  Tonight, the Rockets play host to the Utah Jazz. Another huge game as the roller coaster season continues.  But now, the season truly feels different.  It’s as if the Rockets were riding around at Six Flags, looking for excitement in a regular season full of parity on a historical level that no one saw coming.  The West was supposed to be good.  But this good?  Houston didn’t realize this campaign would be one of the most difficult to navigate in NBA history after the franchise’s record-setting season last year.  Houston’s already had 3 season’s worth’s of ups and downs.  The squad is finally sick of all the rollercoasters.  The Rockets are ready for lift-off. Utah’s already beaten Houston twice this season, but that was during the roller coaster portion of the year.  That ride has ended, before the Houstonian filled “GreenHouse” was in full effect.  This is the first time Houston faces an opponent for a third time this season.  This is a HUGE game for the Rockets, as they continue to dig themselves out of their early-season hole.  A win tonight would prevent Utah from gaining the tiebreaker, should the teams finish with the same record come playoff time.  Look for a Rockets team finding its groove to execute their secret on the Utah Jazz tonight.  Green and House have played 98 minutes together, a small sample size, yet they’re igniting Houston’s bench as it returns to where it belongs, with the NBA’s elite second units.  During this 3-game win streak, the Rockets have outscored opponents by 17 points per 100 possessions with the “GreenHouse” in effect.  The duo is combining for 24 points and 7 boards a game, as they reinvigorate a Houston bench that was once thought to be a lost cause.  Oh, and then there’s James Harden, who’s only coming off consecutive triple-doubles. Patience is a virtue. So is good music.  Sometimes, greatness takes time for its potential to become fully recognized.  The Rockets have finally found a melody the entire squad can groove to, and Houston isn’t stopping their tune for any Jazz. Utah comes into Houston tonight desperate for a win.  The Jazz have lost 3 of their last 4 games, and at 14-16, want to avoid falling into a deep hole in the packed Western Conference.  The Rockets haven’t been over .500 in 3 weeks. Now, Houston’s finally back to .500, determined to continue climbing up the standings.  The Rockets need to keep bodies on Utah’s big men, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, to win the battle of the boards, a key stat for tonight’s contest.  Houston needs to contain Donovan Mitchell who struggled in his last game against Houston.  The young Jazz star is poised for a big night, as he usually plays his best ball against the Rockets.  The squad must keep the defensive focus and attention to detail on both ends of the floor.  Houston must limit the open looks Utah’s gunslinger from deep, Joe Ingles, seems to always find in Houston.  The squad has to clog any driving lanes that may open up for Ricky Rubio and Donovan Mitchell.  With the way things are starting to sound in H-Town, this should be no problem for the Rockets.  There are many possible formulas for success, especially considering the Championship-level talent Houston possesses.  The Rockets have finally pinpointed several areas, including the “GreenHouse Effect”, and are enacting these plays on the court.  They’re running as one, in-sync as a team, and have James Harden in full-on “Bearding” mode, proving he should be in the MVP discussion once again.  Houston’s going to refrain from letting any Jazz stop the squad’s winning anthem.  Rockets fans, it’s time for lift-off.

Toyota Center: Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Utah Jazz (14-16): Yellow

Houston Rockets (14-14): Black

 

TV: 7 PM CT – NBA TV, ATTSportsnetSW

Encore! Harden’s 2^nd Straight Triple-Double, Green’s Heroics, Lift Rockets Over Grizzlies

The Beard did it again. No, he didn’t score 50 last night, but he did get his second consecutive triple-double. The league’s primary offensive force finished the game with 32 points, 12 boards, and 10 assists in what is slowly turning into another MVP season campaign for James Harden. The Rockets held off a 2^nd half rally by Memphis to beat the Grizzlies, 105-97, and they looked exceptionally well in the first half, sitting on a 21 point-lead at halftime. In the 2^nd half, the Grizzlies came out sharp defensively. Luckily for Houston, the Rockets were able to withstand any rally thrown their way. Gerald Green was a huge spar for the Rockets off the bench and and saved the game for Houston when it was becoming dangerously close in the 3^rd quarter. Green finished with 17 points and had some of games biggest shots. Clint Capela had another double-double, along with Chris Paul. Great team workout from the Rockets and Chis Paul had another double and P. J. Tucker supplied all the action defensively. The first half of this game was the best Houston has looked all season. They came out very slow to start the 2^nd half, only garnering 18 points in the quarter, Gerald Green (aka The Green Light) ignited the Rockets to move forward, hold the lead, and keep Memphis at bay. Green was efficient in key moments of the game. When the Rockets really needed a bucket, Green stepped up and lit a 3-ball to keep the Rockets ahead. Harden’s 2 straight triple-double will get all the headlines, but without Gerald Green this game could have been a disaster common to the Dallas heat breaker earlier this season. The Grizzlies cut a 21-point Rockets lead to 5 with a few minutes left, but James Harden and Chris Paul ensured the pace would be in the Rockets favor, and they would be in control of the game in the final minutes. Up next for the Rockets, they travel back home to take on the pesky Utah Jazz. Utah has three players who can beat you: Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, and Joe Ingles. Houston will have to continue to focus their tune on the defensive end in order to keep the winning ways if the Rockets want to move above .500 for the first time in nearly three weeks.

Rockets Seek to Win Third Straight, Eye Getting Back to .500

Last season historically great regular season for the Rockets featured two early season losses to the Grizzlies, a team that would finish with only 22 wins last season. This season the tables are turned record-wise, but Houston aims to prove it can grind out wins and play at any pace like the elite teams. Sure, the Rockets prefer to play at a faster pace with more possessions for offense and scoring, but the FedEx Forum (aka the Grindhouse), has been a place where fans have witnessed many slow, grind-it-out, tough, physical battles… hence the nickname. Houston will have to prove it’s tougher than Memphis. In the Rockets previous game, they proved they weren’t scared of anybody, The Beard even snarled in the abstract direction of LeBron James (safe enough to avoid a taunting technical, calls that were hardly ever made in the 80’s and 90’s) as if to signify that this was a changing of the guard in terms of the “King James” title. LeBron’s career is one-of-a-kind. Right now, I’d take James Harden just about over anybody. The man has put the team on his back and is quietly putting together another MVP campaign, despite Houston’s losing record. It was as if the Beard said to himself prior to the dunk, “I’ve had enough. It’s time we get down to business and start winning games, no matter what it takes.” If Harden can get the rest of the Rockets to follow suit, and play with that tenacious mentality and sense of urgency, Houston as more than enough talent to grind out a win in Memphis. The Grizzlies are led by, their two aging veterans. Mike Conley, and Marc Gasol (as his battle with father time is visibly starting to show). James Harden has a chance to set the NBA record for free throws attempted if he drives to the basket on the slower, foul-prone Gasol, getting him into foul trouble early, resulting in more free throws for the Beard and the squad as a whole. Chris Paul vs. Mike Conley will be a matchup to watch at point guard. Conley has been one of the more vastly underrated players in the league for years now, and is having another efficient season. Paul will need to be better than average, or he risks being out-played by Conley. The other matchup to watch is in the paint, featuring Clint Capela vs. Marc Gasol. The Rising Star vs. a Fading Star. Clint should continue his double-double tear of a season and rise above Gasol and help the Rockets fade the Grizzlies even close to further out of the playoff picture. Eric Gordon is questionable with leg soreness, and James Ennis remains out for Houston with his recurring hamstring injury. Still, the Rockets proved on Saturday that as long as they play as a cohesive unit, they can beat anyone, and don’t necessarily need to be at full-strength every night, (although, against the Warriors, they will). The Grizzlies will prove to be a tough task, but an assignment the Rockets will be able to pull off, as they are still fueled by the best backcourt the NBA has to offer. Everyone else on the Rockets will just need to follow the leaders.

 

FedEx Forum – Memphis, Tennessee

 

Jersey Colors:

Memphis Grzzlies (16-12) – Gray

Houston Rockets (13-14) – Red

 

TV: 7 PM CT ATTSportsnet

 

 

 

The Beard’s 50-Point Triple-Double Sails Rockets Past LeBron, Lakers, 126-111

Fashion is a pivotal aspect of modern NBA culture. It’s a league where players don anything from suits, to something Russell Westbrook made for himself on the way to a game. James Harden showed up at Toyota Center on Thursday night in a snake-skinned suit/short combination. One doesn’t wear an outfit of that measure unless they plan on making a confident assertion. The Beard’s proclamation came just three minutes into the game, after Houston fell behind to start, 4-0, courtesy of two buckets from LeBron James. LeBron had his share of buckets on Thursday. But some buckets mean a little more than others. And Harden’s first bucket of the night, was literally that, mean, close to the point of being disrespectful, all out of necessity. The MVP zipped past Lonzo Ball with ease, en route to putting JaVale McGee on a poster that might still be around when we’re all dead, sending him spiraling to the floor after (arguably) the dunk of the year. Harden’s vicious dunk wasn’t followed by his typical act. One where the Beard pretends he gets up so high, as if he just gave himself an accidental nosebleed. This time, Harden knew he had to send a message, and a dunk was followed by a sense of purpose. He viscerally flexed his muscles and growled in the direction of the “other” James as he put the world’s best player and the league on notice: the Rockets are back. Or at least, when the moment is shining brightest this season, the Beard isn’t going to let H-Town down. The Rockets are now 4-0 against: the face of the league, the best team in the NBA, and the 1-seed in the brutal Western Conference (LeBron James, the Golden State Warriors, and the Denver Nuggets respectively). Harden recorded a 50-point triple-double that included 10 boards and 11 assists. The “King James” of this matchup was certainly Harden, as he fueled Houston past the Lakers, 126-111, on Thursday night to give the squad its second straight win. LeBron James, aka The Man with a Spotlight on Him 24-7, had a slightly below average game himself (thank you, P.J. Tucker), considering his lofty expectations. LeBron James finished with 29 points, but only had 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. In a matchup with ooh’s and ahh’s galore, Houston prevailed, and left the Lakers complaining about calls. Although, refereeing was questionable on both sides. Rockets center Nene was handed two technical fouls over debatable calls, and ejected from the game in the third quarter, all in the span of less than a minute. Most importantly, the Rockets proved that when they play when the lights are brightest, they can beat anyone on any night. And when James Harden is “Bearding”, like he was Thursday night, setting an NBA-mark by recording his fourth 50-point triple-double, the Rockets are unbeatable. The Beard got most of the attention, and deservedly so, but the squad’s rotation looks like it’s finally clicking at the right time (despite the absence of James Ennis III). Clint Capela continued his All-Star bid, scoring 16 points, to go along with 14 rebounds. Chris Paul chipped in with 14 points, while dishing out 9 dimes. The ever-impressive Danuel House, the in-season pickup of the year so far for Houston, by far, contributed another efficient performance for the squad, adding 15 points and great defense in a season-high 29 minutes. Eric Gordon had 13 points, and P.J. Tucker contained LeBron James with another stellar defensive effort in a career full of them. The spotlight won’t be as bright for Houston’s next matchup. The Rockets travel to Memphis for their next game on Saturday night against the Grizzlies. Houston will need to grind out a complete team effort if they want to beat a gritty, tough Grizzlies team, on the road. The Rockets season has been filled with ups and downs. Harden’s dunk, and the Rockets’ win, may have been just another dunk, and another game, in one of the more unpredictable seasons of the franchise’s history. If Harden and company play with the energy they brought to the floor on Thursday, that dunk could be the play that turns the season around. It certainly felt like one of those “season-defining” moments. We’ll find out if that’s the case Saturday night. The Grizzlies are coming off a disappointing loss to the Miami Heat at home on Friday night, and will be facing the Rockets on the second night of a back-to-back. Houston will be more rested and should have more fuel in the tank. The Rockets don’t need another 50-point performance from the Beard to win. If they “Run as One”, it’ll be enough at the Grindhouse in Memphis, for the Rockets to gut-out another much-needed victory.

Battle of the James’ as Rockets, Lakers, Collide in Houston

Jordan. LeBron. His Airness. The King. Revolutionized the game. Changed the game. Whatever your stance is in the never-ending GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) argument, you have to admit, LeBron James is a force. One the basketball world has never seen, and won’t see again, once he hangs up the jersey for good. Any time you can legitimately say “the” before someone’s name, like the Michael Jordan, you know that person’s status is legendary. Well ladies and gentlemen, the LeBron James and his ragtag crew of rising newcomers and aging veterans, come to town tonight, as the Rockets host the Lakers at Toyota Center, in LeBron’s first game in the purple and gold. LeBron turns 34 this month, old in basketball years, yet the man that seems more machine than human is having another MVP campaign in a career that continues to never slow down. The Human Freight Train and his Lakers are riding a 2 game-winning streak. The Lake Show are outperforming most people’s preseason’s perceptions of how successful the Lakers would be in LeBron’s first season in L.A. Right now, the Lakers are a mere one game out of first place in the sufferable West. A Western Conference, where seeds 1-14 are currently separated by only 5 games, an incredible parity unheard of in NBA history. These 14 teams are beating up on each other, one of the reasons caused by LeBron’s arrival out West. Don’t be fooled by records, these Rockets are much better than the 14^th seed in the West, and they’re starting to heat up. James Harden roasted the Lakers last season, averaging more points against the Lake Show than any other team in the league. The Beard had 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, in Houston’s first win of the season in L.A., back on October 20th. It was also the contest in which the infamous “spittle” brawl took place, and got Chris Paul suspended for 2 games, resulting in a rocky start to the season for Houston. The personnel that caused that started the brawl, Rajon Rondo and Brandon Ingram, are both out for the Lakers with injuries, so don’t expect any brawls tonight. The Rockets are coming off one of their best team efforts of the year, in a win over the Blazers in their previous game. 7 Rockets were in double figures, with Harden leading the way with 29. Look for the Beard to drop at least 40 tonight, as he is out to prove who the real King James is when the Rockets and Lakers tussle. Houston will be without James Ennis, who suffered a hamstring injury in Tuesday’s contest, and will be on the sidelines for at least two weeks. It’s next man up time in Houston, and the Rockets have plenty of guys capable of filling in and stepping up to provide production in the absence of Ennis. A guy who would be the main source of help for P.J. Tucker, as the NBA’s most underrated defensive player (overall player, in my opinion) as he will have his hands full, and then some, while trying to contain the machine that is LeBron James. Other members of the squad will have to step up on the defensive end. Hopefully, Nene brings the same level of intensity in the paint that he brought last game, as he will be facing off again Tyson Chandler, on the downside of his career, yet still very effective, pesky, and a grinder in the post. Clint needs to play like the All-Star Houston’s seen all season, as the rebounding advantage is a major key as to who wins tonight’s contest. This is a HUGE game for both teams. Despite all the Rockets’ struggles this season, they’re still in a great position to finish with one of the highest seeds in the ruthless West, considering the bruising environment of a Conference in which we could legitimately have 14 teams fighting for their playoff lives in April, something I never expected. The Rockets and Lakers continue to fight in the ongoing battle for playoff positioning in this year’s jam-packed Western Conference. Expect an electric atmosphere in Toyota Center tonight, as any time The James’ meet, it’s must-see basketball. Harden and James are both having excellent seasons once again, to the surprise of no one, and their recent matchups have been exciting, to the say the least. The Lakers are getting better with each passing game, as LeBron adjusts to his new team, and leading his new mix of eclectic teammates. The King always plays hard. One of the many defining elements of his legendary career. James Harden and the Rockets have defining elements too. They’re shot-takers and shot-makers. Houston needs their shots to be falling tonight if they want to beat the King and his upstart Lakers. As Omar said in HBO’s legendary TV series, The Wire, “You come at the King, you best not miss.”

Toyota Center – Houston, Texas

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Lakers (17-10) – Yellow

Houston Rockets (12-14) – Black

TV: 7 PM CT – TNT