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Rockets Ride into the Bay Area for Matchup with Warriors

Night and Day.    Ready to Go.    Draymond Mean.

After shocking the Suns with a 122-121 victory in Phoenix, the Rockets travel to the Bay Area to battle the NBA’s best home team, the Golden State Warriors. The Dubs are 10-1 at home while playing in the friendly confines of the Chase Center. On the road however, Golden State is only a dismal 2-10. The game’s location has truly been a night-and-day difference for how the Warriors have performed to begin the season. Golden State is playing better since their first matchup with Houston, back on November 20th. Since that contest, which saw Klay Thompson explode for 41 points, the Warriors are 4-2, and slowly climbing back up the Western Conference standings. Both teams are coming off a back-to-back, with the Warriors defeating the Chicago Bulls in the Bay Area last night. Which means, luckily for Houston, they won’t see Klay Thompson tonight, who rests on the second night of a back-to-back for Golden State, which has been their protocol all season.

Even though the Rockets won’t have to endure another 41-point outburst from Klay, the Warriors still have plenty of players to give Houston headaches on Saturday night. Stephen Curry is averaging 31 points a game. Andrew Wiggins is having another brilliant season with Golden State, as the Warriors have seemed to be a perfect fit for him after they acquired him from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jordan Poole will likely take on much of the offensive load in place of Klay Thompson tonight. As difficult the task, Houston has to contain Poole and Wiggins, and hope Curry doesn’t explode for a 40 or 50-point effort. Most importantly the Rockets can’t get off to a slow start. If Houston isn’t ready to go from the opening tip, they don’t have a chance against a veteran, experienced Warriors team. Last night’s comeback took a lot of energy and heart, and the squad will need that from the get-go to avoid playing from behind against the Dubs.

Expect the usual antics from Draymond Green, who’s been a pest to opponents since he entered the league. Houston is coming off their best win of the season, a complete team effort. Hopefully, they’re not too pleased with themselves, or they could be in trouble early in the Bay. The Rockets have to be the tougher and meaner team if they want to upset Golden State on Saturday night. Houston has to win the hustle battle, and can’t afford to allow the Warriors to get too hot from beyond the arc. Despite the odds, the Rockets weren’t expected to beat the Suns last night. Before Friday night’s Shocker in the Valley, the Suns were 12-1 playing in Phoenix. Houston will try and replicate what they did last night and upset one of the best home team’s in the league. It won’t be easy, but the Rockets handed the Suns only their second home loss of the season last night… they’ll try and do that again on Saturday night against the defending Champs.

 

Chase Center:  San Francisco, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (6-16):  Red

Golden State Warriors (12-11):  Blue

 

Tip-Off:  7:30 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Storm Back to Shock Suns, 122-121, Survive Thriller in Phoenix

Third Quarter Charm.    Green Sunset.    Statement Game.

After two tough losses in Denver to start their four-game road trip, Houston entered Phoenix as heavy underdogs. Jalen Green also made his entrance into the Valley of the Sun with something to prove. Green had arguably the best game of his career. Houston’s budding superstar scored 30 points en route to leading the Rockets to a 122-121 upset over the Suns in the Desert. The victory was by far Houston’s most impressive so far this season, as they beat the top seed in the West, and snapped Phoenix’s six game winning streak. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 30 points. Jabari Smith Jr. continues to play consistently well after a rough first 15 games to the season. Jabari had 17 points on 7-for 12 shooting (including 3-for-5 from three-point land), 6 rebounds, and is having a more visceral and aggressive impact on each game as the season continues to roll on. Bruno Fernando had the best game of his career. Fernando scored 14 points on 7-for-8 shooting (mainly dunks via Daishen Nix) in only 14 minutes. More importantly, he finished the game on Houston’s closest, most exciting game of the season. Usually Alperen Sengun would be out their in a close contest, but Fernando’s performance earned him more playing time than usual. It also bodes well for the big man’s chances of seeing more court time the rest of the season.

Despite the positive result when the final buzzer sounded, after the opening tip it appeared Houston was on their way to another blowout loss on the road courtesy of an elite team. Comparable to Wednesday in Denver, the Rockets got off to a slow start on Friday night. Houston trailed 12-2 early in the first period before spurting out a 15-7 run that kept them within striking distance after the one quarter, trailing 36-27. After an even-keeled second period, Houston trailed by 7 points at halftime. But it was the third period that really showed the Rockets’ growth as a young team as we’re finally into the second quarter of the season. Houston trailed by as many as 16 points with around 3:30 remaining in the third quarter. Luckily for the Rockets, Jalen Green was angry, and had the game of his life. After being beaten down in Denver and struggling, Green seemed to grow up overnight. He scored 20 of Houston’s 29 points in the third period to get the squad back in the game. Green also attacked the basket with ferocity. H-Town’s superstar-in-the-making shot a career-high 16 free throws, tying his career best of 12 made freebies in a game. The squad as a whole had a whopping 43 free throw attempts, as their aggressiveness was on full display. Most notably in the second half when they mounted their impressive comeback road victory.

These gritty Rockets trailed by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter, 101-88, but Bruno Fernando, Daishen Nix, and a host of guys who don’t usually make the biggest contributions, had their best games of the season respectively. Nix and Fernando developed chemistry in the second quarter that rolled over into the final frame. This was an all around team effort from the Rockets. Houston shot a blistering 13-for-19 from the field in final period. Even though Jalen Green receives the majority of the credit, Houston doesn’t win in Phoenix without everyone buying in to the game plan And everyone on the roster was on ready to play last night. The Rockets even withstood a 41-point explosion from Devin Booker, who narrowly missed winning the game at the buzzer. The Suns had a great chance at victory on the final possession. The Rockets led by only a point, and the Suns had 28 seconds remaining. Green played the best one-on-one defense I’ve witnessed in his career, forcing Booker to take a tough shot, that rattled out. After a few missed tip-ins from the Suns, the Rockets regained the ball only to turn it over to Phoenix again with  less than 5 seconds remaining. Phoenix found Booker for a wide open shot at the free throw line, that just fell short, and the Rockets survived their most impressive win of the season.

This was by far Houston’s most impressive win of the season. Coming off two devastating losses to start this brutal road trip, the Rockets came into the hottest team in the league’s house, traded blows, and got the scrappy win. In a similar manner to how contenders win close games. Houston showed real signs of maturity and growth in their chemistry, effort, and decision making. Stephen Silas even showed progress as a young coach by trusting his gut, and playing Fernando in the waning seconds of a game when Bruno’s used to being a seat warmer in those situations. Friday night;’s statement win proved many things: Jalen Green is going to be a superstar sooner than expected. After a slow start, inquiries about Jabari Smith Jr. being a bust, and inconsistencies early on, the Rockets showed why they picked Smith Jr. on draft night. Jabari is the real deal, and is already showing All-Star potential a quarter into the season.

Up next, the Rockets travel to the Bay Area to face Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Golden State won the previous game in Houston. The lasting memory from that contest was Curry “putting the Rockets to sleep” after he mimicked falling asleep, while taunting the crowd after sealing the game with a big shot. That, and Klay Thomson exploding for 41 points. Along with Houston, the Warriors are playing their second straight game, after beating the Chicago Bulls, 119-111, last night at home. This means Klay Thompson won’t be suiting up tonight, as Golden State’s protocol is to avoid playing Thompson two days in a row. Other than their win in Houston earlier this season, the Dubs have only one more road win for a total of two on the season. That’s even less than the Rockets, who secured their third road win of the season impressively in Phoenix. And once again, Houston enters Saturday night as heavy underdogs against the Warriors. But if last night proved anything… underdogs or not, these Rockets always have a chance.

Rockets Aim to Cool Off Streaking Suns in Phoenix

From Second to First.    Another One in the Books.    Entering the Fire.

Houston makes their third stop on this brutal road trip in Phoenix to take on the red-hot Suns on Friday night. Phoenix has won six straight games, including seven of their last eight contests, with the lone loss coming by one point on the road to Utah. After winning two straight to end their home-stand over the past weekend, Houston has dropped the first two games (both in Denver), to the Nuggets in their current four-game road trip, arguably their toughest of the entire season. After playing the second seed out West in the Nuggets, Houston now gets the early Christmas treat of playing the Suns, the top team in the conference. And tomorrow, the Rockets travel to the Bay Area to battle the defending champion Warriors on Saturday, in the back-half of back-to-back, and the Rockets third game in four nights. Houston needs a dire sense of urgency if they want to steal one of these next two games to close out this road-trip.

Phoenix has been without Chris Paul for the last eleven games due to an injury. It hasn’t hampered their play, as evidenced by their current winning streak. Most importantly, CP3’s absence has allowed one of the NBA’s most lethal scores, Devin Booker, to get let loose. In Phoenix’s previous game, Booker was scored a whopping 51 points, efficiently shooting 20-for-25 from the floor. He didn’t even play in the fourth quarter, as the Suns had no problem putting away the Chicago Bulls, 132-113, in their previous game on Wednesday. The Rockets obviously have their hands full trying to contain Devin Booker. His 51-point night was no anomaly coming from a man who once scored 70 points in an NBA game. Booker will obviously be the main focal point for Houston’s defense, and keeping him under 30 points would be respectable for the squad. They’ve got to make other Phoenix players do damage, the problem for the Rockets is, the Suns have plenty of tools in their arsenal to devastate opponents.  De’Andre Ayton is a beast in the pain who will give Alperen Sengun and other Houston big men headaches tonight. Ayton’s coming off a 30-point, 14-board performance in the Suns’ last game. Mikal Bridges will also give the Rockets fits on the perimeter. The lengthy three point shooter and scrappy defender is one of most underrated players in the league. Another reason Phoenix hasn’t missed a beat with CP3 missing close to a dozen games.

The Rockets hope that mark turns to a dozen, as Houston will need all the help they can muster as they enter the fire this weekend. Back-to-backs are always tough, but especially on the road against elite competition. For a young team, these next two games will be the ultimate test of the Rockets’ maturity, growth, and evolution through this first quarter of the season. We are now officially 21 games into the season, and Houston has had one of the toughest schedules so far to start the year. It’s no excuse, but the Rockets need some wins if they want to avoid falling behind the rest of the pack, left solemnly holding the league’s worst mark for themselves. With a record of 5-16… maybe Houston will catch some much-needed heat as they square off against the NBA’s hottest team tonight.

 

Footprint Center: Phoenix, Arizona

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (5-16):  Red

Phoenix Suns (15-6):  Turquoise

 

Tip-Off:  8:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Denver Demolition:  Slow Start Dooms Rockets in 120-100 Loss to Nuggets

Rocky Start.    Transitional Adjustments.    Moving On.

Well, part two of the Rockets mini-series in Denver didn’t go exactly as the squad had planned. Houston never led, and trailed by as many as 33 points as they lost to the Nuggets for the second straight time, 120-100, on Wednesday night. Jamal Murray scored 26 points to lead Denver’s route, while Nikola Jokic provided 17 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. led the Rockets with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Alperen Sengun had another solid game as well for Houston, registering another double-double with 18 points and 11 boards. Jalen Green continued to struggle with his shot, as it seems the altitude really hampered Green’s performance. Green scored 16 points, and only connected one of his seven attempts from long range.

Houston was never in this game. They trailed by 13-2 to start the contest, then went on a little run to inspire false hope, as the Rockets trimmed Denver’s lead to 3 points, trailing only 20-17 midway through the first quarter. However, that was the closest Houston would get in this matchup. The Nuggets went on a devastating 27-4 run to close the quarter, leading by 20 points after the first period. The Rockets would see that lead swell to a 27 point deficit at the half. Houston played with more urgency in the second half, but it was too little too late, as the Rockets couldn’t climb out of the early first quarter hole they dug themselves. Jabari Smith Jr. continues to shoot the ball efficiently, scoring 13 points on 5-for-12 shooting. The rookie needs more looks at the basket, and his teammates need to focus on finding him the ball when he’s coming off screens on the perimeter. Houston’s improving in this area, and will mesh with Jabari’s bag of tricks as the season moves along.

Speaking of moving along, the Rockets need to wipe these last two games from their memory. It doesn’t get any easier for the squad, as they head to Phoenix to take on the Suns, who are currently first in the Western Conference. The next night they’ll head to the Bay Area to face to improving Golden State Warriors, who got off to a rough start, but have slowly began their climb back up the standings. It’s arguably the toughest back-to-back Houston will endure all season. Hopefully, they can steal one of the next two matchups. Taking both would be pretty shocking, to the league, and Rockets fans. It’s not impossible… but the plan is to secure at least one win over this upcoming brutal double-header.

Rockets Aim for Different Results in Rocky Rematch with Nuggets

Rematch Time.    Quarter Mark.    Sharing a Laugh.

“We’re destined to do this forever,” the Joker says in the iconic 2008 film, The Dark Knight. The Rockets are trying to avoid another dark night in Denver as they play the Nuggets for the second straight game. Houston’s “Little Joker”, Alperen Sengun, stood up well against the real “Joker”, Nikola Jokic. Notably in the first half, where the two talented big-men went toe-to-toe before Jokic took over the second half and led the Nuggets to victory. It’s rare in the NBA schedule for a team to play the same opponent twice in a row. Since COVID, this has been a trend. Reducing travel costs and other conveniences, but it’s hard to beat the same team twice in a row, regardless of their record. The Rockets will hope that trend plays in their favor of Wednesday night.

Tonight’s matchup marks the quarter point of the season officially for Houston. the Rockets will have played 21 games after tonight, and are on pace for 20 wins this season. Although expect more victories as the schedule eases up during the second half of the season. Houston would love to close the first quarter of this campaign with a victory over one of the NBA’s best teams, and get some revenge for Monday night’s loss. The Rockets are 5-15, looking searching for that elusive sixth victory of the season.

Expect more of the same tonight, as the two Jokers will go head-to-head in what certainly will once again be the matchup to watch in tonight’s contest. Sengun has no fear going up against the two-time reigning MVP. It’s matter of receiving necessary support from his teammates. His comrades Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and the rest of the squad need to prevent Jamal Murray from having another 30-point night, and also help out in the battle of the bigs down low, who despite the competition, will likely share a laugh or two. After all, as we witnessed on Monday night, until their careers are over… these two are destined to face-off forever.

 

Ball Arena:  Denver, Colorado

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (5-15):  Black

Denver Nuggets (13-7):  White

 

Tip-Off:  8:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Lose Steam in Second Half, Fall to Nuggets, 129-113, in Denver

Hateful Eight.    Second Half Struggles.    The Big Bad Jokers.

Aleperen Sengun, aka “Little Joker”, held his own against his “idol”, back-to-back MVP Nikola “The Joker” Jokic on Monday night, to begin Houston’s four-game west coast trip. Seungun led the Rockets in scoring with 18 points, but it wasn’t enough, as Jokic and Jamal Murray combined to score 63 points on 65% shooting overall to ensure Houston had no chance of pulling the upset. As a result, Denver dealt the Rockets a 129-113 defeat on Monday night. The Rockets stood toe-to-toe with the Nuggets in the first half, trailing by only two points entering the break, However, the Rockets lacked fire coming out of the break, and scored only five more points in the second half than they registered in the entire first quarter alone. Houston needs to come out strong after halftime on Wednesday night, as these teams square off-again in Denver. The third quarter will arguably once again be the key, as the Rockets have often struggled playing out of the break, especially if they’re too comfortable, (aka the game is close or they have the lead).

On Monday, Jokic was perfect in the third period. The Joker went a perfect 7-for-7 from the field, and didn’t need to even score in the fourth quarter, as the Nuggets pulled away with a 10-1 run to close the third quarter. As mentioned previously, Sengun, aka, “Little Joker” led Houston with 18 points, but he contributed only 3 points in the Rockets dismal second half. Other than Jalen Green, who had another off-shooting night, going 5-for-15 from the field for 17 points, Houston didn’t shoot the ball poorly in this matchup. The Rockets shot 45.9% from the floor, and an above average, but not great, 36.4% from three-point range. After a string of three consecutive solid games, Jabari was somewhat underwhelming. The rookie needed to be more aggressive on Monday. Jabari took only four shots, and made three of them. Obviously, Denver’s bigger lineup and physicality is a part of the NBA game that Houston’s promising rookie is still adjusting too. Look for Smith Jr. to receive more opportunities as these squads battle again in the rematch on Wednesday night. The Rockets need him to contribute like he did this past weekend if Houston wants to end their dreadful eight-game skid to the Nuggets.

The Big Bad Joker. The back-to-back reining MVP. Nikola Jokic is the real deal, and he proved it once again on Monday night, albeit with much-needed assistance from Jamal Murray. Both players put on 11-for-17 shooting displays, and if the Rockets want any chance of taking Part 2 of this mini-series, they need to contain Denver’s lethal duo. Houston needs to make the rest of the Nuggets beat them. Whether it’s Aaron Gordon, Ish Smith, or Zeke Nnaji (someone most people have never head of) rising from the dead, and having the best game of his life. Nnaji scored 15 points on 7-for-12 shooting in only 18 minutes of action on Monday, third in scoring behind Jokic and Murray. Well, up next these teams hit the hardwood for a rematch on Wednesday night. Same place, Denver’s Ball Arena. Hopefully, the Rockets have had some time to acclimate with the altitude… and possibly shock the Nuggets in the rematch of the NBA’s “Jokers.”

Rockets Hope Winning Ways Travel, Begin Four-Game Trip in Denver

Rocky Road Ahead.    Altitude Adjustment.    Mile-High Two Step.    

Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets look to continue streaking in the right direction, as they battle Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets tonight in the Mile High City. Monday’s match is the first of four straight on the road for the Rockets, including the first of two in a row in Denver. These squads will square up for a rematch on Wednesday night. The Nuggets are off to a 12-7 start, and will likely be contending for the Western Conference throne come May. Denver has All-Star guard Jamal Murray back in the fold after he missed the entire season last year due to injury. Along with “The Joker”, the Nuggets boast one of the best duos in the entire league.

For now, Houston needs to hope the momentum from winning two straight for the first time all season travels with them on the road. They’ll need to adjust to the altitude in Denver, as it really does have an effect on the players’ performances. Maybe the Rockets are young enough to withstand the altitude, and play on sheer drive to earn a tough victory. Jabari Smith Jr.’s play seems to improve with each game, and Houston will need another solid outing from their rookie if they want to upset the Nuggets tonight. Expect different schemes of rotations tonight, as some players will be hampered by the altitude more than others.

This is the first of two in a row against the Nuggets, with the second match coming Wednesday. Will the Rockets still be suffering from winners’ hangover after securing their first streak of the season? Expect a closer game than most expect tonight. For many Rockets, this is their first game playing in the altitude. If Houston’s going to pull the upset in Denver over one of these next two games, tonight puts the odds slightly more in the Rockets favor compared to Wednesday. Houston will be the underdogs this entire road trip, and expect the squad to scare, and maybe even upset the Nuggets tonight. The Rockets are on a roll, and have been playing consistently better in the past few weeks… anything’s possible tonight.

Ball Arena:  Denver, Colorado

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (5-14):  Red

Denver Nuggets (12-7):  Navy Blue

 

Tip-Off:  8:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Silence Thunder, 118-105, for First Winning Streak of Season

Going Streaking.    Turkish Thunder.    Turning the Corner.

For the first time all season, the Rockets won consecutive games, silencing the Thunder, 118-105, en route to a perfect home weekend. Jalen Green led the Rockets in scoring with 28 points on an efficient 11-for-19 shooting from the floor, but it was his distributing that drew the most attention. Green had a career high 9 assists as he continues to improve as a playmaker on the floor. Then Rockets withstood an “average” night from Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 32 points, right around his average on the season. Houston’s Alperen Sengun had arguably his best game of his NBA career. After returning from a one-game absence due to injury, Sengun had an absolutely dominant night.

The Turkish sensation scored 21 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, dished out 7 assists, and also had 3 steals and 2 blocks for good measure. Sengun was unstoppable against a young-OKC who had no answers for Houston’s big-man. Jabari Smith Jr. had another solid game for the Rockets, scoring 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in another efficient game. Jabari’s certainly turned a corner with his play compared to the first ten games of the season, Smith Jr. looks like a completely different, and more comfortable player.

In rare circumstances, the Rockets played with a lead for the almost the entirety of the game. After a hot start, OKC finished with a late comeback attempt to make the final score appear closer than the game actually was. For the first time all season, Houston controlled this contest from start to finish. Up next, the Rockets hit the road again for a brutal four-game road trip out West. Their opponents: the current top two seeds in the West (Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns), and the defending champs (Golden State Warriors). Elements are about to get trickier for this young Houston squad, as they head out on the road for another tough stretch in the schedule. Hopefully, they can steal a win or two, as they’ve certainly improved their play over the last few games. After that horrible loss against the Clippers that put Houston’s record at 2-12, the Rockets are 3-2 since. The squad’s certainly turned a corner, but the ultimate test awaits them in arguably the toughest road trip of the season. The squad will begin the festivities in Denver as they battle the Nuggets for two straight games in the Mile High City, on Monday and Wednesday respectively. Hopefully the momentum from Houston’s first winning streak of the year will travel with the team on the road… otherwise the Rockets could be in trouble over their next four games.

Rockets Host Thunder in Second Half of Weekend Back-to-Back

Part 2.    Beating the Numbers.    Incoming Silent Superstar.

Coming off their best victory of the season, a 128-122 comeback win over the Hawks on Friday night, the Rockets are back in action Saturday night, as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is the second of two straight home games for Houston after having a rare four consecutive days off over Thanksgiving. Luckily for the Rockets, the Thunder also played last night, garnering a tough overtime win over the Chicago Bulls at home. Both teams will be playing with tired legs, but this will be OKC’s third game in four nights, so Houston should have the rest advantage. Plus, they’ll be seeing the return of Alperen Sengun, who missed the previous game with a groin injury. Friday night’s win over Atlanta was the most exciting of this young season, and don’t expect the excitement to lower as the Rockets face arguably the league’s Most Improved Player, and budding superstar in Shai Gilegeous-Alexander.

SGA is in his fifth season, fourth with OKC, and this year he’s taken the clear jump from All-Star to Superstar. If the Thunder (8-11) were a winning team, the Kentucky product would be the clear front-runner for MVP. Oklahoma City is not much of a team without SGA. They’ve already gotten off to a better start than most expected, due to SGA’s MVP-caliber play and clutch-shot making. You haven’t heard his name among the likes of Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Giannis, and other bonafide superstars in this league. But you will soon enough. SGA’s not even a quarter into the midst of a true breakout-superstar season. His popularity will increase as the year moves along. If the Rockets want any chance tonight, they have to hope Shai is having on off-night, otherwise Houston could be in trouble, as they’re facing arguably the most lethal perimeter driver in the league.

All the odds are stacked against Houston tonight. Besides being the literal underdog, the Rockets haven’t won consecutive games all season, and are faced with that challenge once again tonight as they battle the Thunder. There is good news, Alperen Sengun, who missed last night’s thriller, is making his return to the lineup. And OKC is no juggernaut. Houston is more than capable of beating the Thunder tonight. Both teams are coming off hard-fought wins last night, but OKC had to travel from Oklahoma to Houston. The Rockets didn’t travel other than to their own beds. Plus the squad is playing with momentum after their fiery comeback win over Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, and the Hawks last night. Houston withstood a combined 83 points from Atlanta’s potent duo last night. Can they contain the NBA’s silent superstar, and win consecutive games for the first time all season? It should be an exciting affair on Saturday night. Expect a close game that could go either way, hopefully the Rockets have some of that clutch magic in store from last night’s comeback win… they’ll need some more tonight if they want to best the Thunder.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (8-11):  Orange

Houston Rockets (4-14):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  NBA TV,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Storm Back to Stun Hawks, 128-122, After Dominant Fourth Quarter

Poking the Bird.    Dominating the Boards.    Right at Home.

If you checked in on this game midway through the third period, and saw the Rockets facing a 16-point deficit, you probably figured they were headed for another defeat. Well, Houston flipped the switch, and after a testy third quarter, stormed back from that 16-point deficit to shock the Hawks, 128-122, on Friday night. Jalen Green was on against Atlanta, scoring 30 points on an efficient 10-for-17 shooting. Jabari Smith Jr. had another strong outing, scoring 21 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. Kenyon Martin Jr. had arguably his best game as pro. KJ Martin got the striating nod due to the injuries to Eric Gordon and Alperen Sengun, and the youngster once again showed why he deserves as many minutes as possible. Martin scored 21 points, and swarmed the glass for a career-high 15 rebounds. But it was the return of Garrison “Garry Bird” Mathews, who arguably provided the biggest spark. After struggling the previous few games in limited playing time, Garry Bird returned just in time with some huge clutch three-pointers to help the Rockets stave off the Hawks, and earn the victory. Mathews finished with a season-high 20 points in the contest.

Houston withstood monster nights from Atlanta’s lethal backcourt. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray combined to torch the Rockets for 83 points, but some unnecessary taunting by the pair led to technicals, and fired Houston’s squad up. The Rockets motto is Light the Fuse, and Atlanta certainly helped by poking the bear, or bird, in Garrison Mathews. Dejounte Murray initially taunted Jabari Smith Jr., which started the commotion. Smith’s teammates had his back in the comeback win, especially Mathews, one of the league’s grittiest players.

This game shouldn’t have been as close as it was considering Houston dominated the rebound battle on Friday. The Rockets out rebounded the Hawks 59 to 28, and they scored 37 second-chance points, while limiting Atlanta to only 2 second-chance points. Young and Murray did nearly all the heavy lifting for the Hawks, who had only one other player, A.J. Griffin, score in double figures. Houston showed poise down the stretch and finally came out on the right side of a comeback game. The Rockets are used to giving up big leads, or trailing and coming up short. On Friday they bucked that trend with the impressive come-from-behind win, outscoring Atlanta 34-18 in the final period.

Houston gets right back in action at home on Saturday night as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC has one of the rising superstars in the league in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who will pose headaches for the Rockets’ defense. Houston has to hope the momentum from this victory over the Hawks, their best win of the season, can carry over to Saturday night. The Rockets will be playing a team with a worse record, but with arguably an even hotter player than the lethal backcourt they faced tonight. SGA has been the surprise of the season in terms of individual jumps in player performance… if Houston can contain him somehow, they might be able to avoid defeat once again on Saturday night.