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Rockets Host Mavs, as Texas Rivalry Gets Renewed

Hot Hand Luka.    Inspiring Leadership.    Test Time.

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

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

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

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Dallas Mavericks (28-21):  Blue

Houston Rockets (13-37):  Red

 

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

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

Same Old Story.    Sunset Season.    CP3 Effect.

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

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

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

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

Earn It.    CP3 Returns.    Tough Stretch Begins.

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

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

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Phoenix Suns (34-14):  White

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

 

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

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

Same Old Story.    Waiting for Wall.    Up Next.

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

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

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

Rockets Attempt to Fend-Off Pelicans for Rare Victory

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

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

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

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

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors

New Orleans Pelicans (21-27):  White

Houston Rockets (13-35):  Red

 

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

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

Out of Hands.    No Luck Season.    Goodbye Benny.    

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

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

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

Rockets Look to Rebound Against Celtics in Boston

Similar Foe.    Any Luck?    25 To Go.

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

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

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

 

TD Garden:  Boston, Massachusetts

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (13-34):  Black

Boston Celtics (23-25):  White

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  NBA League Pass

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

Strong Start.    Tale of the Tape.    Learning Lesson.

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

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

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

Rockets Hit Brooklyn, Aiming for Revenge on Harden’s Nets

Harden the Interruption.    The Evil Empire.    Lighting the Firewood.

“You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” You’ve probably heard the famous quote from the best comic book movie ever made, The Dark Knight. And as the Rockets head up to visit their hero of the past, currently the best player in the NBA, and favorite to win this year’s MVP, you know his name… James Harden, the squad has their hands full. Regardless, Houston should be motivated to try and beat Harden at least once this season, and tonight is their last chance. And while John Wall won’t play tonight, Christian Wood, the new cornerstone of the franchise, returns to action for the Rockets.

After forming their super-team of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, the Nets are the NBA’s new Evil Empire. The most talented team in the league, arguably one of the most skilled ever assembled. Still, the Rockets should have an extra boost in motivation going up against the player who tore Houston’s season apart, and set the Rockets trajectory on a new path with his departure.

It’s still weird seeing The Beard in Nets jersey. But get used to it. Harden’s time in Houston is far in the past. It’s a new era in Rockets basketball. The youth movement, a bunch of guys with chips on their shoulders ready to prove the world that they’re better than when they were initially scouted. One way to prove it? Go up against the baddest man on the planet, James Edward Harden, the guy who used to be a hero in Houston, before his sinister departure… it’s time for the Rockets to take down their ultimate villain.

 

Barclays Center:  Brooklyn, New York

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (13-33):  White

Brooklyn Nets (32-15):  Blue

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Mauled Late by Grizzlies, Fall to Memphis, 120-110

Veloci-Ciunas.    Trapped Late.    Onto the Dark Side.

In a game the Rockets looked poised to win, Houston fell apart in the fourth quarter, getting outscored 30-19, as the Grizzlies beat the Rockets, 120-110, on Monday night. Kelly Olynyk had another fantastic game for Houston, leading the squad in scoring with 25 points, and in rebounding as well, snagging 9 boards. The newest Rocket has been another pleasant surprise, and fits seamlessly with Hosuton’s playing style. However, Jonas Valanciunas was too much for the Rockets to handle. Valanciunas had 30 points and 15 boards to propel Memphis to a late victory.

Maybe it was a waning focus as the game moved on. Houston plays James Harden and the Brooklyn Nets in their next game. Perhaps they started looking ahead to Wednesday. Regardless, Houston lost another game they should have won, in what has truly become a lost season. Granted they were without Christian Wood, who was a late scratch for the second straight night, but Houston had this game in control, the squad just failed to execute late.

And now, in this dark season, the Rockets travel to Brooklyn to face an old friend, now a foe… the man who tore Houston apart. It’s time for some revenge on Wednesday night.