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Pressure Cooker: Rockets Clash with Thunder in Pivotal Game 5

Happy Beard Day.    Time to Get Free’d Up.    Redemption Russ?

“I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”, one of the famous rants in Network, an overlooked piece of nostalgic cinema from the 1970’s. After Game 4’s frustrating loss to OKC, James Harden appeared to be taking this mantra to heart. The Bread pushed over a hand sanitizer machine as he walked back to the locker room after the embarrassing loss. Even without Westbrook, Harden and the Rockets should beat this Thunder team. However, they’ve surrendered double-digit leads in the past two games, making life much more difficult for themselves. What once looked like a probable sweep, has now turned into a “who wants it more” best-of-three series. Tonight’s winner gets one step closer to advancing, while the loser gets pushed to the brink of elimination. If Houston wants to alleviate the pressure of being in a win-or-go-home situation, the Rockets need to push the Thunder to the edge of elimination in Game 5. More drives to the rim for Houston, and stopping OKC’s bench are keys to getting off to a hot start for the Rockets.

Tonight’s pivotal momentum swinging game in this series also happens to fall on the birthday of one of the players who’ll be suiting up for action on the court. In fact, the best player on the court tonight was born today, 31 years ago. It’s the first time James Harden has played on his birthday. Houston will heavily rely on their superstar to  be at his best, on a night when the Rockets upgraded Westbrook’s status from “out” to “questionable.” The real question is… does Houston need to rush Brodie back in Game 5? Or should they let him get fully healthy for Games 6 and 7, if the Rockets fall tonight. The choice is in the hands of Russ, who will test his quad and is listed as a game-time decision. I don’t know if this is bit of a chess move by Houston, putting the idea out there that Russ is returning… maybe to motivate the Rockets, and instill a little fear in the Thunder. We all know Westbrook’s licking his chomps to get revenge against his former team. But is the time for vengeance necessary tonight? Or can the Beard, on his birthday, carry the squad back in the right direction? We’ll know in a matter of hours.

What we know now, is two aspects need to change if Houston wants to start making noise in this series, and tune the Thunder out. First, Dennis Schroder has to be a priority on defense. Schroder’s layups are starting to resemble snatching candy from a newborn. It’s just two easy for OKC’s Sixth Man of the Year, who has been the key, along with Chris Paul, to getting the Thunder back in this series. As great as he is on defense, Robert Covington is much more effective as a weak-side defender helping in a stitching scheme, like Houston often runs on defense. However, when isolated with a quick guard, RoCo puts himself in trouble, and Schroder has exposed this area of Houston’s defense. The German has to be stopped, if the Rockets want to regain the momentum in this series.

The other aspect of this series that needs to change, are free throws. In Game 4, Houston attempted a season-low 10 free throws, while the Thunder had 28 shots at the charity stripe. Along with their live-and-die by the three mantra, free throws are the Rockets bread-and-butter. Houston has to be more aggressive, and focus on driving to the basket. Regardless of how poor the officiating is, there’s no reason OKC should have 18 more free throws than Houston in a game. Nonetheless, the Rockets should get hit more and sent to the line tonight. Harden leads the league in free throws. And on his birthday, everything’s free for the Beard. Expect Harden to have a potential career-defining performance, if he can carry these Rockets within one game of advancing, without Russ, would be impressive. Hopefully the rest of the Rockets attack and defend with more hyperactivity. When OKC scores 115 points, they rarely lose. Houston held them under this mark in the first two games, and won. The Rockets let the Thunder strike past this mark in Games 3 and 4, with both games resulting in Houston losses. The defense has to sharpen up, or the Rockets are in trouble, whether Russ comes back tonight or not. Personally, I would hold him out for another game, but if he really thinks he can give it close to 100%, I’d let the decision fall in Westbrook’s hands. Time will tell. It’s told multiple times in this series, to expect the unexpected. On the Beard’s birthday, I’d let Harden give the Rockets a chance at guiding them to a win, like he did in Games 1 and 2. We’ll see what happens. Celebrating will be in the air. Harden wants a victory on his birthday more than anything, and as a result the upper hand in this series. Look for Harden to gift himself a present on his birthday. If you think the Rockets are losing tonight, you don’t know the Beard… he’s not taking this anymore.

 

HP Field House:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (2-2):  Orange

Houston Rockets (2-2):  Black

 

TV:  5:30 PM CT –  TNT,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Stubborn Shooters: Rockets Struggle in Second Half, Collapse to Thunder 117-114, as OKC Knots Series

Prisoners of the Mindset.    Rollercoaster Variance.    Momentum Swinging in the Wind.

“Get busy living, or get busy dying,” Andy Dufresne says in The Shawshank Redemption, widely regarded as one of the best films ever made. And on Monday night, James Harden and the Rockets got busy all right. Houston started out Game 4 on fire from beyond the arc, and despite being tied 60-60 at halftime, you still had the feeling they had this game in the bag. This contest didn’t look bleak from the the opening tip. The tale of Game 4 came in the third quarter, when the Rockets came blazing out of the break, draining their first 8 attempts from deep to grab a 15-point lead. Everything was going according to plan, but then came the sudden switch. As Houston was on fire from distance, all of of a sudden, the shots stopped splashing. And to no surprise, the squad just kept launching from distance, helpless prisoners of their own mindset. The stubborn Rockets stuck to their “3 is better than 2” plan, despite their ability to get to the rim at will, which was on full display in the first half. And yet another Rocket Launchfest turned into a sloppy Brick City. As a result, Chris Paul and the Thunder rallied for a 117-114 victory over the Rockets. CP3 had 26 points and helped lead the comeback, but it was Dennis Schroder who once again keyed the Thunder victory. Houston couldn’t stop Schroder from getting to the basket if their entire families were at stake. The NBA’s leading scorer finished with 30 points off the bench, and got the to rim at relative ease whenever he pleased, making Houston’s stingy defense in Games 1 and 2 look like a thing of years past. The Beard had 32 points and 15 dimes in the loss to lead a balanced Rockets attack. But Houston fell short as they got outplayed once again in the clutch by CP3 and OKC. So far in this series, the Rockets have won big, but lost the close games. The Thunder, known for being the best clutch team in basketball, closed out Houston again, and proved that the Rockets need better late-game execution if they’re going to advance past OKC.

Game 4 was Houston Heartbreak Part Two. And this one stung way more than the previous game. Why? On Monday night, the Rockets lost for only the second time all season when shooting 37% or better from three-point land. Even if they jack up 60 threes a night, if the shots are falling… Houston wins this type of game at least 90% of the time. The problem with Game 4 was the Rockets started out so hot from distance, especially during that ever-so-promising beginning to the third quarter, when Houston hit 8 straight from deep. This early success entering both halves morphed into one of those “launch for an NBA-Record 3-Point Field Goal Attempt” nights, which happen to often, where the Rockets refuse to deter from the idea. It’s Houston’s Achilles’ heel.  Everyone knows Houston’s game plan. Either shoot from three, or drive the ball to the rack for free throws, a layup, or the open man. But if the shots aren’t falling and the splashes become a drought, the Rockets need to switch up their game-plan. Houston showed they could get to the rim early in Game 4, with James Harden and Eric Gordon having exceptional first halves driving the ball to the hoop. Danuel House Jr. and Jeff Green got in on the action as well, but these trigger happy Rockets stayed outside after that stretch of 8 straight threes to start the third quarter. And it eventually led to their doom in Game 3.

It’s crazy how dramatically different Game 4 has been compared to Game 1 in this series. Each game has its own identity. If there was one game Houston needed Russell Westbrook in this series, it was Game 4. Russ is not a heavy volume three-point shooter, regardless of how the team’s shooting overall from deep. Brodie helps the Rockets defer from their rollercoaster variance, as Westbrook’s drives are contagious. If they don’t result in layups, they’re often open looks for teammates from deep. Which the Rockets had in this game. However with Westbrook against the Thunder, Brodie’s former team, there’s little doubt Russ would’ve come out with his usual infectious energy and made a huge difference. Not just on the game, but specifically on the Beard. Westbrook’s presence calms the Beard, and alleviates defensive pressure from Harden because Russ is such a threat. And Westbrook has proven to be better finishing games than the Beard this season. Everyone knew Westbrook’s absence was going to impact this series, and now it’s definitely being seen. But after the first two games, it didn’t necessarily appear that way. Houston won Games 1 and 2 easily in double-digits without Russ. On the “road”, Games 3 and 4 have been heartbreaking losses for the Rockets. Houston now finds themselves in a bloodbath, best-of-three series, where Russ will be out for at least Game 5. And Game 4’s second-half drought that led us to this point, an even series between two heated opponents and former teammates, also has added momentum swinging in the wind, toward OKC’s favor. The “experts” expected this series to be close, but not in this way. Ask the analysts if they had the Rockets winning the first two, then dropping the next two in heartbreaking fashion. I doubt anyone saw this coming. Then again, if you know Houston sports, you’re familiar with heartbreak. I wouldn’t be surprised if this momentum swinging in the wind carries on to lead the Thunder to a Game 5 victory. It’s a pivotal game in the series, and era’s and legacies hang in the balance. I firmly believe Game 5’s winner will now win the series. If Houston can halt OKC’s momentum from the past two games, and play smarter, they should carry enough momentum to taste eliminating the Thunder in Game 6. However, if OKC wins Game 5, that’s three in a wins in a row. And it puts a lot of pressure on a Rockets team that already has questions facing them this offseason with rumors of Coach Mike D’Antoni’s ousting regardless of Houston’s success in these playoffs. Sounds a little familiar? Michael Jordan’s famously documented “The Last Dance”, which aired on ESPN earlier this summer, had the Bulls’ coach Phil Jackson,  staring at a similar fate. Westbrook is listed as day-to-day, and could come back for Game 6. But we won’t know until Friday. Harden, who happens to turn 31 on the day of Game 5, will need a Jordanesque performance, and help from his teammates, or the Rockets will be staring elimination in the face.

Don’t expect Houston to shoot any less from deep, or change the way they play. They simply need to alter their prisoner mindset. Become cohesively aware of the situation at hand. A three is better than a two, but if it’s not going in, a higher amount of layups bests a few threes any night. Even without Westbrook, the Rockets still have more explosiveness than the Thunder. Houston was a Danuel House Jr. free throw away from winning Game 3, and basically gave Game 4 to OKC. The Rockets should still win this series, but they need to have their collective mindset focused on attacking the basket in Game 5. Quit settling for deep shots, especially bad ones. Some deep shots are great looks, others just aren’t. See the floor. Be aware of the game situation. Better options are always available. Houston displayed this, with their best offensive display of the entire season, four minutes into Game 4 with a perfectly executed play. Precise and heady ball movement let everyone touch the ball, and EG got a layup at the end of the shot clock. The Rockets had multiple chances to take threes on that possession, but instead hesitated, and chose to make a better play. Houston just needs to play smarter. Smarter is better for these Rockets. Yes, it’s that simple. But if they can’t recognize the situation at hand, in this series and during Game 5, Houston’s in trouble. CP3’s one of the smartest players in NBA history, and has his Thunder on the verge of pulling a stunner. A Houston loss and the Rockets season hangs in the balance. Harden and company need to get busy making the right choices each possession. Shoot themselves out of their misery, or decide to make the best decision on each play. A lot is on the line in Game 5. No one expected the Rockets to lose three games in a row, after winning the first two without Westbrook. One thing you can expect in Game 5 is a special game from Harden. The Beard’s birthday always fell in the offseason, but due to the pandemic and suspension of play, Houston’s other superstar gets a chance to play on his birthday, for the first time. The biggest game of James Harden’s life. Expect The Beard to get busy on Wednesday night, as we celebrate the birthday of one of the greatest to ever play the game. In a matchup that’ll decide which team’s closer to getting busy living or dying, the Rockets have the coldest killer in the game. No time to be anxious, let’s step back and dance. Mr. Harden… it’s time to get busy.

Rockets Attempt to Regain Control of Series Versus Thunder in Game 4

Next Man Up.    Solving Dort.    No Time for Games.

“Well nobody’s perfect.” A quote from Hollwyood’s Sunshine Boulevard, and a reminder that the Rockets were never going to sweep the Thunder. Not without Russell Westbrook. And they’ll be without Brodie again tonight, as James Harden and the Rockets try to bounce back from a poor shooting night against Chris Paul and the Thunder in Game 4 of their first round matchup. Houston leads the series 2-1, but OKC has the momentum. The Thunder outscored the Rockets 15-3 in the overtime of their Game 3 victory. James Harden fouled out late in Game 3, and once that happened, Chris Paul took over for OKC, and the rest was history. Houston didn’t stand a chance with Eric Gordon shooting them out of the game with ill-advised shot attempts and poor decision making.

Luguentz Dort proved he’s the real deal on defense in Game 3. Or was it just a game? Harden still scored 38 points, but Dort showed to be a true challenger on the defensive end for the Beard. Still, Harden’s experience and drive should push the Beard and the Rockets past Dort and the Thunder in Game 4. Coach Mike D’Antoni needs to choose smarter in-game lineups to use. There’s no reason Robert Covington should be on the bench at the end of a close game.

As this series now stands at 2-1, the Rockets have no time for games. The Thunder demonstrated why they’re the best crunch-time team in the league. Houston has to buckle down, get off to a hot start, and get the victory in Game 4. If this series becomes tied, all the pressure shifts to the Rockets, and they don’t know when Russ is coming back. There’s no time for games. It’s time to strap in and get ready for liftoff. This time… hopefully the Rockets are a little bit closer to perfect.

 

AdventHealthn Arena:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-1):  Black

Oklahoma City Thunder (1-2):  White

 

TV:  3PM CT – TNT,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Foul Balls: Rockets Fall to Thunder Late in OT, 119-107, in a Hardened Loss

The Dort Problem.    Stop Trying to Splash!    Where in the World Was RoCo?

Houston’s daring attempt at a victory with OKC’s season on the line turned from probable, into a problem, late in regulation and overtime, as the Thunder outlasted the Rockets, 119-107 in OT. Chris Paul delivered in the clutch, as OKC inched closer towards Houston in the series, now trailing 2-1. Despite another horrendous shooting night, Houston had a 5-point lead with less than a minute in the game, but OKC rallied, and along with some questionable calls, dominated OT to get back in the series. The NBA admitted today that an errant inbound pass from P.J. Tucker was indisputably touched by Stevan Adam. The pass was nicked and the ball spin changed directions going out of bounds. In the face of common sense, the refs turned their heads, and gave the Thunder the basketball. A huge call that swung the game with 24.4 left on the clock. Had the refs made the correct call, it would’ve been Rockets ball with 24 seconds left, up 103-101. Instead, the Thunder took possession, and hit a three to go up by 1 point, 104-103. Houston’s Danuel House Jr. was fouled with under 10 seconds in the game. House made the first, but missed the second, and the rest was history. Chris Paul missed a layup at the end of regulation, but he dominated in overtime. CP3 had his best game of the series, scoring 26 points, and guiding OKC to a dominant 15-3 scoring advantage in the extra period.

Nonetheless, the Rockets (besides Jeff Green) were once again cold from long range. James Harden led Houston with 38 points, but fouled out late in the game, when the Thunder where gaining momentum. At least the Uncle Jeff Tour continued. Jeff Green continues to be a pleasant surprise for the Rockets. Green who scored 22 points, has shown he’s the perfect fit as a big in Houston’s micro-ball style. Eric Gordon had 18 points, but hold your horses. EG and the Beard combined to shoot only 5-for-25 from long range, and despite having a chance to win late, the Rockets gave this one away, with the help of sloppy officiating and poor shooting. Hopefully, Houston’s wakes up next game.

The Rockets have a Dort problem. What’s a Dort problem, you ask? OKC’s Luguentz Dort, who’s proven he just may be the best one-on-one defender in the NBA today. Dort guarded Harden, the league’s premiere score and one-on-one aficionado, for a majority of the game. Don’t be fooled by the Beard’s 38 points. They weren’t easy. Harden struggled against Dort more than he’s gone against any player this year. I haven’t seen anyone with Dort’s ability to stay in front of the Beard using his feet and self discipline on defense. Makes for a tough task for the Beard, but his facial hair’s grown for toughness. Harden had a difficult 38, not the most efficient of nights. But, if the Beard’s as focused as they say he is, James should be back with a vengeance. Dort may be an All-NBA Defender on the rise, but Harden’s an MVP-tier player in the prime of his career, aiming to advance to the next round.

Someone who’s seemed to lost complete control and focus, Eric Gordon, needs to stop shooting the ball, if he’s not going to exploit his explosive driving ability. EG basically shot the Rockets out of this contest. Gordon went only 2-for-10 from distance, implying he needs to stick to attacking the basket. Unlike Harden, Eric Gordon doesn’t have the green light to shoot whenever he wants, from wherever he pleases, especially when EG’s not taking great shots from deep. Houston Coach Mike D’Antoni should’ve taken him out and given someone like Ben McLemore or Robert Covington more minutes. EG played 41 minutes, likely got tired legs and couldn’t hit a shot. OKC’s CP3 got a bit of revenge, with a few dirty shots below the belt to Harden and Austin Rivers, at different moments in the game.
Meanwhile, Robert Covington and Ben McLemore combined to play only 36 minutes. D’Antoni made some questionable coaching decisions in Game 3. Ben McLemore has been one of Houston’s best three-point shooters, and Robert Covington is the squad’s best defender on the perimeter. RoCo played 19 minutes after getting into early foul trouble. But there’s still no reason why he shouldn’t have been on the floor in crunch time. Benny Mac didn’t make a basket, playing only 17 minutes. When EG is hoisting ill-advised shots and making poor decisions, Coach D’Antoni needs to sub Gordon for RoCo or Benny Mac. Either way, RoCo, Houston’s best perimeter defender, and Benny Mac, the guy who led the NBA in 3-point shooting during the first half of the bubble, both deserve more playing time. The Rockets especially needed RoCo, a starter, down the stretch on defense. D’Antoni’s coaching decisions, especially late in the game, were head-scratching. Coach needs to have more faith in RoCo and Benny Mac, and EG’s Fun Meter does NOT come with a green light. As a coach, you can’t just let Gordon shoot you out of a game with poor shot attempts, especially with EG’s driving ability.

Russell Westbrook has been officially ruled out for Game 4, meaning we’ll have these same guys in red reppin’ the good guys next game. A contest in which Houston needs to up their sense of urgency, and play smarter. Coach needs to make better decisions in Game 4, plain and simple. In certain situations, RoCo and Benny Mac are two of the most valuable players in these Houston lineups. Hopefully they get more minutes in Game 4. With Brodie still sidelined, the Rockets need everyone to step up for Houston to regain momentum in the series. Because if the improbable happens, and the Rockets don’t get their act together in Game 4… Houston may have a problem.

Rockets Shoot For Commanding Lead Against Thunder in Game 3

The “If” Game.    King’s Disease.    Right at Home.

“Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads,” a famous quote from Back to the Future that brings to mind Saturday’s upcoming Game 3, featuring Houston vs. OKC round 3. As the Rockets travel to Oklaho… wait, not this time. The Rockets aren’t going anywhere. Houston will try and blast the last gasps of air from any possible storm the Thunder can throw in Houston’s way. James Harden and the Rockets have won the first two games of this series, comfortably. Too comfortably. Houston’s defensive intensity as a unit has never been better. That visceral fire on defense will be put to the ultimate test as Chris Paul is poised to have a bounce-back game, as he heads back home to Okla… wait, he’s staying in the bubble. CP3 might be representing the “home” team in Game 3, but there’s no road here folks. Just an NBA Playoff Bubble with the focus primarily, and almost entirely, on basketball. And if the Rockets can keep their motivated determination on the floor, especially defensively, Houston should be able to withstand, under what normal circumstances, would be a tough Game 3 in a hostile environment.

After everyone picked the Rockets to basically falter without Russell Westbrook, Houston’s proven they’re a real dark horse threat to the national media’s love affair with L.A. and Milwaukee. That’s not saying Saturday’s tilt is going to be easy. CP3 is well aware no team’s ever come back from a 0-3 deficit. It’s practically win or go home for the Thunder in Game 3, and if they want any chance in this series, CP3 will be prepped to finally inch towards revenge. If the Rockets flip back to their pre-coronavirus complacent ways, Houston’s in trouble for Game 3. Up two games in the series, the squad has to avoid falling prone to King’s Disease, getting too comfortable or complacent with their dominance in this matchup thus far. With two wins in their pocket, and two in their grasp, the Rockets are still only halfway to sending the Thunder out the Bubble. Despite the advantage, this series is far from over. Houston can change that with a powerhouse Game 3 performance.  And if looks aren’t deceiving, bubble-bonding time has helped these Rockets more than arguably any team in the league. The squad is playing together, and truly look like they’re playing with a different vibe and intensity. But that can all change in one game. Let’s not jump ahead to the future. Step back with James Harden and these Rockets to the present. Appreciate these moments. Appreciate this ride. It could ultimately result in something very special and memorable.

Going into Round 3 of the series, this entire matchup is a game of “ifs”. Right now, the Rockets look like the best team in the West. Granted, we’re only two games into the playoffs, but if Houston keeps playing like this defensively, they’ll live by the three… all the way to a title. But that’s a big if. Houston still needs Russell Westbrook to return and prove he can erupt for explosive performances like prime Brodie before he suffered the injury. But when should the Rockets bring Brodie back. With a comfortable two-game lead, and already proven they can beat OKC (even on a bad shooting night), Houston might be better off resting Russ for Game 4 if he’s deemed questionable at all. Better to be safe and not risk a lengthy injury that could detriment the Rockets quest later in the playoffs. No one truly knows but Brodie. Currently playing the role of an assistant coach on the bench, Russ is engaged as one can be on the sidelines. You’ve probably seen some highlights, he’s been Houston’s biggest cheerleader. But, if he doesn’t return like the Russ we are all familiar with, the Rockets will have a mountain to climb against the Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, and Raptors (the only real contenders besides Houston).

Word on the street is Russ is doing basketball drills and improving in his rehab, but he’ll be out once again for Game 3. If it were any other season, the Rockets would be hitting the road for a trip to OKC. But it’s a year unlike any other. No one leaves the bubble… until you lose. And Houston plans on calling Orlando home for approximately another two months. They’re bonding just fine in Florida. Usually, road trips are where NBA teams form their deepest bonds during the regular season. However, these playoffs have given every team one long road trip, and plenty of bonding time. And Houston’s just fine with that… these Rockets never needed roads.

 

HP Field House:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-0):  “Space City” White

Oklahoma City Thunder (0-2):  Orange

 

TV:  5 PM CT  –  ESPN,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Clamp City: Houston’s Defense Stifle’s OKC, as Rockets Hush Thunder, 111-98, Grab 2-0 Series Lead

The Point God Grandfather.    Fire at Will.    Red Lockdown.

“I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” You all know the legendary quote from The Godfather. And after Game 2 of the Rockets and Thunder battling for supremacy, this quote came to mind. Despite a terrible shooting night from James Harden, who shot 2-for-11 from deep, Houston dialed up the intensity level on defense. The Rockets displayed one of the best all-around team defensive performances of the season, as they held off the Thunder for a 111-98 victory on Thursday, and a 2-0 series lead. And for the second straight game, Houston gave the guy they shipped away for Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, an offer he couldn’t refuse.

We’ll give you a shot a revenge, keep our superstar who we traded you for rehabbing on the sidelines, and you can have all the love of America on your side. And of course Paul took the offer, but CP3 can’t offer much against championship-caliber defense anymore. Father time has finally caught up with Paul. Chris used to be the Point Godfather. Now he’s the Point God Grandfather. Time’s undefeated, there’s no shame, it’s just the facts. A healthy CP3 wasn’t able to isolate on Eric Gordon, Austin Rivers (who had the dunk of the game during a dominant 2nd quarter stretch), Robert Covington, Ben McLemore, P.J. Tucker, Danuel House, or anyone the Rockets switched onto the Point God, even the bigger Jeff Green. Houston did put on one of the best all-around defensive performances of the season, and played with a sense off urgency, like a team down 0-1, instead of having a 1-0 lead. That lead’s now two games, but the Rockets have to win two more, and anything can happen in the playoffs. This series is far from over, but if Houston keeps playing this hard, the squad should finish off the Thunder earlier than many expected. Shai Gilegous-Alexander scored a career-playoff high 31 points, and Danilo Gallinari added 17 points, but OKC will need more firepower if they want to make some noise in this series.

The Beard led the way in Game 2 with a mere 21 points, but Houston had seven players reach double figures in scoring. Danuel House Jr. had 19 points and 9 boards, and brought his usual energy and intensity. The Jeff Green Revitalization continued, as Uncle Jeff had 15 points and 7 rebounds during a hefty 37 minutes of action for the veteran, and newest Rocket. Eric Gordon is still struggling to find the actual rim from beyond the arc, but EG is attacking the basket ferociously, with no regard for human life. The World Famous Eric Gordon Fun Meter is ON folks. EG just needs to find his shot from deep. Splash Gordon went 0-10 from distance, but still finished with 15 points as he Flash Gordon went 6-for-10 inside the arc. The Rockets need EG to keep attacking with this visceral fire, if they want to advance deep in the playoffs. Right now, with his kill-or-be-killed attacker mentality, Gordon is filling the void left by Westbrook’s absence. Houston needs EG to be in attack mode when Russ returns as well. Hopefully by then, Eric will be able to splash again with frequency. Speaking of splashing with frequency, the Rockets live-or-die by the three was in full gear Thursday night. Houston set an NBA Playoff record in Game 2, launching 56 shots behind the arc. The Rockets connected on 34%, slightly worse than the league average, but it didn’t matter. Houston played with more than enough heart to make up for missing 37 long-bombs. If the Rockets keep this sense-of-urgency mindset intact, this series should be over in two games.

Looking ahead, there’s still no timetable on Westbrook’s return to action. But Houston’s survived just fine without Brodie. Given they’re up 2-0 in the series, if Russell is feeling any doubts or isn’t 100%, there really isn’t a reason to force and early return. Russ is having a blast motivating his teammates on the bench, and James Harden, despite a poor performance, never looked more like a cheerleader. The Rockets started the fourth with a 17-2 run to pull away, with Harden on the bench, who looked ecstatic for his teammates’ success. Riding into Game 3, Houston has all the momentum in this series. The last thing the Rockets want is a long term injury lingering one of their superstars. Houston needs to make sure Westbrook is ready to return.. before just unleashing Brodie’s beast back on the floor. We all know Russ wants to play. And when he gets the green light to hit the floor with that visceral, tenacious intensity Russ is known for… it’ll be an offer he can’t refuse.

Rockets Strive to Seize Control of Series, Restrain Thunder’s Incoming Storm

Ready for Resilience.    Weathering Charged-Up CP3.    Stick to the Plan.    

“Don’t try and understand it… feel it,” another quote from this summer’s upcoming Tenet, as time continues to try to slap the Rockets in the face. It didn’t work the first time. Houston was supposed to be helpless against the Thunder without Russell Westbrook. This time, the Rockets shoot for a 2-0 lead in their first round series as they battle the Thunder on Thursday afternoon in Game 2. Houston would be the only team out West to start a series with two victories if they can conquer an infinitely more supercharged OKC team on in round 2. Chris Paul’s getting older, but mentally, CP3’s sharp as ever on the court. After a terrible and lethargic Game 1, expect Paul to energize his Thunder team and have them ready to attack the Rockets from the opening tip in Game 2. Once again, Houston will be without their energetic superstar, in Westbrook, who still has no timetable to return. Look for OKC’s trio of lethal guards, led by Paul, also featuring Shai-Gilegoeus Alexander and Dennis Schroder, to be much better in this second outing. If the Rockets want to gain a 2-0 series edge, the constant movement and help on defense shown by the entire squad needs to be a continuing trend if this group of small-ball hustlers want to reach the ultimate goal.

Many expected the Rockets to lose Game 1 to the Thunder. The same people didn’t predict the Bucks and Lakers would lose their openers convincingly. It’s only the second time in NBA history the number one seed in each conference lost their first playoff game. And no one predicted the Clippers would be getting pressured by Dallas the way they are, as that series knotted 1-1, with the Mavs proving their value as worthy opponents to a team, the Clips, who many “experts” pick to win the championship. In the minds of these pundits, Houston wasn’t supposed to beat OKC without Brodie. Now, as people start to jump on the Rockets bandwagon, hold on a sec. Houston’s in trouble for Game 2. Without Westbrook, the Rockets need to replicate their Game 1 perforce against what should be a motivated Thunder group. But that replication’s easier said than done. Houston’s knack to get “too cool for school” has been a trend throughout the regular season. And with a 1-0 series lead, the Rockets can’t afford to settle for a 1-1 split heading into Game 3. No one knows when Russ will be back, and in the playoffs, all it takes is a little momentum to give a team their edge back. Houston’s defensive intensity as a unit intimated the Thunder, and is the number one reason the Rockets lead this series. The squad needs to follow the lead of Robert Covington, P.J. Tucker, and play their heart out on every possession.

The Thunder were the best closing team in the regular season this year. Granted, Game 1 wasn’t close, but if Game 2 is, without Westbrook, everyone needs to be sharp for the Rockets. Will Houston shoot above 37% again, which they did in Game 1, and able to hold off CP3’s Thunder? Harden and co. is now 26-1 when they top the 37% mark from distance. If Houston can continue to knock down their threes, and get contributions from everyone as a unit, the Rockets should be able to grab a two-game edge in the series. But Houston’s tendency to get too comfortable could bite them on Thursday afternoon. And when the squad isn’t connecting on offense, their not as locked-in on defense. Houston needs to match OKC’s sense of urgency in Game 2. The winner of this game has a he advantage. A Rockets win, and they grab a commanding 2-0 series lead, with both wins coming without Westbrook. If Houston loses, the Thunder are back in this series, with a chance to do damage and prove Game 1 was just an anomaly. I hope I’m wrong, and the Rockets bring the same defensive intensity they displayed in the series opener.

James Harden will be required to carry the load offensively once again for Houston. If Eric Gordon’s rolling, and the Rockets are getting contributions from the likes of Jeff Green, Ben McLemore, and the rest of the squad, Houston should be able to fend off the storm for a Game 2 victory. However, I have a feeling this one’s going to be a true test for the Rockets. I hope I’m wrong, but I’ve seen this team get too comfortable with their own confidence too many times. Hopefully they lock-in, and focus on the win, despite the incoming storm. The Lakers lost, and look like they’re in big trouble. The Bucks, favorites out East, have been a mess since they arrived in Orlando, going 3-6 so far. And the favorite in the eyes of many, the Clippers, are in a bloodbath with the Mavericks. The NBA Playoffs are officially here, as we’ve never seen them before. And despite a 1-0 series lead, Houston’s in trouble heading back into Game 2. Don’t try and understand it… feel it.

 

AdventHealth Arena:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (0-1):  White

Houston Rockets (1-0):  Red

 

TV:  2:30 PM CT  –  ESPN,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Launch Past Thunder in Series Opener, 123-108

Back in a Flash.    Houston’s Uncle.    Just One Game.

He’s back. That guard for the Rockets who relentlessly attacks the basket with reckless abandon. He’s scored 50-points, and can easily drop 20 any night he wants. He might be overlooked by some. James Harden? No, the Beard’s been here, balling MVP style, getting the usual lack of recognition his legend deserves. Russell Westbrook? Brodie’s still out with a quad injury. No, that guard for Houston who attacks the rack with no regard for human life is Eric Gordon. And Splash Gordon was back in a flash, scoring 21 points as the Rockets had contributions from almost everyone on as they throttled the Thunder, 123-108, in Game 1 for a 1-0 series lead. Harden led the way for the Rockets with 37 points on a stellar 12-for-22 shooting from the floor, and snagged 11 boards. But, Eric Gordon stepped in for Russell Westbrook, and made Brodie-like efforts. EG looked incredible. With consistent, strong, and quick and impressive drives to the rim, Flash Gordon is back. Splash Gordon is still struggling to find his rhythm from long range, but his relentless energy and isolation ability was on full display on Tuesday night.

Along with EG, several Rockets continued to find their stride in Game 1. Ben McLemore returned to form from distance, shooting 4-for-7 from deep, for 14 points. Benny Mac continues to be Houston’s most lethal perimeter threat. And if you don’t know by now, meet Houston’s new uncle, Jeff Green. “Uncle Jeff” continues to be the second-half surprise of the season for the Rockets, and maybe the entire league. Green looked revitalized once again, scoring 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting off the Rockets bench. Uncle Jeff also had 6 rebounds and 4 assists, and contributed on the defensive end. Houston swarmed OKC relentlessly in Game 1. The Rockets defensive intensity was impressive, especially their movement on switches and active hands. Houston completely put the Thunder out of their rhythm. The action on defense has to be a theme for the Rockets if they want to go all the way.

It’s just one game, Houston can’t afford to get complacent after winning a game as the “underdogs” in Game 1. I don’t think they’re the the underdogs, even without Brodie. But if the Rockets retreat to their regular season trend of becoming too comfortable after leading in certain situations. Westbrook is rumored to return this weekend, but no one really knows but Russ. And he might not even know. Houston has to continue to play like a hornets nest defense and hope their shots continue to fall. If they can weather Brodie’s early absence, the Rockets will one to be reckoned with  when he’s back.

Rockets Aim to Silence Thunder as the Rivalry Begins

Burning Building.    Uncle Jeff and Benny Rivers.    Bearding for Brodie.

“We all believe we’ve run into the burning building. But until we feel that heat, we can never know”, Martin Donovan says in Tenet, the most anticipated movie hitting theaters 9/3/20 as multiplexes see if they can re-open and survive change brought from a pandemic. And the NBA’s most anticipated first round series finally gets under way tonight, as the Houston Rockets battle the Oklahoma City Thunder, and see is they can survive without one of their stars. The story’s been pummeled to death, but OKC’s Chris Paul, who was traded for Houston’s Russell Westbrook, gets his first chance at revenge on Tuesday night as the series begins. No more waiting. No more time to prep. At least for Game 1, time’s run out. And for the Rockets, no Russell Westbrook tonight. Houston’s superstar will also miss at least Game 2. And everyone, from local blogs to the national media, paints this picture like the Rockets are running into a burning building. But the series hasn’t started yet. And if you don’t think Russ is eventually coming back, you don’t know Brodie. I think he’ll be back for Game 3. Depending on how the first two games go, if Houston can hang on without him, Westbrook could return in Game 4.

So how will the Rockets weather the storm, for at least two games, without Brodie? James Harden needs to continue to play like an underrated league MVP, and the squad needs everyone to step up. Eric Gordon will start Westbrook’s place, and needs to find his “Splash Gordon” rhythm. EG’s no Westbrook, but Gordon’s explosive enough to create shots for himself and has the talent to provide more scoring Houston needs in Brodie’s absence. EG had a 50-point game earlier this season in Utah, in a game Westbrook didn’t play. So he’s definitely capable of stepping up to the plate.

Houston’s coach, Mike D’Antoni, will certainly put a mix of different lineups on the court, and guys need to capture the moment if the Rockets are going to weather this early incoming playoff storm. Danuel House Jr., who missed the past few games, is set to return for the squad. Besides Harden, Westbrook, and Gordon, the only other Rocket to top the 40-point mark this season was Austin Rivers, who will be one of the keys to Houston winning without Westbrook. Rivers needs to lead the bench unit and seize full advantage of the extra minutes he’ll see on the floor. Hopefully Ben McLemore can find the touch he was shooting with in the first half of the bubble. Benny Mac was on fire, but cooled off a bit over Houston’s past few games. McLemore needs to step up in Game 1. The Rockets also need the resurrection of Jeff Green, aka “Uncle Jeff”, to continue. Uncle Jeff has been a revelation in Houston, since arriving late in the season. Green fits in seamlessly and helps P.J. Tucker to give the Rockets another “center” to battle opponents’ big men. And P.J.’s hands will be full with Steven Adams tonight. OKC’s Aussie center is tough, and does a lot of the dirty work, like Tucker for Houston. Adams is the big man version of a Patrick Beverley, or a pest. Uncle Jeff has been scrappy for the Rockets and they’ll need him to counter the annoyance that is Steven Adams.

When all’s said and done, the Rockets chances of winning without Russ lie in the hands of one man: James Harden. The Beard has been brilliant in almost every bubble game. Harden finished as the league’s scoring leader for the third straight year, and also lead the NBA in steals. Despite being a guard, his post defense is actually his strongest asset, although Harden’s improved on the perimeter. More than usual, Houston will need those step-back threes to be falling. And more importantly, Harden’s going have to play more defense on the perimeter. Robert Covington and P.J. Tucker can’t guard everyone. Without Brodie, OKC presents a huge problem for the Rockets on the defensive end. The Thunder, led by Chris Paul, have arguably the best trio of guards in the NBA (CP3, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, and Dennis Schroder.) Under the leadership of Paul, SGA is on the verge of being an All-Star, and Schroder is one of the league’s best bench players. Containing OKC’s three-headed perimeter beast is key for Houston getting the upper hand in this series.

D’Antoni said Gordon will start defending Paul, but the Rockets switch so much on defense it doesn’t matter. WIthout Russ, the entire squad needs to be locked in and ready to bring maximum effort. Hopefully P.J. and RoCo’s intensity is contagious. Without his partner in crime, Harden needs to play with more fire, same goes for the entire team. Look for the second unit matchup between Austin Rivers and Dennis Schroder to be tonight’s key of the game. If Houston wants to fill the void Westbook’s absence creates, Rivers needs to outplay Schroder. How will Westbrook’s absence impact Houston? Can Harden provide more than the usual MVP performance? Have the Rockets run into a burning building of firestorm and closure that is CP3’s wrath and his Thunder-ous storm? We’ll never know. Until tonight. Let the real games begin… get ready to feel that playoff heat.

 

HP Field House:  Orlando, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (0-0):  Orange

Houston Rockets (0-0):  Black

 

TV:  5:30 PM CT  –  TNT,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Familiar Faces in Different Places:  Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder First Round Preview

Hello, Old Friend.    Blockbusted.    Revenge is a Dish Best Served… a la Russ.    

 

“What the hell happened here?, the world’s next Batman asks… “It hasn’t happened yet,” Denzel Washington’s son replies in the cinematic event of the century, Tenet. Christopher Nolan, a director ahead of (and obsessed with) time. His magnum opus is a revolutionary picture never before seen in film history. Similarly captivating to Houston’s small ball lineup for spectators when it debuted. People asked themselves, what the hell happened here? The real question is what the hell just happened here? Houston starts their playoff journey in the bubble against none other than former-Rocket Chris Paul, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. So, what the hell happened here!? CP3 was supposed to be the injury-prone old man, on his last legs, reaching for a cane as he ponders retirement. Houston shipped Paul off to OKC for Russell Westbrook. The durable energizer bunny who rarely gets injured, despite coming off knee surgery to start the season. But, as we start this series… Westbrook, not Paul, will be out with an injury as this battle gets under way. CP3 is playing exceptional basketball, pushing a young, dangerous Thunder team’s expectations to infinity and beyond. And the Rockets are once again acquainted with the all-too-familiar playoff injury bug, arriving earlier than expected this season. Houston traded Paul to avoid this exact scenario, but now it’s Westbrook with an injury to start the series. Whether you believe in bad luck or not superstars getting injured for the Rockets in the playoffs this century has been a trend. From Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, to Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, the list goes on. Don’t believe me? Look up the franchise’s history.

For the third year in a row, Houston will begin the playoffs with Chris Paul on the court… only this time, he’s not with the good guys. It’s unknown how long Russ will be absent for the Rockets, but he’s officially out for Game 1, and expected to miss at least Game 2. Westbrook is rumored to return this weekend, but only time will tell. So how do the Russ-less Rockets survive a couple games against Paul? A man hell-bent on getting revenge against the squad who swapped his abilities for “healthier” youth. Houston’s going to need Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers, both capable isolation players, to attack and be aggressive. Then Rockets also need The Revitalization of Jeff Green to continue. “Uncle Jeff” has been a perfect fit since his arrival in Houston. And against a big Thunder team, Green will be tasked, along with P.J. Tucker, to stop the likes of Steven Adams, Nerlens Noel, and other bigs for OKC. Hopefully, Benny Mac can find the shooting rhythm he had during the first half of the bubble, and others knock down open shots. Without Westbrook’s presence, Houston is going to need everyone to step up. Chris Paul is one of the smartest, if not the smartest point guard fo all time. He’s the definition of a coach on the floor. And he’s going to have the Thunder ready to bring a storm. There’s nothing CP3 wants more than to knock off his former team and rub it in their face. The Rockets have to be ready for a war. This series is personal.

Ironically enough, Houston has several players who used to play for OKC, all at the same time, in the NBA Finals. This was a decade ago and featured Brodie, James Harden, Jeff Green, and if we’re talking outside the bubble, Thabo Sefolosha was on that squad that also featured Kevin Durant. They were young guns back then, and lost to LeBron’s Miami Heat in the Finals. If those players were all on the same team today, we’d have a superteam on our hands similar to what the Warriors displayed the past few seasons, before injuries pushed them into oblivion. This Thunder team is much different, yet still dangerous to a Rockets team starting this battle without Westbrook. OKC elite’s three-headed perimeter monster of CP3, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dennis Schroder is lethal. Paul has, in particular, shaped SGA into becoming an All-Star caliber player. Danilo Gallinari has also found a home in OKC, fitting into their system seamlessly as a deadly sniper. The Beard, Eric Gordon, Austin Rivers, and the rest of Houston’s perimeter defense need to be ready for OKC’s outside threat. Steven Adams is still a reliable beast in the paint, one of the league’s toughest players. The Rockets will throw P.J. Tucker, Jeff Green and others at the Aussie in battles for rebounds and loose balls.

Houston still has the best player in this series, the Beard. And they’re going to need James Harden to play at the level he played during last season’s “Unguardable Tour.” The Beard’s had a solid stretch in the bubble bubble, and for the third straight year, finished as the NBA’s leading scorer. The Rockets are going to need every point from Harden, and hope he continues to shoot with efficiency and be stellar defensively, especially in the post. Chris Paul will obviously be the straw that stirs OKC’s drink as they try and splash a storm on the Houston’s title hopes. If Harden can outplay CP3, and the Rockets are disciplined defensively, they should win this series… even with Brodie missing a few games. But it’s not going to be easy. Harden and Paul’s relationship didn’t end well in Houston, and these squads aren’t going to be the slightest bit friendly. Expect an intense, competitive series that will go at least six games. Even with Westbrook, OKC is a tough out. Without Brodie to begin, the Rockets need to be extra sharp, or this series could go the distance. Contrary to Houston’s speedy up-and-down style of play, Paul and the Thunder love to slow the game down. OKC plays at the second slowest pace in the NBA, setting up a series featuring a battle of styles. The Beard vs. The Point God. A testy battle between past teammates and future Hall-of-Famers promises to be must-see TV, one of the best first round series the NBA has to offer.

The blockbuster trade for Westbrook will be deemed a failure if Houston can’t at least beat the guy they traded him for, especially if Brodie returns and the Rockets lose. Although it’ll be tough, Houston’s still versatile and talented, with enough veteran experience to beat the Thunder. I hope. Given their title aspirations, it would be embarrassing for the Rockets to lose to OKC, a team no one considers a contender. Will Harden’s leadership be enough? Or will Westbrook’s absence, and the lack of perimeter shots punish the Rockets, and end Houston’s playoff dreams too soon? Thankfully, time doesn’t move too fast. Luckily for NBA fans, this series has yet to begin. Time hasn’t run out on this highly anticipated first round-matchup. It hasn’t happened yet. But the clock’s ticking. Buckle up… we’re in for quite an epic showdown.

Series Prediction:  Rockets in 6