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Afternoon Nightmare:  Rockets Get Stung by Hornets, 108-99, Drop Third Straight

Sluggish Start.    Serious Buzzkill.    Trouble Awaits.

That was painful. After putting on one of the worst starts to a game in franchise history, failing to score in the first seven minutes of action, and falling behind 20-0, the Rockets managed to climb back in the game. But Houston never didn’t have enough steam when the fourth quarter came around to rally all the way back, even against a team 20 game under .500. Resulting in another embarrassing, inexplicable defeat, for the Rockets, as they fell in Charlotte, 108-99, to the Hornets. It’s Houston’s third straight start, and after the Hornets 20-0 run to start the game, the Rockets outscored Charlotte the rest of the way. But you can’t keep falling behind by big deficits, not in this league. Saturday night was the fourth consecutive game the Rockets have fallen behind by 17 or more points, in the first half alone. The squad was lucky to get the win in Boston, surviving by one in OT, otherwise Houston would be starting at a four-game skid at the moment.
James Harden had a triple-double with 30 points, 14 dimes, and 10 boards. However, the Beard’s shot is still nowhere to be found. Harden seemed scared to shoot, passing up easy layups and open threes. Harden finished only 2-for-11 from distance, as his drought from long-range continues. His over dribbling takes teammates out of rhythm, and wastes the infinite open space small ball gives Houston. Something’s wrong with the Beard, and if he can’t figure it out, whatever it is… the Rockets’ title chances are out the window. Robert Covington scored 25 points on 7-for-13 shooting from deep. RoCo, along with the other new Rockets, Jeff Green and DeMarre Carroll, were the only bright spots for Houston on Saturday. In limited time, Carroll continues to show he deserves more action. In only 18 minutes, Carroll scored 9 points, and his energy level matched Green and RoCo’s. Green had 20 points in this best game as a Rocket, but other than RoCo, no one else came to the party. And this was a bash the Rockets really needed. Charlotte just isn’t any good, compared to Houston’s potential. After looking like serious title contenders last week, the Rockets look like the worst team in the basketball at the moment. It’s incomprehensible, other than their collective mindset has regressed back to the days of playing it “cool.” What’s not cool is Houston’s upcoming schedule.

The Rockets still have to play at the Bucks and Lakers, the league’s top two teams by record. After the game in LA, they play every other day except for a two day break before they enter a brutal finishing stretch of five games in seven days in April. They won’t have Russell Westbrook in two of those games, a player Houston now seems to need on the court to win. He’ll be back as the Rockets take on Orlando on Sunday. It’s the second of a back-to-back. And the third game in four days. The rest of the Rockets will be fighting fatigue. Houston will need some Brodie magic if they want to diminish the pain.

Rockets Aim to Get Back on Track in Charlotte, Visit Hornets

Short-Handed in Charlotte.    Bounce Back.    Block Out the Buzz.

The buzz around Houston’s drastically changed since this week started. What a difference two games make. At the start of this week, before Monday’s loss in New York, the Rockets were imitating world-beaters. Two losses later, and people are doubting the Houston’s ability for sustained success with their innovative micro-ball style. The squad has to block out the buzz, and show the league this two-game slide is their last of the season. Houston begins a weekend back-to-back in Buzz City as they take on the Hornets. Charlotte is 21-41 on the season, and despite being short-handed, the Rockets have no excuse to lose to another inferior Eastern opponent.

Houston will be without Russell Westbrook (rest), and Eric Gordon (knee injury). Gordon hasn’t looked right in the past few games. The Rockets need him to be at full strength for their small-ball style to reach optimum potency. James Harden needs to put the squad on his back tonight. The Beard’s struggled mightily in his last two games, and the squad needs him to perform at an MVP-level tonight. The Hornets are peskier than their record tells.

Despite their record, Charlotte is no joke. The Hornets gave the Denver Nuggets, a team Houston’s chasing, a scare in their previous game. Charlotte also beat the Raptors in Toronto, and made the Bucks sweat in a closer game than expected. The Rockets need a mental re-adjustment entering Spectrum Center on Saturday. It’s the first of a back-to-back, and Houston really needs to start separating themselves from the pack if they want a chance at the second or third seed in the West. The Rockets have the Jazz, Mavs, and Thunder all on their tail in the playoff race. Houston still has a chance to break into the second or third spot, but they literally cannot afford any more bad losses… or their ceiling for seeding will be fourth. It’s time to kill the lingering buzz over the Rockets’ incompetence… starting with a victory over the Hornets. 

 

Spectrum Center:  Charlotte, North Carolina

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (39-22):  “Space City” White

Charlotte Hornets (21-41):  Purple

 

TV:  4 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Horrific Sleight:  Rockets Ambushed, Crushed By Clippers, 120-105

Wake-Up Call.    Bad Taste.    Final Warning.

From the opening tip, it was clear who the better team would be on Thursday night. And it wasn’t the Rockets. Houston got crushed from start to finish by the Clippers, 120-105 at Toyota Center, in the final meeting of the rivalry this season. The Rockets couldn’t connect from distance, going only 7-for-42 from long-range, their worst three-point percentage in a game since 2017. And the Clippers were the hungrier team. Los Angeles neutralized Houston’s small-ball style, thanks in part to the Rockets inability to knock down a wide-open jumper. Russell Westbrook led the Rockets with 29 points and 15 boards, but Brodie along with the rest of the squad, couldn’t knock down an open shot. James Harden didn’t make a single three, going 0-for-8 from distance, finishing with an apathetically lethargic 16 points.

This final regular season meeting with their rivals certainly leaves a bad taste in Houston’s mouth. The Rockets can only control their own destiny from here on out, and if they meet the Clippers in the playoffs, they’ll need to display more hungry get than they did on Thursday… or they’ll be ousted. The Clips dominated the Rockets inside, specifically Ivica Zubac and Montrezl Harrell. Zubac had 17 points and 12 boards, while Harrell scored 19 and grabbed 10 rebounds. Houston finishes the season 2-2 against the Clippers. And on Thursday, they were never prepared to play on L.A.’s level. They got beat by the better team, the Clippers. The Rockets have time to change that, and burst through the final quarter of the season (21 games). However, Houston has no more room for excuses. They’ve done enough of that this season.

Only 21 games remain in the regular season. The Rockets are now three games behind the Clippers, and two behind the Nuggets, the teams Houston’s chasing for the second and their spots. Thursday night was the final warning for the Rockets. There’s no more time for bad losses. The playoffs are on the horizon… only a little over a month away. Despite Thursday night’s outcome, the debate between who ultimately reigns supreme between these contenders won’t exactly be clear until April… when the most anticipated playoffs in NBA history begin.

Round 4: Rockets Duel with Clippers in Final Meeting of Regular Season

Preview of the Future.    First Look.    Best Against the West.

 

“No one ever made a difference by being like everybody else,” P.T. Barnum says in The Greatest Showman. And tonight in Houston, some of the greatest showmen in the NBA face-off on the court. The Rockets host their heated rivals, the Clippers, for the final meeting this regular season. And there’s a very realistic these clubs could meet in the playoffs. As of now, Houston is the fourth seed, but only two games behind the Clippers for second, and one game behind Denver for third. The way all these teams have been playing suggests the Clippers and Rockets will finish in the second and third spots, with Denver sliding to fourth. Although, anything is possible (a Clips slide to fourth would be the best-case scenario for Houston, ensuring they don’t have to play both L.A. teams in the playoffs). However, I don’t see the Clippers falling below third, and I don’t see the Rockets catching the Lakers for first. This game essentially might be the deciding factor in who finishes second. Houston leads the season series 2-1, and with a win tonight, the Rockets would own the tiebreaker. A victory on Thursday night also pushes them within a game of both the Clippers and Nuggets in the standings. Houston will likely be ready to bounce back after their poor showing in New York, with the Clippers prepared to give the Rockets’ small-ball style it’s biggest test.

Unlike the first three matchups between these heated rivals, tonight marks the first time the Rockets are facing completely healthy Clippers team. No one’s on the injury report for the Clips. No load management tonight. And Los Angeles can play small-ball better than any opponent Houston will face in the modern NBA. The Clippers are already built towards that style, with lengthy wings, and a ferocious Montrezl Harrell acting as their small center at times. They’re shorter but makeup for their lack of size with strength, like the Rockets. And tonight, the Clips will get their first-look at the Houston’s small-ball revolution.

Houston and the Clippers are tied for having the best record against playoff teams in the Western Conference. Expect one of the best games of the entire NBA season to play out in Houston tonight. Russell Westbrook rarely has two bad games in a row, and James Harden has torched the Clippers this season (37 PPG on 50% shooting). If the Rockets star-backcourt can bounce back from a sub-par showing in the Big Apple, Houston should be able to hold off the Clippers. However, the Clips are rolling, winners of five straight. And these teams hate each other more than any two squads in the NBA. Tonight, one thing’s set in stone… this game won’t be like anything else you’ll see all season.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Clippers (42-19):  Black

Houston Rockets (39-21):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT – TNT

New York Nix:  Rockets Rally Late but Fall to Knicks, 125-123, as Winning Streak Ends

Late Liftoff.    Fake Blueprint.    Small Lesson.

“This one’s on me. I didn’t bring the amount of pressure I needed to be able to make us go. So, I’ll take this one and get ready for the next one,” Russell Westbrook said after Houston’s winning streak was snapped with a 125-123 defeat in New York. Westbrook had a shot to send the game into overtime, but it rattled off the rim as the buzzer sounded, securing a Knicks win. Brodie had a sub-par game, but it’s not his fault the Rockets lost. Merely spoken accountability from one of the best players, and leaders in the NBA. Westbrook finished with 24 points, 9 boards, and 3 dimes, but like the rest of the squad, Brodie waited too late to turn it on. Houston faced a 21-point deficit, and came all the way back, even getting the lead late in the game. However, R.J. Barrett and the Knicks still had enough gas to run with Houston and hold off the Rockets. New York’s rookie led the Knicks with 27 points, as he’s starting to find consistency with his game as the season moves along. James Harden led the Rockets with 35 points, but didn’t shoot the ball from the field despite a 16-for-16 showing at the charity stripe. The Beard was only 3-for-13 from long range, and lacked the usual aggression he’s shown at Madison Square Garden in the past. Danuel House Jr. and Robert Covington were both excellent for Houston. Each scored 20 points on efficient shooting, with RoCo grabbing 13 boards as well. The Rockets’ bench scored only 24 points, and Houston didn’t decide to take the Knicks seriously until the fourth quarter, when it was too late to overcome a feisty Knicks team, with the crowd rocking in The Garden.

It’s the first time the Houston’s lost in New York since 2009, and another bad loss to a bad team. It appeared that the Rockets had turned the table on playing down to inferior competition. Houston was riding a six-game winning streak, and coming off one of their most emotionally compelling victories of the season in Boston. But, it just felt like the squad was due for a let-up. As I mentioned in the pre-game, this match-up would not be easy. New York played to their strengths, rebounding, and interior scoring, and killed the Rockets inside on Monday night. The Knicks out-rebounded Houston 65 to 34, and won the scoring battle in the paint, 64 to 36. Along with R.J. Barrett’s heroics, New York had big games from Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson inside. Randle had 16 points and rebounds apiece. Robinson had 12 points and 13 boards, the only two Knicks with double-doubles. The duo’s the main reason the Knicks dominated the Rockets in the paint and on the glass. After the loss, many will jump to proclaim this is the blueprint to beating Houston’s small-ball. And yes, if you out-rebound and dominate the paint like the Knicks did to the Rockets on Monday, Houston’s small-ball is certainly exposed. However, the Rockets didn’t enter the match with the proper attitude and focus. And they shot only 41.5% from the field. Meanwhile, New York shot the ball better than usual. By the time Houston wanted to get serious, the Garden was rocking, and it was too late for the Rockets to overcome New York’s momentum. Unless you’re the Knicks, who Houston won’t see again this season, don’t expect the Rockets to play this lackluster again.

The defeat in the Garden is Houston’s first “bad” loss with their new small-ball lineup. The Rockets are 10-3 since morphing to micro-ball. Of the losses, one came without Westbrook, one came at the buzzer on a lucky heave from near half-court, and the latest… Houston had a chance to tie it as time expired, but Brodie’s shot rimmed clanked out. All is not lost. The Rockets could honestly be 12-1 in the small ball era. Shrinking the lineup was the right-move, the squad just didn’t take the Knicks seriously. Understandable, given their reputation. But, Monday’s loss is a teaching tool for the Rockets’ new small-ball squad. Houston now has two days off before their next game, and it’s a big one. The Rockets return home to face their biggest rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. If there was any doubt… expect Westbrook and the Rockets to be ready for the next one.

Rockets Visit Madison Square Garden, Aiming to Trounce Knicks

Where Stars Are Born.    Harden’s Garden.    Definitive Seal.

“I just wanted to take another look at you,” Bradley Cooper says in the 2018 film, A Star is Born. On Monday night, the Rockets visit New York, home to many stars, least of all the lowly Knicks. With owner Jim Dolan at the helm, the Knickerbockers continue to be the laughingstock of the NBA. New York hasn’t been relevant since Carmelo Anthony played in the Big Apple. Houston aims to lengthen its winning streak to seven games with a win tonight, and all odds are in their favor. The Rockets have won 26 of their last 28 matchups with the Knicks, including eight in a row. Unless Houston reverts to old habits that look dead, the Rockets should have no issues extending their winning streak.

James Harden, who struggled in Boston, has owned the Knicks throughout his career. The Beard has a career scoring average of 29.3 against New York. Other than Washington, Harden torches the Knicks for more bucks than anyone else. And last time he played at Madison Square Garden? The Beard scored a career-high 61 points. Expect another show tonight, as Harden desperately wants another look at the Garden, as all then greats have in NBA history.

Houston needs to win this game to put a definitive seal on their first-half tendency to lose to bad teams. The Rockets have been stellar since their loss in Phoenix, and nothing in the city that never sleeps should derail them tonight. Expect the Rockets to get their seventh straight win tonight. However, it won’t be as easy as many people think. Houston’s got the Clippers next on the schedule, and are eager to get back home. They can’t afford to overlook the Knicks. If this contest is close, the MSG crowd will be fired up, and this could be anyone’s contest. So, if you’re expecting a blowout… you might want to take another look.

 

Madison Square Garden:  New York City, New York

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (39-20):  Red

New York Knicks (18-42):  Blue

 

TV:  6 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Luck of the Heightless:  Resilient Rockets Outlast Celtics in OT,  111-110

Meet the New Shaq and Kobe.    Luck of the Heightless?    Garden Tours.    

“You had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.” A quote from the Quentin Tarantino classic, Django Unchained, accurately defining my attitude towards this Houston Rockets team at the moment. On the road in Boston on Saturday night, Houston shot themselves into a curious situation. Winners of five straight, the Rockets carelessness with the ball allowed Houston to dig themselves a 17-point hole in the second quarter. Against a Celtics team who’d won 11 of 13, and owned a 23-5 record at TD Garden. On primetime national TV, these Rockets would succumb to a defeat, right? Well..

We’ve seen them get blown out several times this season. It seems like when Houston loses, they get humiliated, or crushed at the buzzer. And that almost happened again Saturday night. Despite the deficit, the Rockets stormed back, and seemingly had the game wrapped up. Houston had the ball with a five-point lead, with only 30 seconds remaining. However, sloppy turnovers, missed free throws, and a little luck for the Irish put the Rockets in an anxious situation at the end of regulation. Trailing 104-101, Boston’s Jaylen Brown hit a shot at the buzzer off a missed free throw, forcing overtime, and dread into Houston fans everywhere. Brown’s shot was a hard punch to the gut at the time. Luckily for the Rockets, Jayson Tatum missed the first free throw, otherwise Brown’s bucket would’ve been the game-winner for the Celtics. But in the extra period, Houston proved they’re more resilient than perception belies. The Rockets held on to win arguably their most-impressive game of the year, 111-110 OT, over the C’s. Houston held Boston scoreless for the final 2:48 of overtime. Astoundingly incredible, considering the Celtics had a rocking crowd and momentum on their side after Brown’s heartbreaker to force OT. The Rockets’ mental and physical toughness was off the charts, as they used championship resiliency to grind out the victory. Boston’s lost only three times in their last 14 games, they’ve been hard to take down. But two of those losses were to Houston, the other being a narrow two-point road loss to the Lakers. In other words, the Rockets beat a really good team on Saturday night, in impressive fashion.

Russell Westbrook was sensational once again, leading the Rockets comeback charge. Brodie scored 41 points on a remarkably efficient 16-for-27 night from the floor.  At age 31, his athleticism is truly a marvel. Russ gets to the hoop at will. Not a single team has been retaliate with a defense capable of stopping Westbrook’s innate ability to the get to the paint, whenever he wants. This calendar year, Russ leads all NBA players in points in the paint. Westbrook is averaging nearly 20.3 points in the paint per game in 2020, tops on a list that includes beloved media darling, the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo.

James Harden couldn’t find a rhythm on offense, scoring only 21 points on 7-of-24 shooting in one of his worst offensive games of the year. However, the Beard made up for his poor shooting with one of his best defensive outings of the season. With 30 seconds to go in overtime, and Houston trailing 110-109, Harden stripped the ball from Marcus Smart, leading to game winning Bearded free throws at the other end.  Harden also denied Celtic Daniel Theis a rebound on the game’s final play, ensuring the Rockets escaped Boston with a victory.

Brodie and the Beard are making history, leading the Rockets back up the standings. Houston’s superstars are on pace to become the most prolific scoring duo this century. The duo’s currently averaging 62.5 points a night, tops in the league, and the most this century by two players in a season. And the most since Shaq and Kobe averaged 57.2 points a game in the 2000/2001 season, a year they led the Lakers to a title. There’s no reason to expect Harden and Russ to slow down. Houston’s innovative small-ball approach is led by the driving abilities of the Beard and Brodie. They need to average around 60 points a night for the Rockets to contend for a championship. And they can do it for a full season, as Houston has only 21 games left before the playoffs begin.

It wasn’t just Harden and Russ who made lasting imprints on Saturday night’s showdown. Robert Covington continues to be amazing, proving he should’ve been traded much earlier. RoCo finished with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and another 3 blocks. His shot-blocking ability is top-tier, especially coming from the help-side on defense. Covington is the perfect fit in Houston’s micro-ball system. If you’re questioning whether the trade was worth it, RoCo has your answer. Pair him with P.J. Tucker, and you’ve got the best defensive duo in the NBA. Their versatility to guard any position, combined with unmatched defensive intensity, is the real reason Houston’s unconventional small-ball style is working. The defensive Shaq and Kobe combined for 29 boards, manning the paint on D for the Rockets. Russ and Harden might be getting all the attention, but Houston’s small-ball style would fail without RoCo and Tuck. No luck comes with handicapped in the height department on the basketball court. You have to outwork, out-hustle, and earn your luck. And that’s what the Rockets are doing, in a fashion no one can solve.

Houston’s “Garden Tours” continues, as the Rockets take their micro-ball movement to the Big Apple for their next game on Monday night. The Knicks, as usual, stink. But Madison Square Garden is always packed, and if the game is close enough, the fans always give New York a strong home-court advantage. The Knicks just can’t take advantage of their setting. It’s usually the opposing team’s stars that feast on the aura of the Garden. MSG is the most glorified arena in basketball. Last time the Rockets played at the Garden, Harden scored 61. And at the moment, Russ is on an unstoppable tear. On Monday night, anything can happen when the Beard’s at the Garden. If the curious Harden and Westbrook experiment hasn’t won the affections of your heart yet… it definitely has your attention.

Surging Rockets Head Up to Boston, Face Celtics in Saturday Night Showdown

Making Waves.    Gunning for Second.    Revisiting the Start.

“I cannot be taken down. I am a new machine.” It’s a defiant quote from a wrestling team in the 2019 criminally overlooked film, Waves. Taking down Houston’s new machine, equipped with the league’s most unconventional and fastest style, has been almost-impossible for opponents since the Rockets put all their money on micro-ball. Houston’s new machine will face their toughest test yet, as the Rockets travel to Boston to face the Celtics in a Saturday night showdown. Two teams making waves across the league face off tonight in Beantown. Houston puts their five-game winning streak on the line against a Celtics team that’s won 13 of their last 15 games. Boston’s two lone losses? On the road to the Rockets, and in Los Angeles to the Lakers. In other words, the Celtics haven’t had a bad loss in ages. Therefore, they’re grouped with the Lakers, Bucks, and Rockets in the quadrant of teams playing the best basketball at the moment.

Houston’s major focus on defense will be slowing down Jayson Tatum, who’s play has evolved from All-Star to Superstar status over the past few games. The first-time All-Star is scoring 35.4 points and grabbing 8.2 boards over his last five contests. The Rockets will have a plethora of players to throw at Tatum, but Boston’s star has been unstoppable. Houston’s help-defense on the Celtic star could be the key to extending the streak tonight in Boston. Both teams have the second seed in their respective conferences in sight. The Rockets are now only a game in the loss column behind the Clippers and Denver for the second seed, while the Celtics sit just a game back of Toronto for the East’s second spot. A lot’s on the line tonight in a nationally televised primetime showdown. Houston’s new machine will be pushed to the limits in Boston. The Celtics are one of the deepest, and most versatile teams in the league. Their star point guard Kemba Walker is still out with an injury, but the C’s have plenty of players who can damper the Rockets’ hopes of victory. Eric Gordon is still out with an injury, which means more minutes for Ben McLemore, Austin Rivers, Jeff Green, and the anyone in a contributing mood.

Don’t expect to see any seven-footers, lacking natural skill, who just run and dunk, in tonight’s contest. A lot of skill will be on display in this showdown. Expect a playoff atmosphere in Boston on Saturday night, as a premier matchup between two NBA heavyweights awaits the onlookers inside TD Garden. The Celtics are one of the best home teams in the league, boasting a 23-5 record at their house. James Harden and Russell Westbrook will need to be superheroes tonight for Houston to pull off an impressive victory. Boston’s out for revenge, as the Rockets won the first meeting between these clubs, 116-104, only a few weeks ago back in Houston. If the the Beard and Brodie can weather an early C’s storm, and hang in the game, they’ve got the firepower to pull this one out, and extend the winning streak. The Celtics have been spectators to the phenomenon. And their city might need a little luck of the Irish tonight. Boston has yet to witness, in person, the NBA’s new machine… good luck taking it down.

 

TD Garden:  Boston, Massachusetts

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (38-20):  “Space City” White

Boston Celtics (41-17):  Black

 

TV:  7:30 PM CT – ABC

Rockets Feast on Grizzlies, 140-112, Win 5th Straight

Signs of ’95.    RoBlock Covington.    Skating Down Rivers.

“Perfection is not just about control. It’s also about letting go. Surprise yourself so you can surprise the audience. Transcendence! Very few have it in them,” Thomas Leroy says in the 2010 film Black Swan. And on Wednesday night, the Rockets flirted with perfection, torching the Grizzlies 140-112, for their fifth consecutive win. James Harden and Russell Westbrook combined to score 63 points on 24-for-40 shooting to lead Houston. The best backcourt in the league continues to dominate, as the Beard and Brodie are both in a groove on the court. Over this winning streak, it’s the first time all campaign both Harden and Westbrook have simultaneously played well. For the majority of the season, it’s been the Beard or Brodie. But that’s slowly starting to change. Wednesday marked the first time Harden and Russ scored 30 points each in back-to-back games. It’s the seventh game this season where the Beard and Brodie both hit the 30-point mark. And the first time in franchise history a Rockets duo have each scored 30 points in consecutive games since Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, back in 1995… the last year Houston won a championship. During the Rockets five-game winning streak, Harden is averaging 35.2 points, paired with an ultra-efficient 51.5% shot accuracy. The Beard’s topped the 30 point-mark in three straight games (which is expected), but he’s done it as his most efficient rate of the season. Harden’s shot 56% from the field in three consecutive games, making him the first Houston player to score 30 while shooting at least 56% in three straight contests since Hakeem Olajuwon, back in 1994-1995… the last time the Rockets tasted glory.

It hasn’t necessarily been easy, Houston’s current rise. The bold move to trade an All-Star caliber center, and go all-in on small-ball was a risk, that many questioned at the outset. Clint Caplea was drafted, developed, and grew into a player who has the potential to be an All-Star in the near future. He was loved by fans, seeing him go wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Even if you were a believer in small-ball before Houston became the Pocket Rockets, a sample size large enough hadn’t been displayed for fans to witness. The rest of the league laughed while the NBA’s black swan made the boldest move of the season, one that could eventually have title repercussions. Now, that laughter’s been reduced to quiet, hesitant chuckles, as no one in the league can figure out how to stop these Pocket Rockets. “It won’t work in the playoffs,” members of the national media proclaim. Well, they’re saying this with less confidence with each passing day. 

Since joining the Rockets, Robert Covington is averaging 2.3 blocks per game, more than Clint Capela (1.8) averaged as Houston’s center all season, before the squad made the game-changing move to micro-ball. Once again, Daryl Morey should be in the running for Executive of the Year. Like it or not, believe it or not, the trade for RoCo saved Houston’s season… and potentially more. The versatility and intensity Covington, along with P.J. Tucker, brings on defense is a nightmare for opponents. RoCo and P.J.’s basketball IQ on the defensive end is a marvel. If the Beard and Brodie are the superheroes on offense, Tucker and Covington are equally heroic on the defensive end. You just won’t hear about it with the frequency level of talk on Harden and Russ’ greatness. If an NBA Hustle Hall-of-Fame existed, P.J. and RoCo would be first-ballot Hall-of-Famers.

Amidst their dismantling of Memphis, the Rockets had more than just Hall-of-Fame help on the court. Austin Rivers had one of his best games of the year. Rivers scored 23 points on 9-for-12 shooting, including 4-for-7 from distance. The son of Doc’s isolation play was sensation. Rivers put several Memphis players on skates, and they might also need future medical attention. Along with the now vanished Eric Gordon (he’ll be back), Austin is the lone Rocket, other than Harden and Westbrook, who can create his own shot off isolation. Rivers is also a defensive beast who’s efforts on that end go almost entirely overlooked outside of Houston’s locker room. Houston needs Eric Gordon back to win a title, but for now, Austin Rivers will get many of EG’s minutes.

Houston’s winning streak, along with the move to throw in all the cards on micro-ball, has surprised the NBA. It’s unconventional. Ditching size in a league where every team seems to have some dimension of height. But these Rockets don’t need size. Houston’s 9-2 now in the “small-ball” era, including 6-1 against playoff teams. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the league’s black swan, the Houston Rockets, are doing what very few teams in history ever did… transcending the game.

Rockets Host Desperate Grizzlies Before Heading East

Nice to Meet Ja.    Continuing Chameleons.    Ready to Grind.

This season’s eventual Rookie of the Year, Ja Morant, makes his final visit to Houston this season as the Rockets host the Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Memphis is holding on to the eighth and final playoff spot out West. Lately, their grip on a playoff berth has been slipping. The Grizzlies come in to Houston on a three-game slide, and the Rockets are prepped to extend Memphis’ woes to a fourth game. Houston is looking for their fifth consecutive victory before heading East on a short two-game road trip. For the first time, Ja Morant will face a player he was oft compared to and idolized growing up, Russell Westbrook. Brodie missed the Rockets first two matchups against the Grizz, but expect Russ to deal the rook a few lessons in basketball mastery. Harden and Westbrook have been in sync, and it all seemed to start with the trade.

Robert Covington has been excellent, and his value on this team is truly higher than Clint Capela’s. The other new Rockets, Jeff Green and DeMarre Carroll have done well in their respective bench roles, especially Green, who has shown promising signs in a small sample size. All three players, especially RoCo, have blended in with Houston’s style like chameleons. It’s hard to notice they’re new to the squad. Their initiation into Houston Rockets basketball has been seamless. If Houston can burst out the gate from the tip and get big lead, these new guys can see more action.

Eric Gordon won’t play Wednesday, as he’s still nursing a bruised right knee. Yesterday, EG was expected to be questionable for tonight, but today the Rockets decided against that, as there’s no need to rush Splash Gordon back. They need EG at full strength when the playoffs begin. Memphis will also be missing some pieces. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke are both out for the Grizzlies tonight with injuries. Nonetheless Memphis still has the probable Rookie of the Year, in Morant, and the Grizzlies are desperately trying to end their three-game slide. Morant will be hyped to play Russ for the first time, but expect Westbrook to take the rookie to school. “It was nice to meet Ja,” Brodie might say after the game.

Tonight’s game won’t be easy for Houston. Jonas Valanciunas has caused the Rockets problems in the past. This is the first time the Rockets have faced Valanciunas in the small-ball era. JoVa’s been the rare big who’s been a Rocket-killer (since his days in Toronto) regardless of Houston’s lineup on the floor. Dillon Brooks has played well against the Rockets in the teams’ first two meetings. Expect Morant, Brooks, and Valancinas to be the biggest problems Houston has to deal with tonight. Look for the Rockets to win a close game, but this one won’t be as smooth as the last few games for Houston. Memphis is fighting for the final playoff spot. The Rockets need to be ready to grind, and help out on Jonas Valanciunas, who is probably licking his chomps looking at Houston’s small-ball lineup, which will be truly tested against one of the league’s most uniquely skilled big-men. All the Rockets need to do is maintain their focus and intensity. Houston boasts more talent than the Grizz. As long as Harden and Westbrook continue to push the pace and create driving lanes, the bears will find themselves lost in space, created by this season’s eventual team of the year, the Houston Rockets. Oh yea, and ESPN switched their programming schedule a few weeks ago to make sure this matchup was on national TV. Who knows… tonight could be the game of the year.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Memphis Grizzlies (28-29):  Turquoise

Houston Rockets (37-20):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT – ESPN, AT&T Sportsnet SW