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Rockets Land in the Desert for Meeting with Suns

Overnight Trap.    Attacking Ayton.    Harden’s Way. 

A new age in Rockets basketball continues on Saturday night as Houston takes on the Suns in Phoenix. It’s the second night of a back-to-back for the squad. The Rockets are coming off an impressive win over the Lakers, but can’t get too full of themselves. The Suns are 20-31, and on the outside of the playoff picture. And they’re just the type of team, especially on the second night of back-to-back for Houston, who could give the Rockets trouble. The Suns are the worst team Houston will play before the All-Star break. Afer tonight’s game, the Rockets return home for tough games against Utah and Boston, but can’t afford to overlook these Suns. Houston will be without Russell Westbrook tonight, as he rests on the second night of this back-to-back. That means James Harden will be given the green light to facilitate all offensive necessities. Look for the Beard to have a big night with Brodie on the sidelines. If the Rockets come into Phoenix with a lackluster attitude, Houston will lose tonight without Westbrook. The Rockets need to carry that passion and energy that was on display in L.A. into the valley of the sun.

The biggest threat to Houston tonight is Phoenix’s DeAndre Ayton. In his second season, after missing the first 25 games of the season due to suspension, Ayton is blossoming into a productive player. He will be licking his chomps at the Pocket Rockets. Houston needs ti attack Ayton, and get the big-man in foul trouble. Devin Booker, the Suns All-Star who was almost-was, is just as good, or better, than many All-Stars. Booker is a scoring machine who has the ability to go-off any night. His career high in an NBA game is 70 points. No one’s topped that mark since.

The Rockets will look to go the route of the Beard on Saturday night against the Suns. Harden only took 10 shots last night, so expect James to be trigger-happy tonight in Phoenix. Robert Covington gets his second go-round with the squad. It’ll be tough to top his sensational debut, which was about as perfect as Rockets fans could’ve hoped for. Hopefully, RoCo and the mini-Rockets continue to play with the passion and energy this style requires for success. Without Brodie, everyone’s going to get more chance to shine.

 

Talking Stick Resort Arena:  Phoenix, Arizona

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (33-18):  White

Phoenix Suns (20-31):  Orange

 

TV:  8 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

It’s a Small World After All:  Pocket Rockets Stun Lakers, 121-111

Rockets in Space.    Sensational Debut.    Game-Changers.

“Sometimes it’s important to give people the illusion of being in control.” Dr. Melfi says in the epic TV-saga, The Sopranos. In Los Angeles, that’s exactly what the Rockets did coming into their big matchup with the West’s top-seeded Lakers. Heading into Thursday night’s showdown in L.A., everyone was laughing at Houston’s decision to permanently go the way of small-ball. The jokes didn’t stop. A nationally televised game on TNT, the crew had their fare share of laughs throughout the pre-game and halftime show about Houston’s lack of height. But by the time the buzzer sounded on Thursday night it was the Rockets who had the last laugh, shocking the Lakers at Staples Center, 121-111. In a tightly contested matchup, Houston closed the game on a 19-5 run to take control, and pull ahead for the victory. Russell Westbrook, who continues to play on an MVP-caliber level, was unleashed against the Lakers. No Clint Capela means way more space for Brodie. Russ attacked the basket relentlessly and led the way for Houston, finishing with 41 points, on an insanely efficient 17-for-28 shooting. Not even Anthony Davis’ height could affect Westbrook’s shot, who was 6-for-8 on midrange attempts while defended by the Brow. Brodie also grabbed 8 boards and dished out 5 assists, as at least for one game, the trade has proven to be a marvel for the Rockets, especially Westbrook. James Harden had a quiet night, if you only look at the box score. The Beard’s quietly stepped back, and allowed this basketball evolution to take place. He’s slowly stepped back, and allowed the potent tandem of Brodie and Benny Mac to take the forefront during their current winning streak. Harden attempted only 10 shots against the Lakers, making 3 of them for 14 points. But the Beard also had 7 boards and 7 assists, and continues to lead by example on the court. If Harden isn’t buying into small-ball, none of the Rockets will. And so far, the Beard is all-in on Houston’s micro-ball style. It may mean less touches for Harden. Westbrook is a better pure driver to the basket, and will benefit the most from Clint Capela’s departure. It doesn’t matter to the Beard if it means more wins, and a chance at the ultimate goal in June. 

Robert Covington was sensational in his debut. The newest Rocket played like he’s been here all season long. RoCo fit into Houston’s style seamlessly, scoring 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting, along with solid defense. More importantly, he was efficient from deep, going 4-for-6 from downtown, including two clutch three’s late in the game. RoCo also had 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, most notably a late swat on Anthony Davis in Houston’s biggest defensive play of the night. RoCo also finished with the team’s highest plus/minus, with Houston outscoring L.A. by 16 with Covington on the court in 29 minutes of action. Speaking of defense, the Rockets thrill and joy to buy-in to this style on offense seeped into the other end of the floor. Houston’s defense was actively engaged and inspired. These guys love playing this way, and it’s beautiful to watch. They surrendered only 11 second-chance points, and were out-rebounded by only 1 board all night. Those were supposed to be the weak areas for this mini-Rockets team. But Houston put so much effort into their style, you can tell they really want to make it work. As a fan, you can’t help but love the Rockets’ energy and passion. If this scheme is going to continue to work, the passion for the style can never fade.

Slowly but surely… this Rockets team has become, and has the potential to truly be a group of game-changers. Everyone who played for Houston in their win over the Lakers was 6’7 or shorter. The last time that happened before these Rockets? More than 50 years ago, back in 1963. Everyone’s asking the question: is this micro-ball style sustainable? Well, Houston doesn’t have a choice but to go small. It’s honestly their best chance at winning the championship in today’s modern NBA. The center position is truly dead, as witnessed by Detroit’s dumping of the NBA’s top-rebounder, Andre Drummond, to Cleveland, of all places. GM’s in the league nowadays truly believe that big men who can’t shoot with range have no place on Championship teams. Houston is now 5-0 since they’ve gone with this micro-ball style. A small sample size, or something more? As more games come, we’ll know how effective and potent this style can become. You don’t have to wait long for the next game. Houston travels to Phoenix for the second night of a back-to-back. They’ll have a big test in the Suns’ DeAndre Ayton, one of the best young big men in the league, who’s finally blossoming into a promising player in his second season. The Rockets have to keep that passion and energy for playing small and fast. Size doesn’t matter. But continue to let everyone think it does… sometimes it’s important to give people the illusion of being in control.

Size-able Test:  Rockets Battle Lakers in First Game Since Trade Deadline

Micro-Ballers.    The Heights Five.    All In.

“How many times do I have to teach you: just because something works doesn’t mean it can’t be improved,” Shuri states in the film Black Panther. A quote that came to mind after all the deadline-madness. And the Rockets made the boldest statement of all at the trade deadline. Houston shipped off homegrown Center Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks in four-team deal, and received Robert Covington, the man they’ve been after. A player who suits the Rockets style of play perfectly. RoCo makes his Rockets debut tonight, as Houston begins a new-era of small-ball in the NBA. In their first game as the NBA’s “Micro-Ballers”, the Rockets battle the Lakers on Thursday night in a TNT national TV exclusive. Houston gets a tough test, as Anthony Davis will pose a giant problem to a Rockets team whose rotation now consists of no one taller than 6’7. Hopefully, the deadline moves will force Coach Mike D’Antoni to play Isaiah Hartenstein when Houston needs to put more size on the court. Harty has been great when he’s seen rare playing time this season. Robert Covington gets a chance to immediately show the impact he can bring, against a championship-caliber opponent. The Lakers have dedicated the season to Kobe Bryant and will have more emotional motivation in the long-run, led by the ultimate leader, LeBron James. On Thursday night, the Rockets will try and get closer to the King’s throne by knocking off the Lakers in an upset with a national TV audience as witnesses.

Tonight marks the first of back-to-back for Houston. The squad travels to Phoenix tomorrow night for a tilt with the Suns. Russell Westbrook has rested on the second night of back-to-backs this season, although that will change tonight. D’Antoni announced that Russ will play tonight, and rest tomorrow instead. A smart move, as Houston has a chance to beat L.A. with a full lineup. Tomorrow’s weaker Phoenix team can be dispatched with Brodie on the sidelines. This small-lineup has drawn up comparisons to Golden State’s “Hamptons 5” lineup that consisted of a similarly small lineup: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, and Harrison Barnes. A Warriors team that won the championship before Kevin Durant arrived to bring them two more titles. Due to their lack of size, call these Rockets the, “Heights 5.” A lineup that will consist of James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Robert Covington, P.J. Tucker, and either Danuel House Jr., Eric Gordon, or Ben McLemore. It’s not clear at the moment who will start. I’m assuming House will get the starting nod. But nonetheless, Houston will have a potently small lineup on the court the majority of the time.

With the move, Rockets GM Daryl Morey has decided to go all-in on Houston’s small-ball style. Getting Covington creates a copious amount of floor space for Harden and Westbrook to work with. They can isolate and destroy their defenders, and if the double-team comes, potent shooters will be lining the perimeter. Moving Clint Capela was essentially about creating more space for Westbrook. The two were never on the same page, and Houston as a team has started to trend toward less pick-and-roll, and more isolation. Capela was useful in pick-and-roll. When Harden and Westbrook isolated, Capela clogged the paint due to his inability to make perimeter shots. Clint couldn’t step out, and it created havoc situations that made it easier for the opponent to defend Houston’s drive, dish, and shoot style of play. Now, there’s no one clogging the interior. The Rockets have all the room in the world to run teams out of the building every night. Tonight, they’re going to get a real test. The Lakers are still the top seed out West. They still have Anthony Davis, the league’s biggest interior threat. He’s going to be a handful for this small Houston lineup. Thursday night will go a long way in showing if this was the right move, and if this style works against teams with dominant big men. Not many elite teams have truly dominant centers. Anthony Davis is one of the few true centers left in the league, and the most dominant… by far. It’s the first game for these new-look Rockets. So a loss, won’t necessarily mean the trade’s the culprit. However, if Houston can manage to micro-ball their way to an upset, it’s a great sign for the future. The Rockets didn’t have problems when Capela didn’t play. Houston went 10-1 this season without Capela. Maybe they didn’t need him after all. Maybe all they needed to do was ton fully dedicate themselves to their style of play. Adding RoCo gives the Rockets a perfect player for D’Antoni’s isolation-heavy, perimeter-oriented offense, as well as a solid defender. Houston might have won a title with Clint Capela. We’ll never know. We do know the Rockets believed a move was necessary to improve the squad. They took a cue from Black Panther… just because something works, doesn’t mean it can’t be improved.

 

Staples Center:  Los Angeles, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (32-18):  Red

Los Angeles Lakers (38-11):  Yellow

 

TV:  9:30 PM CT – TNT

Rockets Buzz Past Hornets, 125-110, For Third Straight Win

Defending Home.    Drafted, Developed… Ditched.    End of a Chapter.

The Rockets finished off a perfect home-stand, with a 125-110 win over the Hornets on Tuesday night. James Harden led the way, as Russell Westbrook continues to nurse his wrist. The Beard finished with 40 points, 12 dimes, and 9 rebounds. Danuel House Jr. continues to emerge back to his early season form of consistency. House scored 22 points, and grabbed 9 boards on the night. P.J. Tucker had 13 points and 10 rebounds (something he’ll be asked to do a lot of in the future), as Houston won their third straight game. The Rockets improved to a stellar 18-2 when they score at least 120 points. Despite the winning streak, and having notched victories in six of eight games… this Rocket-ship has been shaken. Big changes have been made for the rest of the season.

As the NBA’s trade-deadline approached, the Rockets made the biggest in-season deal in the James Harden-era. Houston’s GM Daryl Morey just went all-in on Houston’s small-ball style, trading Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks for Minnesota’s Robert Covington in a four-team trade involving twelve players. Those were the big names in the deal. Houston also dealt Gerald Green, Nene, and a future first-round pick, and got RoCo and Jordan Bell. Earlier today, before the deadline, the Rockets swapped Bell for Bruno Caboclo in a head-scratching move. Bell is the more experienced player, and Caboclo played in Houston a few seasons ago. Regardless, it doesn’t matter, neither player will see much court time. The big news is Capela for Covington. The Rockets have sought RoCo’s services since last off-season, when Houston and his name were linked in potential moves. And on Tuesday night, after the Rockets 3rd straight win, and improving to 4-0 playing micro-ball, Morey decided to  finally get his man. We’ll have to wait and see how the move impacts Houston. The Rockets’ GM has a history of making the right moves, but this is a big risk. It’s sad to see Clint Capela go. The Rockets drafted Clint, and saw him grow from a raw unknown player into the verge of an NBA-All Star during his time in Houston. Besides being an underrated big man, who suffered from injuries (that I believe influenced this deal), Capela was great with the fans. Frequently stopping for pictures and autographs, Capela was also the host in terms of entertainment on Houston’s big-screen scoreboard during time-outs. The leagues is moving in a new direction, and Capela’s inability to shoot the three shows how perimeter-oriented the Rockets, and the NBA, have becomes. Houston had one of the league’s best young big-men, but now he’s gone to Georgia. All their chips are in on the small-ball style. And if they’re going to do this, the Rockets got the right man.

Welcome to Houston, Robert Covington. Or welcome back, Covington played in 7 games with the Rockets in his first season back inn 2013-14. Covington, aka RoCo, is the definition of a 3-and-D player. Covington has been especially hot of-late from three, and is a great defender on the perimeter. The move essentially creates space for Harden and Westbrook to attack at all times, with multiple open shooters on the permitter ready to launch threes. It’s the definition of what’s evolved into today’s style of Houston Rockets basketball. Capela was a casualty of the Russell-Westbrook trade. The Rockets needed to create more space. And with RoCo, Houston now gets to play exactly how they want. Expect Houston, who already lead the league in three’s attempted per game, to launch even more shots from distance. This is the biggest in-season move the Rockets have made with Harden at the helm. Green will likely be back next season, as his contract was bought out from Denver, the team acquiring him.  But if the Rockets win this year, Green won’t get a ring, which doesn’t feel right. Gerald has been along for the ride since Houston scooped him up from his couch, two seasons ago. And giving up a first-rounder in addition to Nene and Green for basically only RoCo, doesn’t makes sense, other than for financial reasons. The Rockets still have two open roster-spots to fill on the buyout-market. Houston still needs a big man. They’ll find one before the playoffs, it won’t be someone on Capela’s level, but for now, the Rockets just need size, for certain matchups. And to give P.J. Tucker a break, who will now officially become Houston’s starting center. Many, including myself, are questioning this trade. But if Covington adjusts to Houston’s style as expected… this move could come as an unexpected surprise.

Buzzy Affair:  Rockets Battle Hornets, Homestand Comes to an End

Game 50.    Staying Put.    Closing Strong. 

The Rockets embark on their 50th battle of chance this season, as a highly unpredictable season in Houston Rockets basketball continues. Tonight, the Charlotte Hornets come to town, as Houston tries to makes this season moren predicatable. Charlotte is 16-34, and one of the worst teams in basketball. Houston is 31-18 heading into game number 50 on Tuesday night, seeking their sixth win in the last eight games. All advantages point in the Rockets’ favor. A Tuesday night home game with the Hornets has James Harden and 50 points written all over it. Just seems like the kind of game where the Beard will erupt… and he’s long overdue for a big night. Granted, Harden’s coming off a 40-point affair, but the Beard was nearly averaging 40 a month into the season. A long-awaited Harden 50-Burger is within reach. Houston has more rest coming into tonight… Charlotte played last night, while the Rockets haven’t played since Sunday afternoon. Houston’s at home, where they’ve played better, as opposed to away from Toyota Center. And the Rockets are plain and simply, the better team. The Hornets are in rebuilding mode, still trying to figure out the centerpieces of their franchise. The Rockets, working towards their ultimate goal of a championship, have all the pieces in place… as long as they don’t make matters more difficult for themselves.

Speaking of difficulties… tonight’s game is a buzzier affair than usual. Clint Capela’s name is currently in trade talks with several teams, as Houston seems intent on trading their big man. Personally, I think the move would kill any chances the Rockets have at a Championship. Sure, the small-ball lineup’s worked for a few games, but in the playoffs, Houston needs to keep their big-man. The Warriors aren’t in the running this year (the only team Capela struggled against last year), and Clint’s currently working through an injury. When Capela’s been healthy, he’s outplayed some of the NBA’s best big men, including Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert in the past two postseasons. Capela’s more than held his own when healthy, and had a run earlier this season when he was nearly a 20/20 machine, putting up close to 20 points and 20 boards a night. Houston needs to have a little patience, and instill more faith and confidence in their big man. The Rockets have one of the best young centers in a league that’s rapidly getting rid of the position. Houston can’t afford to throw Capela away for future assets, or less value. And there’s not a better big man on the market than Clint Capela. The Rockets are best off staying put, and praying their entire squad can be blessed with health when the playoffs roll around.

Tonight marks the final game of a Houston’s 3-game homestand. The Rockets will try and make it a perfect triplet of games with a victory tonight, before they head West for a short two-game trip against the Lakers and Suns. All signs point to Houston winning tonight, but when that’s been the situation entering a game this season, the Rockets have often pulled the rug out from under out expectations. Anything can happen tonight. With new Clint Capela trade rumors swirling, and the Lakers looming… this matchup against a bad Hornets team has the slight feel of a trap game. Houston has to be ready to play, and treat their opponents with respect. Get a big lead, and maybe this exhausted Rockets rotation can get a breather before the upcoming back-to-back on the road. Look for Houston to get a rare easy victory in game 50 of this season, before the squad hits the road for the final 32-game stretch. It will be very telling, how this game is played out, where Houston is at the 50-game mark of the season. And hopefully, this isn’t the last game with Capela’s name on the roster. Whether they believe it or not, Houston isn’t winning a ‘chip without Clint. I know the numbers say the Rockets are 9-1 without Capela. But I believe the numbers don’t tell the entire tale. In general, this Houston team plays better when they’re short-handed, or feel like they’re the underdogs. It’s when the Rockets are completely healthy, at full-strength, when they’re at the most dangerous to themselves. The squad gets too cocky, arrogant, or full of themselves to overcome their own ego. A lot of this comes down to waiting for the playoffs, and Houston knowing this season is championship or bust. It’s hard to take all these regular season games seriously when you know in your heart you can beat anyone, and the playoffs are all that matter. But if the Rockets don’t start getting some easy victories to ease the wear-and-tear of guys like Tucker and Harden, they won’t have any gas left for the playoffs. Peaking further down the road, Houston’s definitely running into a big man, whether it be Anrthony Davis, Jokic, Gobert, or Embiid, in the playoffs this spring. And without Capela, their own big man, Houston won’t stand a chance.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Charlotte Hornets (16-34):  Blue

Houston Rockets (31-18):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Harden’s 40 Points Help Rockets Fend-Off Scrappy Pelicans, 117-109

Promising Future.    The Return of Jimmy Edwards?    Small Ballers.

The future face of the NBA swooped into Toyota Center on Sunday afternoon, for his first game in Houston. Duke’s Zion Williamson, the most anticipated rookie since LeBron James, had 21 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort, as the Rockets held off the Pelicans for a 117-109 victory at Toyota Center. Zion had a few highlight dunks in an efficient night, but the promising rook has a ways to go to reach his potential heights of greatness. James Harden bounced back, and comforted fans hopes that the Beard’s shaken out of his slump. Harden led Houston with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 dimes. The Beard also shot an efficient 12-for-24 from the field, including 7-for-15 from downtown. Russell Westbrook and Ben McLemore finished with 22 points apiece for the Rockets, and Danuel House had a double-double, with 12 points and 12 boards. Houston held the Pelicans to 16 fourth-quarter points, and turned the defense up in the clutch. First-year All-Star and fellow Dukie Brandon Ingram, led New Orleans with 28 points, but it wasn’t enough, as the Rockets’ firepower kept the birds at bay.

With Clint Capela still sidelined due to injury, P.J. Tucker, at 6’6, was once again the tallest man to play for Houston. The Rockets are now 3-0 with their “small-ball” lineup, which consists of P.J. Tucker as the tallest player to suit up for Houston. This style has worked in the short-term, but only time will tell if it will have long-term benefits. I think it’s only going to wear down P.J. Tucker even more. Mike D’Antoni needs to give Isaiah Hartenstein some playing time. Harty’s been excellent when he’s seen the court. For some reason, the coach has refused to play a guy he called “Houston’s backup-center” earlier this season. Championship teams don’t win without an inside presence. Those Golden State championship teams still had key pieces, (David Lee, Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee, David West, Kevon Looney, etc.) that were forces in the inside, not just due to their hustle, but size. Come playoff time, this small-ball lineup will come back to haunt Houston if the Rockets don’t start preparing bigs for clutch moments in the playoffs.

Is James Harden Back? Too small of a sample size to exclaim that. But it’s certainly a good sign that the Beard is swooning back in the direction of efficiency. However, his last two games have been against the Pelicans, and the Luka-less Mavs. Not exactly towering, menacing opposition. Harden will get another “practice session” on Tuesday as the Hornets come to Houston. Charlotte is one the NBA’s worst teams, and played on Monday night. There’s no reason for the Rockets not to win by 30, and for Harden to regain his confidence and stroke he displayed earlier this season. It’s time for the Houston to gain momentum as we near the All-Star break. The Rockets got a solid win over Zion, the future face of the NBA, and the Pelicans. Now they’ll prepare to battle the team owned by the past face of the NBA, Michael Jordan, as his Charlotte Hornets come to town on Tuesday night.

Rockets Duel with Zion Begins, Pelicans Fly into Houston

The Next Big Thing.    Potential Rivalry.    Sneaky Birds.

He’s finally here. For the first time, the NBA’s next big thing, Zion Williamson, will play his first game in Houston, as his New Orleans Pelicans come to town to take on the Rockets. Zion’s the most-hyped player this league’s seen since LeBron James, and he’s already shown signs of greatness.

With New Orleans drafting of Williamson, the Pelicans will be a threat to deal with for years to come for Houston. The squads are divisional rivals and this matchup has the potential to blossom into a future rivalry.

The Pelicans are only 20-29, but Zion Williamson played his first game a few weeks ago. New Orleans has been better since, and has chance to sneak into the playoffs in the eight spot if they continue to play well. Houston needs James Harden to prove Friday’s game wasn’t a mirage, that it wasn’t a one-time thing, and that the Beard can get back to doing Beard-like things. Russell Westbrook will bring  the energy as always. It’s time to send these Birds out of town with a loss.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

New Orleans Pelicans (20-29):  White

Houston Rockets (30-18):  Red

 

TV:  1 PM CT – ABC

Rockets Begin Homestand with Victory Over Mavs, 128-121

Hanging On.    Black Magic.    Learning Experience.

Houston held on to beat the Mavs Friday night, 128-121, as the Rockets returned to Toyota Center with a victory. James Harden scored 35 points, and seemed, to slip out of his funk. Although in my opinion, he still doesn’t look right, and against a Luka-less Mavs team, the Beard should have been better. Russell Westbrook had 32, and the Rockets led by as many as 18 points, before letting the lead shrink, and making things interesting in the final quarter. Luckily, Houston had enough to hang on this time, and not embarrass themselves with another disappointing loss.

The Rockets need to stop playing with their own brand of Black Magic. They had an 18-point lead on Friday night. Houston should have won by at least 20. But the let a deflated-Dallas team all the way back in the game, which isn’t a good sign for the Rockets’ mental health in the long run. Hopefully, the squad learns from this experience. Although, as the season’s showed, Houston has been prone to this kind behavior all season long.

Up next for the Rockets, they’ll host the league’s next big thing: Zion Williamson, as the Pelicans come to town. Houston will need to play better than did on Friday to beat a sneaky New Orleans team that is slowly creeping up the standings since Zion began playing a few weeks ago. If the Rockets get a big lead, they’ll need to hold on to the double-figure advantage. A close game against New Orleans means bad news, and potentially bad learning experience for the Rockets. We’ll see if they’ve learned to quit their nasty habit, or if it continues… on Sunday afternoon.

Rockets Return Home, Host Mavs in Battle for Texas Supremacy

Homecoming.    Trap Night.    Mirrored Comparison.

Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and company return home for the first time in what’s seemed like forever. The Rockets just finished a four-game road trip, going 2-2, and return to Houston for a three-game homestand. It starts Friday night, as Dallas comes into town. This will be the first home game for the Rockets since Sunday’s incomprehensibly devastating news. Similar to every NBA team, Houston will honor Kobe before the game. Bryant’s been honored at sporting events across the country, and the entire world. The Black Mamba’s impact cannot be overstated. James Harden’s playing tonight. He’s looked injured. Obviously he’s been impacted by Kobe, like all players. But James seems to have been hit with grief harder than most. Kobe was one of Harden’s idols. And if the Beard doesn’t have an injury, he needs to leave it all the court. In terms of emotion. I hate to say this, but Harden’s performances of late are hurting the squad’s overall play. Westbrook continues to put on MVP performances on a nightly basis. He’s been Houston’s best player for the entire month, as Harden’s slide has turned into more than a slump. If the Beard can’t prove he can get back to playing at an MVP-level, especially at home, then the Rockets will be in trouble. This matchup screams trap game for a team prone for playing with less effort if there aren’t big names of the other side of the court.

What’s the trap? On Friday night, the Mavs will be without their MVP-candidate, Luka Doncic, who suffered an ankle injury in practice on Thursday, and will miss a few games. Doncic is having a stellar sophomore season at only 20 years old. You can already tell Luka is going to be an all-time great. But, the only show he’s capable of  putting on tonight is fashion-related, as he’ll be in street clothes. Which, you’d think is a good thing for Houston. However, no Luka means potential problems. This is a huge game. The Rockets have a rare huge advantage with Doncic out tonight. Houston’s playing at Toyota Center for the first time in over a week. The whole squad knows this, they know they have the edge. But if the Rockets don’t go out and play with an edge, they’ll get beat tonight again in embarrassing fashion. Clint Capela is nursing his heel injury, and won’t play in this contest. Which is a good thing, Capela clearly didn’t look right in Portland. Harden has not excuses, as he needs to show up, especially with his mirror image on the bench.

Many are quick to describe Luka Doncic’s game as very similar to James Harden’s. And it is. Luka takes a lot of threes, is a great isolation player. But he’s still only 20 years old. Their styles are similar, but as players, they’re both uniquely great in different aspects. Harden reaches the charity stripe with more efficiency, is stronger, and a better defender. Despite all the false criticism. And these two squads are closer than one would have expected before the season started.  With equivalent records of 29-18, tonight’s game is hugely important in the season series, and the current standings. It’s a game the Rockets should win. But who knows what will happen. Tonight will be emotional as Houston pays tribute to Kobe before the game. Once the tip starts, the Rockets need to jump all over Dallas. Harden, we need you to come back. Do it for Kobe.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Dallas Mavericks (29-18):  Blue

Houston Rockets (29-18):  “Classic” Red

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT – ESPN, AT&T Sportsnet SW

Lillard, Blazers, Light Up Rockets, 125-112

Diminishing Returns.    Same Old Rockets.    More Days Off.

 

In another uninspired performance, the Rockets ended their road-trip with a 125-112 defeat at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers. Besides Russell Westbrook, no one on Houston looked inspired or had the energy they displayed in Utah. Brodie continues to be Houston’s lone, relentless, force of late. Westbrook continued attacking the basket, scoring 39 points on an efficient 16-for-29 from the floor. Other Rockets just couldn’t find a rhythm. And James Harden? Well, something’s wrong with the Beard. Harden hasn’t been right since he dropped 41 in Houston’s loss in Atlanta. Since that game, the Beard’s been held under 20 points in four of his past nine games. Harden was nearly averaging 40 a third into the season. Now, the Beard looks like a mere mortal.

Everyone was impacted by Kobe, Harden harder than most. Some players have responded with motivated, inspired performances to honor Kobe. While others are still in shock, and processing the event. The Beard was one of Gianna’s (Kobe’s daughter) five favorite players, along with Brodie, LeBron, Luka, and Giannis. Back in 2011, a legendary summer pickup-game featured Harden playing his future teammate Tyson Chandler, and Kobe Bryant. After the game, Kobe told Chandler (referring to Harden), “he’s going to be the next one after me.” And the Beard has been, at least until recently. I’d say it’s just the Kobe Effect, but Harden’s been struggling for weeks. It’s not even a slump anymore. Either he’s playing hurt, or he needs to figure out how to find himself again. The Rockets need Harden to find his groove soon. If he’s hiding an injury, Harden needs to sit until he’s ready to be the Beard we’re used to seeing on the court.

As evidenced against Portland, Westbrook, despite having a brilliant outing, can’t do all the work himself. Damian Lillard continues to be the hottest player in basketball. Dame finished with his first (hard to believe) career triple-double. Lillard scorched the Rockets for 36 points, 11 dimes, and 10 boards. Dame hit some improbable deep shots from distance that kept Westbrook and Houston at bay.

Maybe the return of Houston’s Big Three changed the bench atmosphere. It appears to be the case. Despite 17 points from Austin Rivers and Ben McLemore, the rest of Houston was very quiet. The second unit got the rare chance to play extended minutes with multiple starters out in the Rockets’ win over the Jazz. After retuning with a full lineup against the Blazers, Houston looked like the same old Rockets. Getting a double-digit lead on an inferior opponent (Houston led by 12 in the first half), only to give up that lead, and lose by double-digits in disappointing fashion. Just the same, old Rockets. At least, that’s been their M.O. this season. After dropping 50 points and having the game of his life in Utah, Eric Gordon scored only 8 points in Portland. EG didn’t get the quantity of looks he got in Utah, but that’s no excuse for shooting 2-for-10 from the field. Clint Capela was non-existent in Portland. Capela looks likes he’s not over that heel injury. Houston’s big man finished with only 2 points, 7 boards, and lacked the usual pep in his step on both ends. Capela usually gets up-and-down the floor with the best of the NBA’s bigs, and his help-defense had been spectacular. This wasn’t the case in Portland, as the Blazers shut down Capela. Maybe the Rockets also need to shut him down, and give their man in the middle some days off until he’s healthy. The same needs to be done for Harden, although, that’s asking a lot. If the Beard wants to play, he’s going to play. Capela, that’s another story. He’s obviously hurt. Harden, it’s not crystal clear, but the Beard appears to be nursing some sort of injury. It’s showing in his movement, or lack thereof, on the court.

Houston finishes the road-trip at 2-2. All isn’t lost. Although, as usual, after the unexpected and undermanned win in Utah, hopes were up for a victory against a worse Portland with a healthy squad (or so we thought) back. The Rockets are tied with Dallas for the 5th spot in the West, with a record of 29-18. The Mavs just happen to come into Houston for Brodie and company’s next game on Friday night. It’s the first home game for the Rockets since Sunday’s devastation that shook the world. Like every team, Houston will be honoring Kobe pregame. It will be an emotional night, especially before tip. Hopefully Harden can find inspiration amongst all the chaos… and return with a signature Beard performance.