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Rockets Aim to Begin a New Streak, Host Rising Suns

Sunny Stretch.    No Nightmares.    Team You Love to Hate.

They’re back. After a crazy adventure of sorts, Houston returns home for a match against the young Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. The Rockets are coming off a strange, short two-game road trip. The first game,  in San Antonio, featured a controversial dunk, which gave way to a collapse and heartbreak. Houston’s latest affair, in Toronto, featured dazzling teamwork, solid shooting, and resilient defense, resulting in arguably the best win of the season. James Harden and the Rockets now find themselves beginning a very soft, sunny stretch in the schedule. Starting tonight against Phoenix, Houston’s next six games are all against opponents with losing records. It’s time the squad takes advantage of this portion of the schedule to build a gap in the West. The Lakers have been red-hot to start the year, at 20-3 on the season, and leading the West. Harden and the Rockets can catch King James and LA, or at least close in on them, if they continue to win games over bad teams.

Be warned… Don’t take this team for granted Houston. The Suns aren’t that bad, this year. They’ll actually be the toughest test Houston faces over the next six games. Phoenix, despite being 10-11, is sitting in the 7th spot in the West. The Suns have a chance to make the playoffs, but there’s still a lot of basketball left this season. Phoenix started the campaign 5-2, but are 5-9 since, trending downward. Devin Booker, the Suns best player, and most underrated star in the NBA, is coming off his best game of the season. Booker had 44 points, 8 boards, and 9 assists in Phoenix’s last game, an overtime win over the Pelicans in New Orleans. Last year’s number one overall pick in the draft, De’Andre Ayton, has missed the entire season with an injury. He won’t play tonight, and luckily for Houston, Aaron Baynes, who was the highlight of the Suns fast start, remains out with an injury as well. The Rockets do not bode well against players of Baynes’ nature. The big Aussie is the kind of strong grinder in the post who gives Houston’s thin interior nightmares. Thankfully, there should be no nightmares tonight. If the Rockets don’t overlook the Suns, there’s no reason they should fall on Saturday night.

Having played 21 games, Houston is approximately a quarter through the season. It’s been an interesting first quarter of year, as all have in the Harden/Tucker Era. The first quarter of the Harden/Westbrook Era has had seemingly everything. Injuries (of course), winning streaks, MVP-caliber performances, losing streaks, shameful losses, 60 point-games, controversy, even official protests. And then there’s the Rockets Rebounding Machine: the most underrated big man in basketball, Clint Capela. After a slow start through the first six games, Capela changed his attitude after a talk from Coach Mike D’Antoni. Since, Clint’s dominated the boards in nearly every game, eating glass for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s certainly been an entertaining 21 games so far. The Rockets have a chance to gain ground in the West over the next ten games. Other than the Clippers, every team Houston faces over the next ten games is currently a squad with a losing record. It’s time the Harden and Russell Westbrook even out their chemistry. In particular, it’s time for Brodie to improve his decision-making on the court. Westbrook brings a great amount of energy, and his ability to rebound has opened ups space for Clint in the paint. Defenses focus on Westbrook attacking the offensive glass, while forgetting about the Swiss Boardman, preferred meal: glass. Brodie’s had a positive impact on Capela’s game, but Westbrook is too erratic in many situations. If Russ can’t improve his decision-making, when Eric Gordon returns, and if he returns as the Splash Gordon Rockets fans know, Westbrook could potentially ride the pine in key situations later in the season.

Beginning tonight, 61 games remain for Houston. They’ve also become the Team Everyone Loves to Hate. Other than Rocket fans, who actually watch the team, outsiders who love to throw a jab at the Beard any chance they get.. even though they’ll never touch close to his level of greatness. These haters concede that Houston complains too much, the Rockets style of play is boring, Harden is “cheating” the rules or flopping. Whatever the excuse is, they can keep on whining about any of the above. Because the Rockets, and that man with the beard your friend loves to hate, they’re not going anywhere. The refs can take away a team’s basket, but they can’t take away a squad’s passion. It’s time to darken the bright, rising Suns, a team many causal fans enjoy rooting for. Unfortunately for Phoenix, they come to Houston at the wrong time… invading the baddest man on the planet’s house. Coming off that huge win in Toronto, the Rockets are back, ready to show they’re better than ever. 

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Phoenix Suns (10-11):  Purple

Houston Rockets (14-7):  “City Edition” White

 

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Bounce Back, Tame Raptors, 119-109

Mastering the Plan.    Mac and Threes.    Don’t Be Fooled.

“It’s easy to fool people when they’re already fooling themselves,” Quentin Beck says in Spider-Man: Far From Home. The Rockets found themselves far from home on Thursday night, playing up in the depths of Jurassic Park in Toronto… ready to fool everyone who thought Houston would be rattled after Tuesday’s crushing defeat. James Harden and company entered this game on the heels of the Alamo City Robbery controversy, but no one was fooling the Beard and his crew up North. Houston bounced back with arguably their best game of the season, besting the Raptors, 119-109, on Thursday. Make no mistake, this was a performance that displayed why the Rockets are legit contenders. The MVP was doubled the second he crossed mid-court, the entire game. A trend the Beard’s been seeing for seven games now, as teams are starting to realize nobody can guard James Harden one-on-one. Wait… I thought they said if you doubled Harden, and forced other players to beat you, the Rockets couldn’t win? Well, it turns out… they were wrong. Harden had only 23 points, but on an efficient 7-for-11 shooting from the field. Even after he was held to a quiet half, the Beard didn’t force any shots or ill-timed passes. Harden mastered Toronto’s defensive scheme. The Beard found open shooters, but only needed three dimes on the evening. Houston as a team made the right decision, play-after-play. Ball movement was as crisp and sharp as its been all season for the Rockets, and they never deterred from their game plan of confidently taking the open shot.

Russell Westbrook recorded another triple-double for the books, scoring 19 points, along with 13 boards and 11 dimes. Brodie, however, continues to struggle mightily with his shot. Westbrook connected on only 7 of his 27 shots, resulting in 25.9% from the field, the lowest shooting percentage by a Rocket. Westbrook’s relentless energy never waned, as he led the team in assists and boards. But Brodie’s shooting has been an area of concern since he arrived in H-Town. In the playoffs, against the league’s elite, Houston needs a sharper Brodie if they want to take Toronto’s place as NBA Champions. The playoffs are still a ways down the road. Westbrook has time to learn to take higher percentage shots, but he better start showing he can do it soon. All he has to do is look at his teammates, who were on fire on Thursday night.

Like the quote from Spider-Man: Far From Home, Harden knows it’s easy to fool people when they’re already fooling themselves. A master of deception. Keenly aware of his defenders next move, seemingly on every possession. His steely resolve, keeping the ultimate goal in mind. A casual fan will look at this game’s box score, see Harden’s 23 points, and think the Beard had a subpar game. Don’t be fooled. This was a masterpiece in versatility by the greatest scorer on planet earth… showing he’s much more than just a scorer. A known fact to people who actually watch Harden play every night, opposed to those who follow false narratives and just look at the box scores. His post-defense on Pascal Siakam. The ability for such a trigger-happy player to harness patience when his team needs it most. And that underrated bearded-court vision… Harden put on a masterclass display of leadership and how to dominate an opposing team’s game plan. He also helped Houston serve up a healthy portion of Mac-and-Threes.

Ben McLemore was sensational once again, scoring a season-high 28 points, including a career-high 8 long bombs. Danuel House returned on Thursday, but in a reserve role, due to not practicing with the team for days, and still battling an illness. House had 16 points on 5-for-11 shooting. The Houstonian was still visibly under the weather, feeling the effects from his flu-like illness. After the game, House said “he just wanted to get on the plane, and get some sleep.” An impressive effort from someone still battling the flu. Speaking of impressive, Ben McLemore as a starter looks like an All-Star. Take Benny Mac when he’s in a reserve role, and McLemore’s numbers are below average. Despite this, Coach Mike D’Antoni’s said Benny Mac will return to the bench once House is fully-healthy. Hopefully in the future, McLemore can find a rhythm coming off the bench like he’s had as a starter. P.J. Tucker continues to quietly have a career-season. The Sneaker King had 18 points and 11 boards, on 50% shooting… including all the usual hustle and grind Tucker brings every night. It was cold in Toronto, but the Rockets as a team were on fire from downtown. Harden and crew took full advantage of what the defense gave them. Houston shot 22-for-55, for 40.8% from deep as a unit. Take Westbrook’s 6 ill-advised three’s out the equation, and the Rockets shot 44.9% from downtown. When Houston’s knocking down long-range daggers at that rate, they’re almost impossible to beat.

After suffering arguably one of the most heartbreaking “defeats” in NBA-history, the Rockets came back with a performance worth only of title contenders. With their best player double and triple-teamed all night, the squad found a way to win the old fashioned way: team basketball. Houston’s role players stepped up, ready for the moment, and beat the defending champs in their house. And winning in Jurassic Park is no easy feat. Toronto is a legit contender in the East. The Raptors are 15-6 on the season, and before Houston invaded the park, they were 9-1 at home. Toronto’s showing their depth and chemistry went beyond Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green during last year’s title run. This year though, their run probably ends in the East. Yea, you’ve probably heard all the talk about possible contenders. The Lakers. The Clippers. Even the Nuggets. But don’t sleep on these Rockets. They made a deeper statement than winning a basketball game on Thursday night. If you think Houston isn’t a serious threat for Toronto’s throne… you’re just fooling yourself.

Rockets Head North for Jurassic Park Duel with Raptors

South vs. North.    Moments Like This.    The Rock Star.

“I bring scientists, you bring the rock star,” John Hammond says in Jurassic Park, Steven Spielberg’s game-changing film that changed the industry forever. James Harden’s slowly changing the game with each contest, and his Rockets head north of the border for a match with the Raptors on Thursday night. Houston heads to Toronto looking to put Tuesday night’s shenanigans to rest with a solid victory over a good Raptors team. It’s the NBA’s best team from the South versus the best from the North. The defending champion-Raptors have been better than most expected this season. They lost Kawhi Leonard in free-agency to the Clippers, but Toronto has proven they’ve still a got a competitive team without “the silencer”. The Raptors are currently tied for 2nd in the East, with a 15-5 record. After being named Most-Improved Player last season, Pascal Siakam has vastly improved again this season. Siakam is averaging 25 points and 8 rebounds, and has evolved into a bonafide NBA All-Star. P.J. Tucker will have his work cut out for him (like every night), guarding this budding, evolving All-Star. Houston needs to help and work as a team on defense. Containing Siakam is one the major keys to victory for the Rockets tonight. Kyle Lowry recently returned from a thumb injury that kept him out for a month, and Fred VanVleet is having a career season in the backcourt for Toronto. Both players shooting abilities open the floor and creates spaces for the Dinos to wreak havoc on the opposition.

Danuel House is listed as questionable again tonight. Ben McLemore and Austin Rivers need to continue to step up for the Rockets to win a tough one on the road. Tonight’s matchup will be Houston’s most difficult for the next two weeks. The Rockets should be angry and motivated after being dealt an unfair hand in their last game on Tuesday night. Thursday night’s showdown in Jurassic Park will measure Houston’s mental toughness. Just who are these Rockets? Will they go into tonight’s game frustrated and mad, with their minds still on the Alamo City Robbery? If Houston’s still living in the past they’re in danger of laying an egg tonight, and getting blown out by very good team. The Raptors lost their previous game to Miami at home, their first loss in Jurassic Park all season. Expect Toronto to be ready for the Rockets. The Raptors don’t lose consecutive games at home often, and have always had one of the best home-court advantages in the league. Luckily Houston has the best player in the world at the moment, James Harden. And The Beard was born for moments like this. Harden was at the epicenter of the Alamo City Robbery, but expect the incident to fuel and motivate the greatest scorer this game’s ever seen. Harden goes for his third consecutive 50-point game tonight, and judging by the circumstances, don’t be surprised if he passes the mark again. The Raptors are solid defensively on the perimeter, but for the Beard, tonight isn’t just a regular season game in a long season. It’s an opportunity to make a statement. Compensate for the Alamo City Robbery with by silencing Jurassic Park. To do this, Harden will need to fight off more defenders than usual, as the Raptors have 5 or 6 guys they can put on the Beard at different times in the game. 

At 13-7, the Rockets are stuck in the middle of the standings. 14-7 is a breath of fresh air, while 13-8 looks like a struggle to breath. It won’t be easy get that breath of fresh air, by any means, but the Rockets have the firepower to shut down the Raptors on Thursday night. Screaming fans in and outside the arena make up the area known as “Jurassic Park.” Houston, the NBA’s Evil Empire, won’t be welcomed with open arms. The basketball scientists are waiting in Toronto, and globally, to critique every move Harden makes. As they should know.. there’s something about loud, screaming arenas that bring out the best in superstar players. Expect Toronto to be louder than usual tonight… Houston’s bringing the rock star.

 

Scotiabank Arena:  Toronto, Canada

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (13-7):  Black

Toronto Raptors (15-5):  Red

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

A Spurious Night: Refs Aid San Antonio Rally, Rockets Fall to Spurs in Double OT, 135-133

Spurned by the Moment.    The Play.    Back to Business.

With scoring up more than ever before, NBA teams shouldn’t have to worry about points being taken away by the biases of officials. After Tuesday night’s fiasco and ensuing controversy, teams won’t have to worry anymore about their final score being tinkered by refs. Houston unfortunately were made to look the like losers on Tuesday night, and “lost” to the Spurs in double-overtime, 135-133. James Harden scored 50, Clint Capela had another 20/20 outing, and Russell Westbrook finished with a triple-double. Austin Rivers had a season-high 19 points, and was red-hot from deep during  a stretch midway through the third quarter. None of these performances were talked about after the game. This was a contest marred by an incident that’s never been seen in the NBA, and due to all the controversy & negative light it sheds on the league, you’ll likely never see it again.

The play was simple. James Harden played the passing lane in transition defense brilliantly (one of the key aspects of his game that never gets talked about) and stole the basketball. The Beard then waited for San Antonio’s ball-boy to get out of the way, as the employee wasn’t anticipating the action returning to that side of the court immediately. Harden had an open lane to the basket, with no Spurs in sight. The Beard gathered his momentum as the ball boy struggled to get off the court, and then dunked the ball with such ferocity the ball went through the basket, all the way, and then due to the high speed, came back up through the net. There was no interference by Harden on the play. Simply put, it was a tenacious slam dunk, that rocked the rim so hard it came back out after going through. It’s a hard scenario to describe, video shows how awkward the play looks. Nonetheless, it’s a basket, or should have been. Unfortunately, for the integrity of the game, the refs decided to claim Harden missed the dunk, and refused to acknowledge their mistakes. It was only until after the game, when the officials admitted the basket should have counted. What makes this outcome and lack of accountability by referees so frustrating is this wasn’t a complex call. With video/replay (which the NBA has for a reason), this could have been corrected and fixed in two minutes. Instead, the refs ignored Mike D’Antoni’s request for a challenge (Houston still had their challenge that each team gets to use once during a game), and were eager to continue to aid the Spurs’ comeback rally.

Houston is officially protesting the call, claiming they want to be avoided the victory, or that the final 7:50 of the game (time controversy occurred) is replayed at a later date. Don’t expect the NBA to grant Houston any wishes. In a world where the Rockets are the NBA’s most-hated team, Houston needs to embrace the hate, and play with a chip on their shoulder. The Rockets got hosed, bad, and it cost them a game. But it’s just one regular season game, they’re still 62 left for Houston to win. Harden and company need to hope they don’t get more baskets taken away from them in the future. After the controversy this play ignited, with video evidence proving it’s obvious that the Beard’s basket should have counted, it’s unlikely the Rockets will be involved in this scenario again. Houston puts the ball in the hoop better than any team in the NBA. Anyone with logic has to admit it’s hard to win when the refs are literally taking away points. Especially in a double-overtime game. The Rockets just need to move on and forget about this one. Twenty games into the season, Houston’s almost at the quarter mark. There’s no time to dwell over NBA shenanigans. It’s time to get back to business. Houston’s been the better team the last three games, whether the score indicates it or not. The squad should be motivated, and obviously a little ticked off, heading into their next contest. Up next, the Rockets head north of the border to face the defending champion Toronto Raptors. The Raps have been much better than most anticipated before the season began. Houston is going to have to erase Tuesday night from their memories, and move on if they want to beat one of the best home teams in their gym. They won’t be given any favors, but after Tuesday, the Rockets shouldn’t have to worry about more points being taken away.

Rockets Head to San Antonio for Battle with In-State Rival Spurs

The Worst of Texas.    Open Interior.    Returning House.

 

Tonight Houston battles a familiar divisional foe, the San Antonio Spurs, to begin a short two-game road trip. The Rockets take on a Spurs team that looks poised to miss the playoffs for the first time in 21 seasons. San Antonio is off to a rough start, with a 7-14 record on the year. In their previous game the Spurs got pummeled in a 34-point loss to the below-average Detroit Pistons. Expect Coach Gregg Popovich to have his team motivated and inspired to come back with a better performance tonight. Meanwhile, the Rockets are aiming for their third straight win, and look to keep climbing in the standings. Houston’s only three and a half games behind the Lakers for the top spot out West. Winning games against the lowly Spurs are the menial tasks the Rockets need to do throughout the season to ensure they finish as close to the top as possible. It sounds funny, saying lowly Spurs. Maybe because they’ve made the playoffs over the past two decades every season, and I’m not quite used to San Antonio’s club being subpar. They’ve housed the best team in Texas over the last two decades. Now, they’re officially the worst. A team I thought would finish 8th and sneak into the playoffs, now looks bound for the lottery, and rebuilding mode.

On Tuesday night, Houston needs to outrun the Spurs, and win the rebound battle. Look for San Antonio to come out hustling and with a lot of energy. Popovich certainly had a lot to say to his squad after their last game. The Spurs will be better tonight, but they shouldn’t be good enough to beat these Rockets. Divisional games are always tough, especially on the road. Houston needs to focus on the Spurs as a team with the potential to get back in the playoff race. There’s still a long way to go in this season, and San Antonio plays hard every night to counter the diminishing amount of talent that sits on the squad.

These Rockets are well-rested. They’ve played only one game over the past five days. Houston should have plenty of gas to the job done tonight in SA. Clint Capela returns from an illness tonight, but Danuel House remains out with a similar flu-like illness. Expect Ben McLemore to have another big game tonight, and Chris Clemons and Gary Clark will likely get open opportunities to shine as well. LaMarcus Aldridge is out for the Spurs, giving Clint Capela more space to operate in the interior. Don’t be surprised if Capela has another monstrous game on the glass, he should feast on a Spurs’ frontcourt missing Aldridge. San Antonio still has DeMar DeRozan, and a group that plays hard. Unfortunately for DeRozan, his defensive assignment tonight is James Harden. The Beard, fresh off a 60-point game and two days of rest, is primed for another big game tonight. It’s hard to imagine a player scoring 60, or even 50 points in consecutive games. It’s rare, but James Harden is a rare breed. If anyone is crossing the half-century mark in the NBA tonight, it’s Mr. Harden. Just look at the last time the Beard played the Spurs: he didn’t score 60… he scored 61.

 

AT&T Center:  San Antonio, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (13-6):  Black

San Antonio Spurs (7-14):  White

 

TV:  7:30 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Harden Cooks Up a 60-Burger, Rockets Roast Hawks, 158-111

Uncut Gems.    The Benaissance.    Open Opportunities.

“This is me. This is how I win,” Adam Sandler says in the trailer for the upcoming film, Uncut Gems. This quote came to mind after Saturday night’s torching of the Hawks. In only three quarters James Harden scored 60 points, and the Rockets blew the birds out of Toyota Center, 158-111. Scoring 60 in an NBA game is very rare, doing it in three quarters, in this league, is an uncut gem. The Beard gave witnesses another historic performance, an uncut gem that he seemingly fabricates with such ease. Harden is in the midst of a career season, improving aspects of his game even after his record-breaking campaign last year. The Beard has gotten better every season since he arrived in Houston. The city had never seen a 60-Burger before Harden came to town. Now, they’ve witnessed four courtesy of His Beardness.

Saturday’s matchup was never close. Houston led by 17 after the first quarter, and 29 at the half. And it wasn’t just the Beard’s 60-Burger that made Saturday a great night. Ben McLemore finally broke out of his shooting slump. Benny Mac had a career-high 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 6-for-11 beyond the arc. McLemore also had a career-high 13 rebounds, producing his first career double-double. With House and Capela out to injuries, McLemore was one of several Rockets who took advantage of the opportunity. Benny Mac even makes a case for a starting role. McLemore averages 17.4 points as a starter, compared to only 4.9 as a reserve. Due to Houston’s roster depth, McLemore won’t find himself in a starting spot without injuries, but his performance was encouraging, as Benny Mac continues to carve out a bigger role on Houston’s roster as the season moves along.

Chris Clemons continues to be red-hot from deep. CC3 scored 16 points, including 4-for-8 shooting from downtown. Gary Clark struggled shooting the ball, going 1-for-5 from the field. However, the UC still found a way to make an impact. Clark had 6 boards and 3 dimes in 24 minutes of action. Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in with 7 points and 5 boards in 5 minutes. These players are all competing for more playing time. Once Eric Gordon, Clint Capela, and Danuel House are all healthy, these guys won’t see close to the amount of action they’re seeing now. These stretch of games serve as open opportunities for McLemore, Clark, Clemons, and Hartenstein to show they deserve bigger roles on the roster.

One guy who needn’t worry about his roster spot: James Harden. The Beard absolutely cooked the Hawks on Saturday night. Harden was on fire, connecting on two-thirds (16-for-24) of his shot attempts. Trae Young had 37 points to lead Atlanta, but they really never had a chance against Houston. The Hawks were coming off a tough overtime loss in Indiana on Friday night. They visibly had tired legs, which Harden and the Rockets feasted on immediately. The Rockets did what they were supposed to do, and put Atlanta away early. It won’t be this easy most nights for Houston.

Looking ahead, in this crowded year of great screen performances, it won’t be easy for Adam Sandler to receive a nomination for his role in the highly anticipated Uncut Gems, but he’s got a realistic chance. He’s not favored at the moment, but there’s still time before Oscar nominations are released. This season’s playoffs will be more highly anticipated than ever before, and Houston isn’t the favorite, but they’ve got a realistic chance. The Rockets will need some playoff uncut gems from the Beard if they ever want to truly get over the top, and win a title in the Harden era. The Beard’s never scored 50 points in the playoffs. Opposing defenses are better in the postseason, but if Houston wants a championship, Harden needs at least 2 or 3 uncut gems in the playoffs. For the Rockets to beat the NBA’s best in June, they need Harden to be at his best. The versatile ways the Beard wears his opponents down to win games. His underrated defense, overlooked passing ability, and leadership. But, most of all, it’s scoring the rock… it’s how he wins.

Rockets Ready to Teach, as Trae & the Young Hawks Glide into H-Town

Rested vs. the Weary.    No Mercy for the Weak.    In Good Company. 

Tonight, Houston debuts their new SpaceCity Saturday City Edition jerseys that they’ll wear on every Saturday game throughout the rest of the season. For the premiere, we have a matchup pitting the rested versus the weary. Houston hosts the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night, looking to put a new winning streak together. Atlanta lost a tough overtime thriller in Indiana last night, wasting a 49-point effort from their superstar, Trae Young. Tonight is the Hawks’ third game in four nights. Meanwhile, the Rockets haven’t played since Wednesday. Both squads meet in Houston on Saturday, and the Rockets need to pounce on a tired Hawks team. Taking rest out of the equation, Houston’s also more talented and experienced than the Hawks, and should win easily. However, the Rockets will likely be without Clint Capela and Danuel House, both under the weather. Tonight gives Gary Clark and others who don’t usually see as much action, an opportunity to step up and show their potential to Coach Mike D’Antoni.

In their previous game, the Rockets snapped their 3-game losing streak in a win over the Heat on Wednesday. Houston now has a record of 12-6, and has yet to fall to a team with a losing record. What’s most impressive about this stat, the other teams (Lakers, Bucks, Raptors, Heat) are all contenders to win their conferences. Houston’s in good company. The Hawks have lost 9 straight games (NBA’s longest current skid), are 4-15, and tied for the worst record in the East. James Harden and the crew need to continue to show no mercy to the weak. The Rockets will be using their 5th different starting lineup in as many games tonight. Still, there’s no reason for Houston to lose this game… unless they went to South Beach to party last night. Rumor has it, thankfully, they stayed in town.

James Harden and Russell Westbrook should be ready show one of the league’s young stars, Trae Young, how a contender in today’s NBA plays the game. Young is coming off another astonishing performance. Atlanta’s sophomore sensation dropped 49 points in their loss in Indiana last night. The kid has tons of talent, and will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. However, at this point in the young man’s career, Trae simply doesn’t have the talent around him to produce a winning product on the court. Young’s future in this league is bright, and he seems to be getting better by the week. Houston just needs to teach him a lesson or two, in what playing against a Hall-of-Fame backcourt feels like. The Rockets start a stretch where 12 of their next 16 games are against teams with losing records. Houston needs to take advantage of this stretch starting tonight, as the Rockets look to continue building on their last win, and put a new streak together. For any team, it’s tough playing the night after a tough overtime loss. For the Hawks, it should be even tougher. Atlanta’s young, and the rest shouldn’t play as much of a factor as it would to team like Houston. Nonetheless, rested or not, these Rockets should beat these Hawks every time they take the court. Hopefully, Houston seizes the opportunity and uses their fresh legs to blow the birds out the building… and start SpaceCity Saturdays with a bang.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Atlanta Hawks (4-15):  Red

Houston Rockets (12-6):  “City Edition” White

 

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets End Skid, Burn Heat, 117-108

Seeing Double.    Second Quarter Blaze.    Earning Time.

As one streak ends, another begins. Houston ended their 3-game losing streak on Wednesday night, with a 117-108 victory over the Miami Heat. From the tip, the Rockets were all business, as they built a 24-point halftime lead that allowed them to cruise throughout the second half. James Harden led Houston with 34 points. Teams are beginning to use the same defensive approach against the Beard. Opponents are sending double teams at Harden right after he crosses mid court, a counter not seen on the professional level this frequently over the past 4 games since I can remember. Ever. Harden still managed a line of 34 points, 6 boards, and 5 dimes, and proved no matter the defensive scheme, the Beard won’t be stopped. His co-star, Russell Westbrook, had 27 points, 9 boards, and 7 assists. Danuel House scored a career-high 23 points, on 7-of-11 shooting. The Houstonian continues to be excellent night-in and night-out, and doesn’t miss a beat if he misses a game or two due to injury.

The final score is much closer than this contest played out. Houston used a second-quarter blaze to run past the Heat, and take total control of the game. The Rockets outscored Miami, 39-19, in the second period on Wednesday. Contrary to the first time these squads battled, Houston locked in defensively to even the season series at one game. The Heat scored 46 points in the first quarter in the first matchup that saw Houston get plundered in one of the franchise’s most embarrassing defeats. On Wednesday, Miami scored 42 points in the first half. The Rockets made sure there would be no repeat of the horrors that occurred in Miami earlier this season.

Clint Capela missed Wednesday’s game with an illness, and is listed as day-to-day. Gary Clark, saw the biggest difference in playing time due to Clint’s absence, and didn’t disappoint. Clark saw a season-high 29 minutes of action, and scored 12 points while grabbing 8 boards. The Cincinnati-product has been outstanding every time he’s earned the trust of Coach Mike D’Antoni, and seen playing time. Unfortunately, due to Houston’s extremely deep roster, Clark hasn’t seen as much court action as he’s deserved. His performance on Wednesday night was another indicator, no matter the squad’s depth, that Clark deserves a spot in Houston’s rotation. He’s too efficient and smart, which energy and grit to spare, to be rotting away at the end of the Rockets’ bench. Gary Clark has earned the time, it’s time D’Antoni puts a little more confidence and trust in the young player. Clark has the potential to emerge as a top role player in the NBA, but hasn’t gotten the proper chance to show what he can do outside of a small sample size. Maybe that will change in Houston’s next game.

The Rockets host the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, and will be without Capela and House due to illnesses. Atlanta is one of the league’s worst teams, and Houston should be able to build a big lead to give Clark playing time. He should see time even before the Rockets earn a big lead. Clark’s earned the time to show what he’s got on the court. He rarely makes a mistake, and brings energy and hustle on every possession. If the Rockets want to avoid the mistake of losing to one of the NBA’s barnburners, Clark needs to see ample playing time, and Houston’s new streak will continue.

Heat-Check: Miami Comes to Town, as Rockets Look to Kick Vices, Losing Streak

Caught in the Middle.    Harden Classic.    On the Edge.

“I gotta hold on to my angst. I preserve it because I need it. It keeps me sharp, on the edge… where I gotta be,” Al Pacino says in the classic crime caper, Heat. The Houston Rockets, now owners of a 3-game losing-streak, host the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. The Miami squad that was up by 20 within half a quarter in their first meeting. The Heat team that took the entire Rockets squad to school. Houston should be motivated to get revenge for their worst loss of the season: an old-fashioned beatdown saw the Heat lead by more than 40 points on different occasions throughout the contest. Although, that matchup was never a contest. Houston needs to be primed to break their slide tonight, and be the hotter team from the start. If the Rockets don’t play with an edge, their losing streak could run to four after tonight. Which would put this squad on the edge, slotting further down the standings in the West.

Wednesday night’s game is vastly important. It ends this brutal four-game stretch, one in which Houston yet to win a game. Tonight’s matchup was Houston’s easiest out of the four before the stretch began, and hopefully they end this tough part of the schedule on a hot note. The Heat, tied for second in the East, are one of the better teams in the NBA, and showed that to Houston in these squads first matchup. However, some cast members won’t be making appearances in tonight’s show. Jimmy Butler is questionable with an illness for Miami, as is Clint Capela for Houston. These factors shouldn’t affect the game’s outcome. James Harden’s playing. And it’s time for one of those signature performances. The Beard cooked Miami last season and looks to avenge his poor outing in their previous matchup. The Rockets need a Harden Classic now more than ever. Houston’s slipped in the standings, and a loss tonight likely moves them down another notch out West.

After looking like prime contenders, the Rockets now look like a team caught in the middle. A squad with the talent to win it all, surrounded by the pressure of a title window closing and closing, yet still not shut. Houston needs to figure out who they are, now. There’s no time for games. This season, a low seed, an you could be ousted by the eventual champion in the first round. If the Rockets want to play the best team other than themselves in the conference finals, they need to get their act together. Houston needs to remember that angst from this season’s first Heat game, preserve it, at least for tonight. Harden and the Rockets are being pushed to the edge, but this Houston team has prevailed this season when pushed to the brink. At 3-3, they won 8 straight. Now, after dropping 3 in a row, the team is staring at 11-6, and potentially 11-7, if they’re not on edge tonight. Houston plays sharp when they’re on edge, and maybe, just maybe, a win tonight will keep the squad on the right track… where they gotta be.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

Jersey Colors:

Miami Heat (12-4):  White

Houston Rockets (11-6):  Black

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Mavs Shoot Down Rockets, 137-123, Houston Loses 3rd Straight

Early Bird Gets the Worm.    Failure to Launch.    Losing Ground.

“Some people are so far behind in a race that they actually believe they are leading”, Uncle Jun’ says at one point during HBO’s legendary series The Sopranos. Three games ago, in this long race that is the NBA season, the Rockets looked like the leading contenders to win the title. Fast forward 3 games, and reality hits: Houston’s just another contender amongst roughly 6 teams. They got bounced on Sunday, 137-123, by a team that’s closing in on joining that group of contenders: the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic had another electric performance, and out-dueled James Harden. Dallas’ sophomore sensation finished with 41 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds. The Beard finished with 32 points, 11 dimes, and 9 boards, but his Rockets were outplayed from the tip. Houston trailed by 16 after the first quarter, got within 5 points in the middle of the fourth, but were never really in the game. The Rockets bench was outscored 28-11, as the Mavericks were the better team on Sunday. And Doncic was the best player on the floor, making another MVP-caliber statement with his dominant performance. Hopefully, it wakes Harden back up. He still had 32, and one rebound shy of a triple-double, but the Beard’s leadership wasn’t as powerful as Doncic’s and the Rockets lost as a result.

It was an earlier start than usual, 2:30 PM local time. Maybe the Rockets just weren’t ready yet. Clint Capela was ready. Capela had a another dominant night, with 21 points and 23 boards. Houston’s big man became the first player to record 7 consecutive 19 rebound games since Dennis “The Worm” Rodman in 1976. It’s too bad no one else on Houston joined Capela’s Worm Party. They say the early bird gets the worm, well the Mavs were the early bird on Sunday. Getting to lose balls first, out-hustling the Rockets, which resulted in a Dallas-friendly whistle all afternoon. Houston was coming off a grueling loss on Friday night in L.A., which makes them now 0-3 during this tough four-game stretch. A test they’ve now failed. This was supposed to be Houston’s launching pad to gain ground in the West. After this tough test, the Rockets have only fallen behind, from 2nd, now down to 5th in the standings.

The test isn’t over. Miami, the team that gave Houston a royal lesson in how to behave, comes to town on Wednesday night. The Heat are 2nd in the East, and will pose another difficult matchup for the Rockets. However, Houston’s home, is the better team, and should win the game. But if the Rockets don’t come out ready to play, and believe they can just show up and will be leading at the end of the game, they will be in for another disappointing loss. This isn’t the year to get a low seed in the postseason. The playoffs are going to be a merciless fight for survival the league’s never seen, specifically in the West. If Houston continues to sleepwalk through the regular season with the mindset that they’re leading the race, when they wake up, they’ll be so far behind that catching up may be out of reach.