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Harden’s 44 Lifts Rockets Past Grizzlies, 107-100

No Bad Wins.    House Key.    Shuffling the Deck.

It won’t be remembered as the best win of the season, but Houston accomplished their mission. And, there’s no such thing as a “bad win” in this NBA full of parity and new rosters. Not when you’re playing against professionals. It wasn’t a masterpiece, but the Rockets did enough to earn the victory over the Grizzlies, 107-100, on Monday night in Memphis. James Harden led the way for Houston with 44 points, 10 boards, and 6 assists. The Beard had his best shooting night of the season from downtown, going 7-for-16. Harden had help along the way. Eric Gordon chipped in with 16 points in his highest-scoring game of the year. The veteran shooting guard continues to struggle finding his shot. EG went 5-for-17 from the floor on Monday night. He provided the highlight play of the game, a ferocious dunk that set the tone for Houston to finish off Memphis in the second half. The Rockets led by only 2 points at the half, 62-60. However, they clamped down on defense in the second half, allowing only 40 points after the break. Ja Morant led the way for the Grizzlies with 23 points on an extremely efficient 10-of-16 shooting. The prized rookie has the potential to be a future superstar in this league. Barring injuries, Morant’s floor is at least an NBA All-Star. His play and attitude was impressive on the court. Most notably his aggressive in attacking the basket. A trait the Rockets need to make more of a habit, instead of settling for so many threes. Houston didn’t shoot poorly from deep, but the weren’t great. The Rockets went 17-for-50 (34%) from long range, a mark that won’t beat the NBA’s elite. As Gordon continues to struggle finding his shot, a few other Rockets have emerged on the scene, worthy of more playing time.

Houston Coach Mike D’Antoni has shuffled the deck with his lineup, and with Westbrook resting on Monday, more Rockets had time to step up. Danuel House continues to be sensational. House had 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks against Memphis. The Houstonian has been the most efficient player on the floor all season for the Rockets. House’s effort and energy are infectious, and hopefully the other Rockets can follow his lead in this department. Despite being benched against Miami to try and give Eric Gordon a spark, House’s attitude and hustled haven’t wavered. He continues to be an aggressive spark for Houston on both ends of the floor, one of the few bright spots for the Rockets in this rough early season. The rest of the roster needs to play with House’s energy and enthusiasm. It’s a key factor that will determine if Houston can reach their potential as title contenders.

Westbrook returns on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see if House or Gordon gets the start. Gordon’s coming off his best game of the season. To be brutally honest, it still wasn’t great, and Gordon is still having one of the worst seasons in the entire league. Maybe Monday’s win was a move in the right direction for Splash Gordon. Houston needs him to get back to his old self. Another bright spot, and the most surprising player of this young season, has been Ben McLemore. Along with House, “Benny Mac” has been absolutely sensational on defense and in the hustle department. McLemore also seems to be the only guy shooting well from downtown besides House. He’s earned more minutes, playing substantially more in November. Last night, Benny Mac played a season-high 30 minutes. He had 12 points on a sub-par shooting-night. Despite their below average shooting nights, House and McLemore make a difference every possession they’re on the floor.  Their energy on defense needs to catch on with the rest of the roster, as the two have helped the Rockets stay afloat during this rough start to the season.

Houston is now 4-3 and heads back home for their next game on Wednesday night. A game against the 5-time defending Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors. Luckily for the entire NBA, this team has completely shuffled the deck from the Bay Area Dynasty of years past, which is basically entirely injured. The Rockets have no reason to lose on Wednesday night against this depleted Golden State roster. There’s no such thing as a bad win in this league, but a home defeat to the depleted Warriors would certainly qualify as a bad loss. Possibly the worst of the season.

Rockets Try to End the Blues, Visit Memphis for Road Trip Finale

Easing the Grind.    Smelling a 50-Burger.    Cure for a Hangover.

Houston’s road-trip-turned-ugly comes to an end on Monday night Memphis. Where the Rockets hope to end their blues against the Grizzlies. This is the perfect game for Houston to get back on track. This young Memphis squad is the worst team the Rockets have faced all season. They have prized-rookie Ja Morant, but the Grizzlies are in full-rebuilding mode. The days of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol dominating the GrindHouse are gone. Memphis isn’t the threat it once was and Houston needs to take advantage of this opportunity. I get it, the Rockets played yesterday. Tonight is the second of a back-to-back. But, there’s no excuses for Houston losing tonight. It won’t be easy, as the squad has to show they actually care about winning. We get it, they’re cool. But nothing’s cooler than winning. And losing, as we witnessed last night, can be laughably embarrassing. Can they win basketball games when the pressure is on? Tonight’s result will be telling. Even though Russell Westbrook will be resting. James Harden is still playing. And a deep, talented roster itching to show signs of life.

Maybe a visit to the GrindHouse is just what the Beard and company need to grind out of their hangover. With Westbrook out, and no one on Memphis with the capacity to guard Harden… I’m smelling a 50-Burger from the Beard tonight. Houston will need it if Eric Gordon continues to try and build a mansion with brick after brick from downtown. And especially if Clint Capela still can’t catch the ball and continues throwing up hesitant low-percentage layups near the rim, instead of just dunking. Those two need to get their act together. And the rest will follow. However, if Eric Gordon and Clint Capela (both received new contracts in the offseason), don’t start playing like guys with something to lose, the Rockets will continue to lose. A lot.

Monday’s game, despite being the second of a back-to-back, pits the squad against inferior competition. Memphis is 1-4, with a chance to finish last in the West, considering the improvements of the rest of the conference. If Houston can’t show some heart and beat this young Grizzlies team, it’s a terrible sign for the rest of the season. However, I don’t see that happening. If the Rockets lose, it might be time to hit the panic button. Don’t expect Houston to lose tonight. James Harden was born for nights like tonight. And I can smell it approaching… a 50-point night from Harden, one of those efficient 50-Burgers that ends a road-trip in style, and gets a season back on track. A beautiful cure for a hangover.

FedExForum:  Memphis, Tennessee

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (3-3):  White

Memphis Grizzlies (1-4):  Navy Blue

 

TV:  7 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW / NBA League Pass

Stun-Burnt: Heat Blaze Past Rockets, 129-100

Drunk at the Beach.    A Missing Swiss and the Splash.    Appropriate Fear.

Houston, we could have a problem. I want to give the Rockets the benefit of the doubt. There is a pattern here. After the disaster that was Sunday afternoon’s “Hangover Delight”, Houston has now lost 9 of the past 11 games they’ve played in South Beach. Miami is known for its nightlife. James Harden is known to like to go out at night. It’s not a good combination, and never has for Houston. The Rockets fell again to the Heat on Sunday, 129-100, in Miami. Except they didn’t fall. They got torched. The 29-point loss is Houston’s worse of the season, and by far one of the most embarrassing games in recent Houston Rockets history. The Beard and crew came out like they were still drunk at the beach. Their defense mimicking people trying to move their feet in sand. Those late-Miami nights take a toll, especially when tip the next day is in the late afternoon. And this 6 PM local start didn’t help Houston. In fact, they never had a chance. The Rockets couldn’t move to help or make a decision off the ball on defense. Their offense was a schizophrenic mess of schemes gone wrong. A wave of basketball so bad, it was almost comical. Houston, too busy to care, rode their own wave of Tequila-infused “rhythm.” I’m not sure what to call it, whatever it was they were doing last night, the Rockets weren’t playing basketball. It was painful to watch. The only bright spot was Chris Clemons. He certainly earned more playing time on Sunday, going up against the Heat’s bright young perimeter players. In his first game, the rookie didn’t disappoint. Clemons had 16 points in his Rockets debut, and appeared to be the only one who stayed at the team hotel on Saturday night. Everyone else just kind of wandered in and out of the game.

The usually trigger-happy Harden, still feeling the effects of Saturday night’s South Beach Rendezvous, was too tired to even get up 15 shots. He didn’t shoot poorly, leading the way for Houston, with 29 points on 6-for-14 from the field. But it doesn’t matter when you face multiple 41 point deficits, and trail by 22 before it’s even halfway through the first quarter. Russell Westbrook had the worst game of his career. His plus/minus of -46 in only 26 minutes isn’t a coincidence. Brodie was frenetic, and looked frustrated as he tried to play the game he loves, while combating a mean Miami hangover. Westbrook managed to get 10 points. No triple-doubles tonight. Clint Capela continues to look weak in the paint. His digression is seriously a major concern for Houston. Capela needs to get it together. The Swiss big man looks unmotivated, and seems to have lost his passion for the game. Those alley-oops that Harden and Capela seemed to do every-other play last season, are now just rare occurrences. Eric Gordon continues to be MIA. Houston is desperately missing what Splash Gordon brings to the table. EG is a difference maker on both ends of the perimeter. Or was. Gordon just has not looked like himself this season. If Splash Gordon and Capela can’t return to their regular selves, Houston has some severe problems. Granted, it’s still only six games into the season. But, how many games do you get to keep using that phrase? I mean, Game number 7 is already here.

Houston travels to Memphis on Monday for the second half of a back-to-back, their first of the season. The Rockets don’t have time to play around in the West like last season. This Western Conference isn’t last years. Sure, the Warriors are worse. Just about everyone else is better. Especially previous bottom-feeders like the Mavs, Wolves, and Suns, who’ve all had promising starts to the NBA season. And then there’s the teams in LA, and Utah, and the Spurs aren’t going anywhere. They’ll be one of the 8 playoff teams. If the Rockets don’t start showing some effort. It’s that simple. Rarely is it the case in the NBA, but Houston just isn’t playing hard at all. They just don’t care, and it’s obvious to anyone who’s watching. It doesn’t matter what anyone says. The Rockets need to make their actions on the court speak louder than their pompous, “assuring” post-game quotes about the future of the season. Because, they said they’d change. And be better. Well, it’s only gotten worse. Slowly, but it’s gotten a lot worse. To the point to where 6 games in, the Rockets need to respond. And starting now. Mike D’Antoni said after the game that his team needs “appropriate fear.” The Rockets have shown no sense-of-urgency at all this season. All of their wins coming in close games. Their competition hasn’t been elite. 76 games remain. If Houston wants to meet the likely Eastern Champion 76ers in the Finals, they need to be afraid. This isn’t the year to start 11-14 like last season. The Rockets need to confront their fears: driving to the basket, settling for less threes… and the utter, dreadful chore of having to actually try to play defense. Otherwise, Houston can have the appropriate level of fear about their playoff chances this season. Making the offseason? Houston might have a problem.

Rockets Set to Tangle with Fire, Meet Young Heat in South Beach

An Early Shock.    Old vs. Young.    Time to Heat Up.

Houston, still in “too cool for school” mode, cruises into South Beach for an early Sunday evening matchup with the Miami Heat. The Rockets hope to get avoid falling an even 3-3 in the standings, hoping to improve to 4-2 on the season. Miami has been one of the early surprises of this young season. The Heat stand at 4-1, and boast arguably the biggest surprise this season: Kendrick Nunn. The undrafted rookie has been sensational so far for Miami this year. He leads all rookies, scoring 22 points a game. Nunn has come out of nowhere to make an early run for Rookie-of-the-Year. The Heat also boast prized rookie Tyler Herro, averaging over 16 points so far in his debut campaign.

The Heat managed to lure a player the Rockets were after this past offseason: All-Star Jimmy Butler. Slippin’ Jimmy leads the way for Miami, and surrounded by talented youngsters, the future’s bright in South Beach. But in Houston, the present is bright. The Rockets need to show their true colors and play top to their potential as one of the oldest, wisest teams (Houston) takes on one of the youngest (Miami). Tonight is one of those games you have to win, if you don’t want to suffer an early-season slip in the standings. Houston has been horrendous from downtown to start the season, hopefully things heat up in Miami.

Specifically, it’s time for these Rockets to heat up. Houston travels to Memphis tomorrow for the second of a back-to-back. The squad can’t afford to lose any ground in the merciless Western Conference. Maybe some youthful energy and South Beach vibes will re-energize this Rockets roster. Houston clearly has the better team, but as this season has shown… who knows which team will show up tonight? The Rockets that barely win over inferior competition? Or the Rockets that lose due to their obsessive love for the 3-point shot, and who effervescently make a point to play no defense. We’ll have to watch and find out. Hopefully the only team with some heat tonight isn’t Miami. Houston desperately needs to catch fire. Maybe the Heat’s young, rookies will bring out the best in the Rockets superstars. It’s time Harden and Westbrook took some young ‘uns to school.

American Airlines Arena:  Miami, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (3-2):  White

Miami Heat (4-1):  Black

 

TV:  5 PM CT – ATT SportsNet SW

Rockets Fail to Hit Nets, Fall in Brooklyn 123-116

Funny, How?    Live 3 or Die.    Get Back and Attack.

Imagine two basketball gods having a conversation. One jokes to the other, “What if a team could actually win by not playing defense? Maybe they’ll just shoot more 3’s than their opponent?” They both laugh at the absurd idea. A style of play and approach to the game that affects many teams, but seems to live life to the fullest in Houston. And that idea, which has plagued the Rockets this early season, was in full effect on Friday night in Brooklyn. Houston led comfortably, 45-30, in the first half. Opportunity screaming out at Harden and company to stomp on Brooklyn’s throat. Begging. But the Rockets didn’t listen. They kept firing away, low percentage shots from deep. Their 15-point lead over an Eastern Conference team that won’t be in the playoffs? That vanquished… quickly. And with it the opportunity slipped, as the underdog-Nets came back to win 123-116. It was a frustrating game to watch. Houston’s Happy-Shoot-3 style continued. Combined with their completely apathetic approach to defense, the Rockets have shot themselves in the feet through 5 games. 

The Rockets are 3-2, but they could be 5-0 right now. Last night’s embarrassing loss to Brooklyn and Houston’s Opening Night collapse have both featured this absurd idea at its fullest. Games the Rockets have managed to win, have been squeakers. Their 3 wins have been by a combined total of 8 points. Besides their first game against Milwaukee, Houston has yet to face playoff-caliber competition this season. So, one could argue, this team could also be an embarrassing 0-5 at the moment. And as the basketball gods laugh about this idea that’s come to fruition for many teams in today’s NBA, I feel like the Rockets laugh back. Consistently using this idea to try and convince the gods it’s possible. But it’s not. The Rockets don’t get the joke. The basketball gods see the Rockets laughing at them, and they don’t find any of it funny. They scoff, and ask, “Funny… how?”, channeling their inner-Joe Pesci. The legendary scene from Goodfellas is possibly the greatest improvised scene ever shot. It’s a beautiful moment. With the perfect mix of simmering tension and uneasy humor. And nothing makes me think about the Houston Rockets’ current state of affairs more than this scene. Because… none of it’s funny. None of it. Especially when you possess more talent than you’ve had in a decade, at the same time the league happens to have the most parity it’s seen. Ever. Jacking up 3 after 3. Settling for 3 after 3. Choosing not play defense… when you’re more than capable. It’s not funny in the slightest bit. To the basketball gods, to me, to the fans. None of us find it funny. Sure… 3 is better than 2, but in basketball, you can’t win just shooting threes. It might be amusing for a while, but the basketball gods aren’t clowns. That phrase “live and die by the 3”, it’s true. Very few teams ever survive shooting merely a high percentage from deep. Even the dynastic Golden State Warriors of recent past played great defense, and possessed the best passing instincts in the game. They were a great 3-point shooting team, but they got plenty of 2’s. They knew the difference when to take a 3, and when to not. A difference that the contenders play with in today’s game. This decision-making instinct might be the most important intangible in the game today. On Friday night, Brooklyn didn’t just out-shoot Houston, they took the better shots. The Nets finished 19-of-32 from deep. Meanwhile, the Rockets shot a torrid 12-for-48 from long range. Houston attempted around 30% more 3’s than the Nets, but Brooklyn made over 50% more shots from downtown than the Rockets. 

Houston needs to understand how to apply this instinct to their offense. And obviously, the squad really needs to start playing defense. It’s pretty simple, get back and attack. Get back on defense. Attack the basket. And the opportunities that can be created for easier offensive possessions will be exponential. The Rockets are capable of playing great defense. Even the maligned-James Harden. But, they just don’t try… and it looks like they don’t care. If Houston doesn’t change their mindset and approach to the game, the basketball gods will keep on laughing. A basketball court is 94 feet for a reason. The Rockets need to use all of the court, on both ends of the floor. Or else, this team will never reach their championship-potential. Unlike Houston’s first title team in ’94 that managed to reach the top. If the Rockets want that accomplishment, they need to change. Will they? Hopefully they’ll play harder on defense, and drive it to the basket more. But… I just can’t tell if this Rockets team cares more about looking cool, or winning. If they can’t make the necessary changes, Rockets fans won’t have any title to look forward to this season… they’ll just have to imagine one.

Rockets Glide into Brooklyn, Looking for Easy Victory Against Nets

Bright Lights.    Interior Fix.    The Point Show.

The Big Apple awaits. No, not Madison Square Garden or the Knicks. Houston’s still heading to the big city. The Rockets take their offensive fireworks show to Brooklyn. Kyrie Irving, the league’s leading scorer, awaits, with the Brooklyn Nets. It’s not Madison Square Garden, but the stars will be out in New York to see a show. Hopefully Houston plays some defense for once.

Harden and company dreadfully need help, especially on the interior sector of the defense. The Rockets will get a good test, in DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen, two bigs who will get easy dunks all night Houston doesn’t show some improved defensive muscle. The biggest matchup tonight will be between Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook, two of the league’s top point guards. Houston will look to get the “others” i.e. not Harden, Westbrook, involved tonight. Hopefully, Harden hasn’t lost his rhythm and Westbrook’s infectious energy can slowly become more contagious as the team bonds on its first road trip of the season.

The Nets are by far the worst team Houston has played this season. The Rockets should look to improve from their defensive disaster the other night, in which they barely squeaked out a victory, over a poor Wizards team. Brooklyn won’t be any good, until Kevin Durant returns from injury. And that’s not until next season. So as KD awaits his return, Houston awaits a trip to the city that never sleeps, in hopes that they can get some sleep… knowing their defense will be better tonight. We’ll have to wait and see.

Brooklyn, New York:  Barclays Center

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (3-1):  White

Brooklyn Nets (1-3):  Silver

 

TV:  6 PM CT – ATT SportsNet SW

 

Rockets Rally, Topple Wizards in Wild 159-158 Win

Monumental Mirage.    Clutchbrook.    Ghosts in the Paint.   

Unforgettable. The best way to describe Wednesday’s night double-duel in sports between Houston and Washington. In H-Town, the Astros came close, but fell to the Nationals in Game 7 of the World Series, giving Washington their first title in baseball. It was a strange series. The first in history that featured the road team winning every game. Back in D.C., the Rockets and Wizards played in one of the most bizarre basketball contests you will ever see. It resembled a hyper-stylized version of today’s NBA. A pickup game between pros… only on steroids. Comparable to watching two of your buddies play NBA2K. Except this was no video game. Players rarely missed. Defense was non-existent. And after erasing a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter, the Rockets survived to beat the Wizards, 159-158. In only 48 minutes. It set the record for the most points scored in an NBA game decided by 1 point. James Harden’s first 50-Burger of the season came at the perfect time. The Beard finally broke out of his shooting slump. Harden finished with an NBA-season high 59 points, on a stellar 18-of-32 shooting, including 6-of-14 from deep. Russell Westbrook recorded another triple-double, with 17 points, 10 boards, and 12 assists. Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards, scoring 46 points on a crazy night. The game featured a relentless pace. 19 different times, a team scored within 10 seconds of the other. There was absolutely no defense to be found. James Harden can score 50 every night. Russell Westbrook can continue to get triple-doubles. It won’t matter. If  Houston continues to have ghosts in the paint, their dreams of a title will become just that: a ghost. A haunting reminder of what could be… if only they could learn to play D. Washington shot the lights out, but the Wizards should never score 158 points. Especially this Wizards team. The Rockets were fortunate to get the win. Without Westbrook, they don’t.

After 4 games, it’s safe to say Russell Westbrook has exceeded expectations. I was hesitant to admit at first, but Brodie has been nothing short of fantastic. Especially in the clutch. He started off slow offensively on Wednesday, but Westbrook always finds ways to impact the game. Despite not scoring in the first half, Brodie was passively assertive, dishing out 11 dimes before the break. But… it’s his contributions in the clutch that have saved Houston this season. Against Washington, Westbrook had 14 points and 8 rebounds in the final quarter. Russ has been extremely effective at tipping out loose balls he can’t secure to other Rockets to save possessions. Westbrook is averaging 11.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in the 4th quarter. He’s shooting an incredible 62%, including 43% from long range in these quarters. Houston needs contributions from the rest of the squad late, if they ever want to win a game by more than 4 points.

Houston rallied from 12 down, including an 11-point deficit with a little over four minutes to play. Harden had a 50-Burger. Westbrook had a triple double. The Rockets got the W. So, little cause for concern, right? Wrong. Statistics can be a monumental mirage, and if Houston doesn’t fix its glaring weakness on defense… their season could become a mirage of false hope. The key number in this game was 158. Way too many points a championship contender should ever allow. If Houston wants to be considered among the league’s elite, they need to fix the massive holes on defense. In particular, the Rockets interior defense has been torrid, as opponents are able to get layups whenever they desire. It’s easier said than done. But it’s something that needs to be done. Or all these big scoring nights, triple-doubles, and fancy stats won’t mean anything. Even if Houston keeps winning by the skin of their teeth. In the playoffs, the game slows down, and defense becomes exponentially more important. If the Rockets don’t get serious on defense, those title aspirations… will be forgettable.

Rockets Visit D.C., Take on Wizards to Begin Road Trip

Keeping Pace.    Rocket Luck.    Role Models Next Door.

A champion will be crowned tonight. Houston travels to D.C. to start their four-game road trip. It’s the squad’s first foray into foreign territory of the season, as they battle the Wizards. The world will be watching as Houston and Washington battle for sports supremacy. It just won’t be this battle. Both cities’ respective baseball teams (Astros and Nationals) face off in Game 7 of the World Series for the ultimate prize: a championship. I’m hoping the Rockets can bring some sort of bad juju into Washington D.C. Somehow curse the Nationals from afar, giving the Astros good luck. It’s Houston’s first road game of the season, as the Rockets attempt to get their third straight victory.

The Beard and Brodie Bunch will try to keep their breakneck pace they built up in Houston to begin the season. The Rockets own the league’s second fastest pace this year, so far. On Wednesday, they battle a Wizards team that is on the cusp of rebuilding, or already is, depending on who you ask. D.C.’s best player, John Wall is expected to miss most of the season with an injury. Bradley Beal, their other All-Star, doesn’t have enough pieces around him to get it done in the NBA, with a group of raw, up-and-coming players. Houston looks to feast on Washington tonight, as the new-look Rockets should be too much talent for this young Wizards crew. Houston needs to attack the glass, and focus on improving their rebounding against the Wizards tonight. Washington boasts several young, raw bigs, who can give the Rockets fits on the glass. Tonight presents a perfect game for the Beard to find his shooting rhythm. Harden has struggled mightily from the field to start the year. Lucky for the Beard, the Wizards pose no threats on the perimeter defensively. Look for Harden to have his best shooting night of the young season, and the Rockets should finally win a game by more than 4 points. Maybe, the mere presence of James Harden and Russell Westbrook in the district will be enough to jinx that town from getting a crown. Hopefully. The Rockets can learn a lot from the Astros. Even if they don’t win tonight, the Stros three-year run has been nothing short of admirable.

There’s no time for sightseeing in D.C. After tonight, the Rockets travel to 3 more cities before returning to Houston. Wednesday night, the eyes of the world will be on the city of Houston, where the Astros try and keep a dynasty alive. It will be quite a sight to behold. Houston’s baseball team has been the role model next door for the Rockets over the past few years. The Astros possess a level of chemistry few teams in sports will ever match. Their love for each other on and off the field is so infectious you can feel it watching them play. The Rockets hope to build their own chemistry into something Astro-like. So they can one day be in the position their role models face tonight: one win from a Championship… the ultimate crown.

 

Capital One Arena:  Washington, D.C.

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-1): White

Washington Wizards (1-2): Navy Blue

 

TV: 7 PM CT – ATT SportsNet SW

Houston’s 3rd Quarter Surge Blasts Rockets Past Thunder, 116-112

The Return.    Blasting Off.    Championship Reunion.

It was a reunion of sorts on Monday night in Houston. Chris Paul’s return brought a lot of emotion into Toyota Center. The Rockets played a tribute video during a timeout, and Paul got a warm reception, one he deserved for his time in Houston. His new team, the Thunder, gave the Rockets all they could handle. Houston trailed by 10 at halftime, and it looked Paul might get the better of Houston in his return. However, the new-look Rockets blasted off in the third, outscoring the Thunder by 21 in the period, en route to a 116-112 victory. James Harden had 40 points, but his shooting struggles continued. The Beard went only 3 of 14 from beyond the arc. In contrast, the guy who’d grown a reputation for jacking up threes, Russell Westbrook, attempted only one shot from long range the entire night. Westbrook finished one assist shy of another triple-double, and his presence has had an immediate effect on Houston’s offense.

Last season, the Rockets were 27th in pace of play. So far, this season through 3 games, they’re 2nd. Mike D’Antoni can finally play at his 6 seconds or less pace, and Westbrook makes Houston an apex predator in transition. Once Harden’s shots start falling, the Rockets are going to be blowing opponents out of the water. Houston hits the road next for a four-game trip against inferior competition. And so the Beard and Brodie Era continues on Wednesday, as the squad travels to Washington to take on the Wizards.

Speaking of Washington, the Houston Astros go for their second Championship against the Washington Nationals tonight in Game 6 of the World Series. The city of Houston is arguably the sports city of the moment. The Texans have the best young quarterback in the game, in Deshaun Watson, giving them a bright future for years to come. The Rockets look poised to damage in a new era of basketball in Houston. But, what a moment it should be tonight at Minute Maid Park, the home of the Astros. Houston is having Rockets’ legends Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon and Clyde “The Glyde” Drexler open the night for the Astros. Tonight, the icons from the city’s second-ever sports championship reunite to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 6 of the World Series. It should be goosebumps-inducing moment, and hopefully will inspire the Astros to win their second title. And in the future, if Harden and Westbrook can lead the Rockets back to an NBA title… who knows… maybe one night, the Beard and Brodie will be the ones throwing out the first pitch, in another Houston Championship Reunion.

Rockets Host Thunder in CP3’s Return to Houston

Familiar Faces.    Revenge Game?    Closing Strong.

For the first time since the biggest trade this offseason, Chris Paul returns to Houston. It’s also the first time that Russell Westbrook will be facing Oklahoma City, a place he called home for 11 seasons. The Rockets host the Thunder on Monday night at Toyota Center. Brodie and CP3 won’t be the only familiar faces. These two teams know each other quite well. Thabo Sefolosha spent the best part of OKC’s Brodie Era on the Thunder. Harden and Westbrook took Oklahoma City to the Finals when Kevin Durant was still on the team. Now they join forces in Houston, and face a weaker Thunder team looking more toward the future than focusing on the present.

Is it a revenge game? Only Chris Paul and James Harden truly know how things ended between Houston’s star backcourt of yesterday. Russel Westbrook, always completive and hungry, will want to beat his former team. And CP3 may have lost speed with age, but he hasn’t lost his competitive edge. The two will certainly want to leave imprints on tonight’s contest. Hopefully, James Harden can join the party and find his shooting rhythm. The Beard has struggled mightily from the field to start the season.

After tonight, the Rockets head on a four-game road-trip. Houston looks to close the opening home-stand strong. Expect the Rockets to be victorious over the Thunder tonight. But with Chris Paul in the building, Monday’s contest should be closer than expected. CP3 wants to be these Rockets. The team he helped inch within a hamstring injury of the Finals. And Westbrook wants to beat the Thunder. For Brodie, the opponent doesn’t matter. His energy level won’t change. Emotions will be running high at Toyota Center on Monday night. It will be hard to root against Chris Paul. Houston never achieved the goal they wanted, but they set the single-season franchise-win record with CP3.

The Rockets never wanted to trade Paul. His contract was a huge issue, but Houston could have kept Paul and gotten Russ, they surely would have. A report came out earlier today claiming Harden wanted to get Westbrook and keep Paul at the same time. But in the NBA, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Uniting Paul and Westbrook together wasn’t possible… the exchange was the biggest trade of the offseason. We’ll see how the results play out for both parties tonight. Expect the atmosphere to be electric for a game this early in the season. Houston looks to show the NBA world they benefited from the biggest trade of the offseason, by getting a win against a familiar face.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (1-2):  White

Houston Rockets (1-1):  Red

 

TV:  7:00 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW