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Burn Notice:  Rockets Outlast Warriors in OT, 126-121, For Gritty Game 3 Win

 

MVP Delivery.    Unsung Heroes.    Crazy Look.

 

I couldn’t stop thinking about Al Pacino’s famous line from The Godfather Part III, after Houston’s victory in Game 3: “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!” On Saturday night, just when many thought Houston was an afterthought in this series, the Rockets survived a Warriors’ comeback, and won a gritty Game 3, 126-121 in OT, to pull back into the series. The MVP finally delivered when the Rockets desperately needed an Unguardable Tour-style performance from their superstar. Houston had their best team win of the series, but the Rockets don’t withstand Golden State’s furious late rally in Game 3, without the Beard. James Harden had his best performance of the postseason, dropping 41 points on his best shooting night of these playoffs, to go along with 9 boards and 6 assists. Houston needed every last point, as Golden State kept Rocket fans on the edge of their seats for the entire game. The Rockets gutted out a gritty OT victory, to pull back to within a game in the series. More importantly, Houston avoided the terrifying 0-3 Hole, an insurmountable deficit in NBA lore. Golden State now leads the series, 2-1, the identical position these teams were in a season ago in the Western Conference Finals after three games. The only difference is this season, the Warriors have home-court advantage, and the series will end in Golden State, unless the Rockets can miraculously string off three more consecutive victories against the greatest team ever assembled. Houston just needs to win three of four, and if their unsung heroes keep leading the way, they just might be able to shock the world.

The Warriors hung around all night. After getting out to an early lead, the Rockets jumped on the Champs for a 9-point halftime edge. Golden State would fight back to send it to overtime, but Harden hit two big threes to seal the victory for Houston in OT. Harden finally looked like the version of James Harden we’d seen in the regular season. Not that Harden had played poorly these playoffs, he hasn’t. The Beard just hasn’t lived up to his own exceedingly high standards. That changed in Game 3, and Harden got some help from the squad. Maybe all it took was a trip back home or three days off to get situated, but Houston collectively played their best game of this series.

Eric Gordon, and P.J. Tucker have been the unsung heroes of this postseason. EG had 30 points, in arguably the best performance of his career, playing Robin to Harden’s Batman. Splash Gordon has been slowly getting hotter and hotter since the All-Star break, and is now Houston’s second scoring option after Harden. Tucker, as Coach Mike D’Antoni said after the game, “just wouldn’t let us lose.” P.J. continues to play with the sort of fire and intensity it’s going to take in order to knock out a juggernaut like Golden State. Besides Harden, they’ve been the keys to keeping the Rockets in this series. Tucker had 12 rebounds, and was all over the place defensively. Houston withstood a 46-point night from Kevin Durant, who continues to play like the best player on earth. Tucker guards Durant better than anyone, and although it may look like Tucker didn’t defend well in the box score, P.J. had an extraordinary game, as he continues perform like the NBA’s top role player. The Rockets got contributions from their bench: Austin Rivers and Iman Shumpert combined for 18 points, as Rivers continues to matchup well against the Warriors, exposing Stephen Curry’s deficiencies, while limiting his abilities at the same time. Don’t believe the false narratives floating around. Golden State’s coddled superstar is not hurt. He’s just drowning in Austin’s River. Clint Capela had his best game of the series, notching a double-double of the 13 points and 11 rebounds variety. Speaking of boards, Houston outrebounded Golden State by 20 on the glass. It the key factor that allowed the Rockets to keep the Warriors at bay in Game 3.

After the game, Harden and Paul, sat next to each other at the podium. “How does it look?”, Harden asked, about his eyes, still bloodshot red. Paul turned to the MVP with a smirk, “you look crazy.” It might seem crazy, but the Rockets are in the same position they were last season after 3 games to the Warriors, down 2-1. Houston has a great chance to win the series, although they still have an uphill climb. Game 4 is another must-win at home on Monday night. The Rockets need another loud night from the fans, and another collective team performance to even the series in Game 4. Just when you thought they were out, Houston’s back in the race. The team everyone loves to hate. Houston’s task at hand still remains as challenging as accomplishments get in professional sports: beat the best team of all time in three out of four games. Al Pacino’s character knew the life he was pulled back into in The Godfather Part III. A dangerous one, where few men get out alive. Houston knows what they’re in for, the dogfight of all dogfights. Very few teams (one, Cleveland-2016) have advanced past Golden State in the Steve Kerr-era. The odds are still stacked against the Rockets. In fact, no team has ever beaten a Durant-led version of the Warriors in a playoff series. It might look crazy, like Harden’s eye, but Houston’s got a better shot to pull themselves back into this series in Game 4… now more than ever.

 

 

           

Rockets Return Home for Game 3, Aiming to Turn Series Tide

 

Home, Sweet, Home.    Playing BIG.    Beginning the Climb.

 

“You gonna do somethin’, or just stand there and bleed?” Wyatt Earp asks in 1993’s classic Western film, Tombstone. As they return home, facing an 0-2 hole against Golden State in Game 3 on Saturday night, the Rockets are gonna have to do something. Anything, to get back in this series. Lucky for Houston, the Rockets have been exceptional at home all season, and have yet to lose at Toyota Center in the playoffs. Houston needs this trend to continue if they want to fight their way back to make this an intriguing series. The Rockets are 3-0 at home in the postseason, compared with a 1-3 record on the road. Hopefully, the familiar settings of Toyota Center will bring out the best in the Rockets, and allow them to shoot back into the series. For good measure, James Capers is tonight’s lead official. Houston is 3-0 in the last three postseason games Capers has overseen. If the Rockets can’t win tonight, hope might have slipped out the window. Everything is lined up for Houston to have a big win, and inch back into this series.

In the playoffs, stars have to play big. Harden and Paul haven’t been bad, but they need to play better if Houston has any chance of getting back in this series. Clint Capela, on the other hand, has been bad. Going back to last season’s WCF, Capela struggles against Golden State, particularly their death lineup. The Rockets are a plus-3 in BPM when Capela is off the floor against the Warriors best lineup. However, when Capela is on the court, Houston is a minus-19 against Golden State’s most lethal unit. Those numbers aren’t coincidences. The Rockets need to find a way to effectively utilize the strongest aspects of Capela’s game against the Warriors. Houston’s emerging center has been a huge part of the team’s success over the past two seasons. The Rockets aren’t getting out of this hole, much less beating Golden State, if Capela doesn’t return to some form of his regular season-self. Chris Paul, looking a step slow, needs to give it his all. This could be it for CP3’S Championship window, and will certainly be the best shot Houston has at taking down this Warriors team. James Harden, has struggled, but is still performing above the average superstar. He hasn’t shot the ball well, the main issue with the Beard’s game at the moment. Getting poked “inadvertently” in the eye by Draymond Green isn’t going to help Harden’s situation. Although, after he returned in Game 2, his shooting improved from Game 1. It will be interesting to see how much Harden is affected, if at all, in their first must-win game of the season.

The Rockets have dug themselves a hole. They’re down, but not out. This series is far from over. But, the Rockets need to start playing better as a team, and starting tonight. You don’t have to be a rabid NBA fan to know being down 0-3 in s series isn’t favorable. It’s deficit no team in NBA history has ever rallied back from. And a deficit the Rockets will be facing dead-on if they can’t get their act together in Game 3 back in Houston. Game 3 is truly a must-win game. Sure, the series isn’t officially over with a loss on Saturday night, but it’s pretty much a dagger in the Houston’s heart if they go down 0-3. Harden’s eye is healing, and the rest of the squad will play better at home. The Rockets are done just standing there, and bleeding… it’s time they do something to get back in the series.

 

 

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Golden State Warriors (2-0):  Blue

Houston Rockets (0-2):  “Earned” Crimson Red

 

TV:  7:30 PM CT – ABC

Rockets Slashed by Warriors, 115-109, Trail 0-2 in Series

 

Eye-Poked.    Handing it Over.    Returning Home.

 

         The Rockets lost a game they needed to win. They now trail the Warriors 2-0 in the best of seven series after losing 115-109 on Tuesday night. James Harden got poked in the eye, but still had an ok game. Houston was on fire from beyond the arc, and still lost. At this point, there’s really no chance. A return home might garner Houston a win, but they lost the series, and the season, Tuesday night with their lack of focus early in the contest.

Houston handed the title to Golden State early in Game 2. The Rockets had too many turnovers to count, with the Warriors scoring off Houston’s first ten of the game. That kind of lackadaisicalness doesn’t win championships.

The Rockets return home to Houston for Game 3, where they hope to finally win a game, and make this series mildly interesting for a few days, before, in all likeliness, they blow Game 4. The way this team is playing, might as well prepare for vacation. This was the game Houston needed. Maybe next season won’t be as disappointing.

 

Rockets Face Toughest Task Yet in Game 2, Try and Even Series with Warriors

 

Adversity Calls.    Rivers Returns.    Must Foster a Win.  

 

Back against the wall, scurrying to gather whatever weapons he can in limited time, an incoming onslaught of menace approaches to wipe out what’s left of 007 and his family estate, in the 2012 film, Skyfall. “Some men are coming to kill us, we’re going to kill them first,” James Bond confidently tells the estate’s innkeeper, as he preps for the worst from the enemy. James Harden and the Houston Rockets have their own incoming onslaught of menace to confront, heading into a Game 2 against Golden State in Oracle Arena. And Houston needs to be prepared for the worst.

After getting physically abused by the Warriors in Game 1, as the refs watched Harden get continuously undercut with sadistic glee, in one of the most bizarrely officiated games on NBA record, the Rockets need to strike back. A game in which the officials admitted to four mistakes in the first half, only to make things worse in the second half. Houston didn’t play its best, but to say the Rockets got robbed of a Game 1 win, is a complete understatement.   And now, joining tonight’s fracas at Oracle Arena is the Rockets Enemy Number One: Scott Foster. So, if you think officiating is going to be more consistent, fair, or improved from Game 1, you might be in for a surprise.

Scott Foster’s been a thorn in Houston’s side since Chris Paul joined the team at the start of last season. For whatever reason, Foster holds a huge grudge and officiates Rockets games with a bias against Houston. It’s more than blatantly obvious. Since acquiring Paul at the start of last season, the Rockets are 0-6 in playoff games officiated by Scott Foster. James Harden has fouled out only four times over 265 games the past three seasons (including the playoffs). In three of those games, the lead official, was… guess who… Scott Foster. Houston has to focus on basketball, and the game at hand. The Rockets, as hard as it will be, need to ignore the officiating, and stay calm. The Warriors aren’t fans of Scott Foster, either. Houston needs to let Golden State, who is prone to mocking the officials, get festered by the worst officiating the NBA’s seen in a long time. Just allow Draymond to get too Draymond-ish, and the Rockets can gain control of the game.

Austin Rivers returns to the lineup for Houston, after missing Game 1 with a stomach illness. Rivers played a key part in Houston’s victories over Golden State in the regular season. Specifically, his defense kept Stephen Curry in check, and Rivers used his ability to isolate on offense to expose the overrated Curry’s lack of defense. Rivers also brings added grit and toughness in a game where the Rockets will need to play the hardest they’ve played all season, if they want to win. Rivers was sorely missed in Game 1, but he could be the difference-maker in Game 2.

The sky’s not quite falling, but this is a must-win game if Houston wants to beat their nemesis. Only one game into the series, and the Rockets are as backed up to the wall as a team can be, trailing 0-1 heading into a Game 2. Golden State didn’t even play their best game in Game 1. Houston needs to be prepared for more offensive firepower from Golden State, and the Rockets need to attack the basket more frequently than in Game 1. There’s a good chance the winner of tonight’s game will decide this season’s eventual NBA Champion. Houston can’t afford to fall behind 0-2 to the defending Champions. A win on Tuesday night, and the Rockets even the series, escaping Golden State with a tied series, and regained confidence. A Game 2 loss puts Houston down 0-2, heading home for Game 3 with no momentum, and set with impossible task of beating the Warriors four times in five games. Since acquiring Kevin Durant, Golden State has never lost a playoff series four times in seven games. Beating the Warriors four times in fives games is nearly unthinkable. The Rockets desperately need to even the series with a win in Game 2, and keep pace with Golden State.

Hopefully, Scott Foster and the refs won’t deter Houston’s chances, and the Rockets can officially make this a series… instead of a series decided by officiating. By whatever means, Houston needs to be the aggressor tonight. Harden, Paul, and the legacy of the entire squad is on the line in Game 2. The Rockets face a juggernaut, and seemingly the entire NBA, out to deliver a gut-wrenching blow to Houston’s title hopes. The sequel to Game 1 should provide no less suspense. Expect another close matchup, in an even louder Oracle Arena. In a heavyweight battle, where getting to the loose ball could be the difference in the game (and the series), the Rockets have to get there first.

 

Oracle Arena:  Oakland, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (0-1):  White

Golden State Warriors (1-0):  Black

 

TV:  TNT – 9:30 PM CT

 

Bay Area Hosing:  Rockets Get Undercut By Warriors, Refs, in Game 1 Loss, 104-100

 

8 on 5.    Hosed.    Rivers of Hope.

 

Hope. It can last so long, only to be taken in an instant. The Rockets have seen their share of bad calls throughout the season, in every game. But those calls were nothing like what they witnessed in their Game 1 loss to the Warriors, 104-100. James Harden was undercut consistently on one of the most dangerous basketball plays a defender can utilize. Houston couldn’t catch a break. The NBA loves its darling Warriors, and unless the Rockets can pull off a miracle, this series looks to be out of reach. Houston is capable of making it competitive, as they showed in Game 1. They can even push the series to a Game 7. But, when it comes down to the wire, the officials will always side with Golden State. The refs even came out at halftime, and admitted to Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni that they missed four calls in Houston’s favor, only to miss even more in the second half. Houston talked to league officials, immediately after the game, regarding the dangerous calls undercutting Harden on his three-point shots. And the Rockets have yet to see the impending presence of Scott Foster. Houston has a serious problem. Dynasties are good for the NBA. With the rumor of Kevin Durant all but out the door to New York City after this season, the league is doing its best to keep him in the Bay Area, hoping another ring will satisfy one of the softest and most overrated players in NBA history. The Rockets can all but hope that Harden can return to superhuman form, and the rest of the team catches fire, or this could be a short series.

The sad part about Game 1, Houston didn’t play great, but they didn’t play terrible. They hung with Golden State the entire game, and had it not been for the decisions that hosed the Rockets in Game 1, they would have come out with a victory. That being said, the Warriors didn’t play their best. Golden State committed too many turnovers, and didn’t shoot the lights out. Houston let a game get away, in a series that you can’t afford to gift opponents victories. The winner of Game 1 goes on to win over 70 percent of the time. The Rockets face an uphill climb for the remainder of the series.

There still remain a few rivers of hope for Houston. Kenneth Faried saw no playing time, whatsoever, due to matchups. Mike D’Antoni may tinker with this in the future. Austin Rivers was a late scratch from the game with an illness. I firmly believe, had Rivers played, Houston would have come away with the gutty win despite the blasphemous officiating. Rivers has torched Curry on both ends of the floor in Houston’s matchups with Golden State in the regular season. He was sorely missed tonight, in a game in which Curry was in foul trouble late, Rivers ability to expose Curry on isolation could have won Houston the game tonight. Hopefully, Rivers is able to give it a go in Game 2. And maybe, just maybe, the Rockets will catch a break from the officials. Otherwise, it could be a very short series.

We Meet Again:  Rockets Begin Epic Rematch vs. Warriors Out West

 

Forces Collide.    Wounded Warriors.    Highest Peak.

 

         “Basketball is at the highest peak when us two teams are on the court.” Kevin Durant exclaimed on his team’s upcoming series with the Rockets. If that’s true, then basketball is about to reach Everest-level heights. The rematch everyone’s been waiting for gets under way on Sunday afternoon in the Bay Area. The Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors begin trading punches in what should be a series for the ages. The Warriors are the Warriors. Or, who we’ve known them to become. Trudging along through the regular season, until they finally meet an opponent in the postseason that makes them “flip the switch.” That switch, might not work against this Houston team.

These Rockets are better than last year’s team. A lot better.   Houston is 3-deep at every position on both ends of the floor (minus the center spot). The Rockets have the perfect mix of superstar talent, leadership, chemistry, and toughness. Houston comprises a group of players who define what it means to be a star in your role. The Warriors are favored in this series, and why shouldn’t they be? They’re two-time defending champions. And until they get dethroned, they deserve to be favored in any matchup. The Rockets aim to show the world the underdogs are here to stay with a statement win in Game 1. Houston shouldn’t have a problem focusing or dialing in for Game 1. This is the moment the Rockets have been longing for. Hopefully, their shots will be falling. Houston won’t be lacking any heart or hustle on the floor in Oracle on Sunday.

After playing around with the Clippers, and extending the series longer than necessary, Golden State limps into their second round of the playoffs. They enter Game 1 against Houston with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson both questionable with ankle injuries. Obviously, both stars play huge factors in the Warriors system. If one, or both is unable to go, it certainly will have a major impact on the game. Nonetheless, expect Kevin Durant, coming off a great series against the Clippers, to be ready to score 50 if he need be. The Rockets need P.J. Tucker, and the entire defense to be prepared for one of the most lethal offensive players the game has seen. For Houston, James Harden needs to show his shooting is back up to par, as he struggled from the field in the first round against Utah. Nonetheless, as long as Houston communicates defensively, the Rockets should handle the Warriors easier than most people expect.

This is it. The NBA’s Super Bowl. Whoever wins this series will go on to win the Championship. The Rockets and Warriors are the NBA’s best, and it’s not even close. Houston was built to beat this team. Their obsession will be staring them in the face on Sunday afternoon. The Rockets know the impact Oracle Arena can have on a game. Houston needs to jump on the Warriors early, and keep the crowd out of the matchup, and the series. As Golden State begins its decline, it’s time for Houston to show the world that Rockets are launching their way to the NBA’s peak.

 

Oracle Arena:  Oakland, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (4-1):  Black

Golden State Warriors (4-2):  White

 

TV:  2:30 PM CT – ABC

Finally Here.    Now or Never.    The Departed.

 

            Time seems to go by faster and faster, with each year. It feels like it was only yesterday, that the Houston Rockets suffered their heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the 2018 Western Conference Finals, to the Golden State Warriors. But, it’s been almost a year since Houston nearly tasted a trip to the Finals. And now, after a rollercoaster regular season for both teams, we’re finally here. Back to the point the Rockets have been climbing towards since their departure from competition last year: a rematch with the Warriors. The two-time defending champions. Houston’s biggest rival over the past 5 years, and the squad the Rockets were built to beat. For the second consecutive year, the NBA’s best two teams will face off before the NBA Finals. Except this season, both teams are arguably better. And, one of these offensive juggernauts will be departing the NBA Playoff landscape a round sooner than last season. This year, the “real” NBA Finals takes place in the Western Conference Semifinals. A rematch of last year’s epic Western Conference Finals, that Golden State won in seven games. Due to the league’s playoff format, the Rockets and Warriors could never meet in the Championship round. But, true basketball fans and savants realize these two powerhouses are the best the NBA has to offer, for two seasons running. Two of the most innovative franchises the league has ever seen. Three-point shooting. Offensive efficiency. Scoring explosions. Step-back threes. Small-ball. Extreme isolation. No teams in basketball embody these new trends in the game like Houston and Golden State, and make them work so effortlessly. Big men used to rule the NBA. Stephen Curry’s 3-point shooting, and James Harden’s step-back three (the latter becoming iconic this season) are the final nails in the coffin of basketball’s paint-dominated era.

“I don’t want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me.” The opening line in Martin Scorsese’s classic 2006 film, The Departed, is a synopsis of what the Rockets and Warriors try and accomplish on the court. Revolutionary teams using innovative systems to change the way the game is played. Refusing to mold to their NBA environment, instead using their style to change the game. Allow it to cater to their best abilities. Both Houston and Golden State have each benefited, more so than anyone else, from changes the NBA has made to cater to the offensive, “sexy” part of basketball. Instead of adapting to their basketball environment, the Rockets and Warriors caused the league to make changes, so the game could be adjusted to cater to their styles. The NBA is a product of the Rockets and Warriors respective style of playing basketball. It didn’t used to be that way. The last time Houston won a title, Hakeem Olajuwon dominated an inside-out style of basketball that is rarely seen in today’s game. The Rockets, as influential as they’ve been in changing the game, have been lost in the shadows as Steph Curry and the Warriors get all the credit for revolutionizing the three-point shot. Although, no one shoots the three-point shot with more volume than Houston does. The Rockets just set an NBA playoff record, becoming the first team to attempt more three-pointers than jump shots in their first round victory over Utah. Winners get all the credit, recognition, and remembrance. For all Harden and Houston have accomplished over the past few years, the squad will never get the proper respect and credit until they win a Championship.

Golden State, coming off a series with the Clippers that lasted longer than expected, are finally retaining their interest in basketball. Why now? The Rockets happen to be the only team who can beat the Warriors. Houston knows this. So does, Golden State. There’s a reason that Clippers series was extended. Klay Thompson and the rest of the Warriors couldn’t stop looking ahead to this impending rematch. Golden State will never admit it, but they know if Chris Paul didn’t get injured last year, Houston would have beaten them. They had the Warriors’ backs against the wall, as Paul was the most beneficial factor in Houston gaining a 3-2 series edge. However, Paul went down with the injury, and the Rockets were never the same, losing the final two games, and the series. Golden State is more eager to beat Houston this time around, to try and prove last year’s title wasn’t a fluke. The Rockets, meanwhile, are licking their chops. Houston has waited for this moment since May 28, 2018: Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, the last time these teams met in the playoffs. This season, barring any major injuries, the Rockets have a deeper, tougher, and more talented squad than last year. Houston should be able to beat Golden State. They’re the hungrier team. No one on the Rockets’ roster has a ring. The Warriors have too many rings that they’ve lost interest in the game.

Houston has to take advantage of this opportunity. Chances like these don’t come around often for groups as close-knit as the Rockets. Houston poses a formidable threat to upset the most talented basketball team ever legally assembled. It certainly will be a challenge, but the Rockets are tougher in every department than the Warriors. Golden State has more talent. The Warriors have more talent than anyone. But that talent has started to become irritated. Locker room and chemistry issues have caused more friction amongst this Golden State team than any in the Steve Kerr-era. It’s now or never for the Rockets. Chris Paul isn’t getting any younger. P.J. Tucker is 34. Eric Gordon is 31. James Harden turns 30 in a few months. The franchise won’t be able to obtain all of its assets that Morey acquired mid-season (Danuel House, Austin Rivers, Kenneth Faried). Ultra-reliable Nene, in limited minutes, is on his last legs. Houston’s championship window with this core group is closing. The Rockets have the best shot they’ve had, since the days of Hakeem Olajuwon, to win it all this year. Even better than last season. Houston is too deep, too gritty, and too hungry. The league’s most-hated player will nevr get the respect he deserves until he wins a ring. James Harden is the best player in the NBA without a ring. Expect that to change, and look for the Rockets to put the finishing touches on Golden State’s crumbing dynasty.

It’s been a special season for the Rockets, and their Bearded-MVP. Although, it seems likely Harden won’t win MVP, there’s only one trophy he should be concerned about. To get to that piece of hardware, Harden and the Rockets have to get past the most difficult obstacle they’ll face all season, in an experienced, Championship-laden Warriors squad. Golden State has “winners fatigue”, believe it or not. The only bad news for Houston is, the Rockets seem to be the sole team who gain the Warriors’ interest for more than one game in a playoff series. But, as was evidenced in last year’s Western Conference Finals, and especially during this past regular season, Golden State brings out the very best in the Rockets’ firepower. Houston will need to be firing on all cylinders from the opening gates. Unlike last season, the Rockets open the series on the road, and need to be ready to get a least one of the first two games. Houston can’t afford to fall behind in a series to a powerful Warriors team.

The Warriors have been the golden-standard for all other NBA teams to follow over the last few years. They’re atop the standings out West once again, and Golden State looks to go to the Finals for the fifth consecutive season. In the process, the NBA’s become a product of what are the Warriors doing next, where are they playing tonight, etc. The NBA world has revolved around Golden State. The Warriors are still a product of the NBA, but the NBA is a product of the Warriors. The biggest bandwagon professional sports have ever seen. In this series, the Rockets don’t want to be a product of just another team the Warriors knock off on their way to another championship. Houston has Oracle as its sight to begin making their noise. Letting the NBA world know it needs to start revolving around another team this June. This time, the Rockets want to make the Warriors a product of Houston’s championship run. Time moves fast. Don’t miss a game. This series will be the best the NBA has to offer during these playoffs. And you won’t want to miss the runner-up’s departure.

 

Series Prediction:  Rockets in 6

Formidable Opponent.    Defensive Rise.     Ready to Launch. 

Like many expected, the Rockets closed out the Jazz on Wednesday night to win the first round series, 4-1. After winning the first two games in blowout fashion at home, Houston was tested in the final 3 games of the series. A close, hard-fought win in Game 3 gave the Rockets an insurmountable 3-0 lead. Despite winning Game 4, the Jazz didn’t have enough firepower as the rest of the Rockets came around to seal the deal in Game 5. Sure, the series got closer and more contested as it moved along (as most series do), but Houston fans got greedy. The Utah Jazz had a great season and remain a team with a bright future. Of all the teams that advanced to the next round, the Rockets had by far the toughest opponent in Utah. The idea that a sweep even became a possibility in this series is a testament to the greatness of this Houston squad. The Rockets were never expected to sweep the Jazz. However, had Houston dialed in during the fourth quarter of Game 3, and executed their offense in a different fashion, they might have brought the brooms out. Eric Gordon continued his efficient and consistent play since the All-Star break. Gordon’s defense on the Jazz’ Donovan Mitchell is a major reason Houston won this series in 5 games. James Harden didn’t shoot the ball well, but the reigning-MVP made winning plays, his steal in Game 5 sealed the series win.

The Rockets managed to get past Utah without suffering any injuries. Clint Capela was battling two virus’ that kept his production subpar in Games 3 and 4, but the big man responded in Game 5. Capela looked to be feeling better, scoring 16 points, grabbing 10 boards, to go along with 3 blocks in his best game of the series. Houston needs Capela to return to his All-Star-caliber form for the Rockets to have a chance in the next round.

Houston now advances to play either the Los Angeles Clippers or the Golden State Warriors in the second round. In what no one saw coming, Golden State lost at home (again) to the Clippers last night to extend their series. Nonetheless, all signs point to a Western Conference Finals rematch with the Warriors. The Rockets have waited, since last May, to get another shot at the Champs. Houston’s ready for this moment, with a squad that’s even better than last year’s team. The squad that was a hamstring-injury and one win from the NBA Finals. The Rockets enter the next round as durable as they’ve been all season. Houston’s eyes remain fixed on the goal they’ve worked toward getting back to since last May.

Golden State’s never looked shakier in the Steve Kerr-era. Almost everyone expected the Warriors to finish off the Clippers on Wednesday night, especially with the Rockets punching their ticket to the next round. Golden State, who has been prone to mental lapses all season, looked ahead to their impending rematch with Houston. Those mental lapses aren’t going to work against the hungriest Rockets team in the James Harden era. Houston is ready to launch their quest for revenge. The Rockets are not only an obstacle, but a realistic threat to Golden State’s throne. The real NBA Finals get underway in a few days. In what should be a rematch for the ages… Prepare to expect the unexpected.

Rockets Tune Out the Jazz For Good, 100-93, Advance to Next Round

 

Gentleman’s Sweep.    Secret Weapon.    The Waiting Game.

 

As many expected, the Rockets closed out their series with the Jazz on Wednesday night, with a 100-93 victory in Game 5. Houston won the series in five games (4-1), in a predictable gentleman’s sweep. The close-out game was the arguably the toughest win of the series for the Rockets. Utah put up a fight and made Rockets fans nervous until the final buzzer sounded. The Jazz led 94-93 with a little over a minute remaining, before an Eric Gordon three gave Houston the lead for good. James Harden led the way with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, for the Rockets. The man they doesn’t play defense also had 3 steals, including the game-sealing snag, and 4 blocks. The Beard started 2 of 12 from the floor, before finishing with more Harden-like 8 for 14 shooting. Hopefully, a few days off will get Harden’s shot back in rhythm. The Rockets need Harden at his MVP level if they want to beat their next round opponent. Clint Capela had his best game of the series, and looks to be recovering from his illness. Capela had 16 points and 10 boards, to go along with 3 blocks. Nene made his playoff debut in limited minutes, and could be more of a factor in the next series depending on matchup scenarios. Chris Paul had 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 dimes, as Houston continues to “Run as One”, as their motto says, into the second round. P.J. Tucker continues to do it all on defense, as the veteran is truly deserving of All-NBA defensive honors this year.

The difference-maker in Game 5, and the entire series, happened to be Eric Gordon. Houston’s secret-weapon. EG’s defense throughout the series on Donavan Mitchell was outstanding. Gordon played 40 minutes in Game 5, and guarded Mitchell nearly every minute he was on the floor. EG held Mitchell, Utah’s best player, to only 12 points on an ugly 4 of 22 shooting night. Gordon has been relentless on defense all series. EG held Mitchell to 7.6 points per game on 32% shooting from the floor. More importantly, was Gordon’s ball-denial. Mitchell only got 8.2 shot attempts per game when Gordon was the primary defender. EG contested a total of 17 shots from the perimeter throughout the 5-game series. Only one of those shots connected. It’s not just his defense, obviously. Gordon has always been known more for his offense, but EG has shown in this series why he is a true all-around player in the NBA, and a force to reckon with on defense. Offensively, Gordon’s consistency in the scoring and shootings departments continued. EG finished with 15 points, connecting on 4 of his 8 attempts from deep.

If Houston wants to win another playoff series, Gordon’s role needs to continue to be optimized on both ends of the floor. Splash Gordon brings so many intangibles to  the squad, along with his talent. The Rockets will go as far as James Harden takes them, and Gordon has always played well with Harden on the floor. At times he picked up the slack for the MVP during the regular season. Look for Gordon to do the same in the second round if Harden can’t get back to MVP form. The Beard has been great, but the Rockets need Harden to be playing at his highest potential if they want to advance past the next round.

The Rockets will now prepare to play the Golden State… wait. Nothing’s official yet. It’s still scientifically possible that the Houston Rockets could actually play the Los Angeles Clippers in the next round. The Warriors can’t get the Rockets, and their impending rematch, off their minds. Golden State overlooked the Clippers for the second time in their first round series to extend the series to a Game 6 in Los Angeles on Friday night. Nonetheless, it would truly be a miracle if the Clippers Game 6, let alone this series. A win in the series, would give the Clippers the biggest playoff-upset (and arguably sports) in history. Winning Game 6 would just extend the waiting game for Houston. Barring a sports miracle, the Rockets are still going to play the Warriors in the next round. Golden State’s biggest problem this season has been their inability to gain interest in their opponents. The only team to gain Golden State’s interest has been Houston, because the Rockets are the only team who scare the Warriors. Klay Thompson can’t stop mentioning Houston in his postgame interviews. Golden State knows the toughest test they’ve ever faced in the Steve Kerr-era, eagerly awaits them in the next round. Expect the Warriors to get the Rockets off their minds (for a few hours), and finish off the Clippers on Friday night.

The next round for Houston would start on Sunday afternoon, or Tuesday night, if the Warriors-Clippers series somehow gets extended. The Rockets enter the next round as durable as they’ve been all season. Some off-days give Harden a chance to get a breather, and hopefully regain his regular season shooting rhythm. Houston’s eyes remain fixed on the goal they’ve worked toward getting back to since last May. Their likely opponent, Golden State, has never looked shakier in the Steve Kerr-era. Almost everyone expected the Warriors to finish off the Clippers on Wednesday night, especially with the Rockets punching their ticket to the next round. Golden State, who has been prone to mental lapses all season, looked ahead to their rematch with Houston. Those mental lapses aren’t going to work against the hungriest Rockets team in the James Harden era. Houston is ready to launch their quest for revenge. The real NBA Finals get underway in a few days. In what should be a rematch for the ages… Prepare to expect the unexpected.

 

 

 

 

Rockets Aim to Rebound in Houston, Finish Jazz in Game 5

 

Friendly Confines.    Box Out, and Advance.    Taking Care of Business.

 

         “Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it’s contained”, Donald Sutherland decries as President Snow in The Hunger Games. In Game 4, the Rockets gave the Jazz a spark of hope. Houston relinquished their lead entering the fourth quarter of the previous game. In the final frame, the Rockets missed 13 consecutive three’s, with Donovan Mitchell outscoring Houston by himself, en route to a 107-91 Jazz victory, and the reason we have a Game 5 tonight in Houston. In a series the Rockets are expected to close out on Wednesday, the Jazz enter Game 5 riding a spark of hope, courtesy of their victory in Game 4.

Meanwhile, Houston returns home, intent on ending Utah’s season. The Rockets need all the rest and time they can get to prepare for the Warriors, Houston’s next round opponent (unless the impossible happens). A return to the friendly confines should bode well for James Harden and company. In a short sample size, Houston is 2-0 this series at home, with 26 being their average margin of victory. The Rockets have crushed the Jazz in Clutch City, and they’ll look for a repeat performance at Toyota Center tonight. The last thing Houston wants is another trip back to Utah, where the Rockets are 1-1, with their sole victory coming by 3 points. It’s obvious Houston needs to take advantage of home-court and finish this series in Game 5. If the Jazz win and force a Game 6 back in Utah, Houston might have a problem.

Game 4 exposed Houston’s biggest weakness: defensive rebounding. The Rockets were mauled on the glass, and gave up 17 second-chance points to the Jazz, in a game Houston lost by 16. Meanwhile, the Rockets only managed to garner 3 second-chance points themselves in Game 4. Houston needs to do a better job rebounding as a team, and getting to the loose ball in Game 5. Playing at home should inspire the squad to exert more force in the paint, and improve on the boards. The Rockets need to communicate defensively to put bodies on Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors, the Utah tandem giving Houston fits on the glass. Hopefully, Clint Capela will get better soon. The Rockets’ big man has been dealing with two virus’ since this series began, and his play has been notably affected. Houston needs their star center to get well for the next round. For now, the squad has enough grit to get the job done at home, without Capela at full-strength.

It’s gotten to the point where the Rockets need to finally take care of business, and advance past the Jazz into the next round. Houston is playing in front of their fans, and the Rockets have been stellar at home all season, minus the first four games. Including the playoffs, Houston is 33-6 at Toyota Center after starting the season an abysmal 0-4 at home. All signs point to the Rockets avoiding any sort of Game 4-style letdown that would lengthen this first round matchup. It’s a must-win game for Utah. Their season is over with a loss tonight. However, the Rockets can’t afford to lose this game, and extend the series. Especially if they want the best possible chance to dethrone the Warriors in the next round. This game isn’t a must-win for Houston, but the Rockets have to play with the mindset and sense of urgency that it is, in order to finish the series tonight. A win by Utah would give the Jazz a lot of hope, to go with even more confidence and momentum. Game 6 would be back in Salt Lake City, where the Jazz have been mano-a-mano with Houston over 2 games. And anything can happen in a Game 7. The Rockets need to contain the spark of hope Utah brings into Game 5. It’s time to put the Jazz’ crescendo to rest for the season. If the Rockets play with their usual hunger, Houston will be just fine.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Utah Jazz (1-3):  White

Houston Rockets (3-1):  “Earned” Crimson Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT – TNT,  ATT Sportsnet SW