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Unbrotherly Love:  Rockets Seek Seventh Straight Win, Sixers Come to Town

 

Trust the Progress.    Board Battle.    Moving Forward.

 

“It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”  The iconic line from Rocky, filmed in Philadelphia, hits home when looking at the Rockets this season.  On Friday night, Houston hosts Philadelphia at Toyota Center.  The Rockets aim to get their seventh straight win tonight.  Houston’s seemed to turn a corner at this point in the season.  James Harden, Chris Paul and co. have figured something out.  The Rockets always knew they’d be fine.  It’s been a rocky season.  They’ve been hit hard.  Injuries.  New teammates.  Blown leads after blown leads.  But Mike D’Antoni, Harden, and Paul were confident all along.  After starting 11-14, Houston has gone 28-11, the best record in the West.  The Rockets can only trust that their roster will stay healthy.  It’s the ultimate key to Houston progressing towards their goal of the title.  They’ll see if they can keep that progress going against a Sixers team that’ll be without Joel Embiid.

The All-Star was a huge part of Philly’s win in the previous matchup.  Clint Capela didn’t play in that game for Houston.  But he’ll he be manning the paint tonight.  The last game between these teams was especially chippy.  Embiid had a lot to do with that.  Still, the Rockets are looking to get revenge on a Sixers team that beat them handily weeks ago.  Kenneth Faried remains out for Houston, along with Iman Shumpert.  Embiid is always a matchup issue for the Rockets.  His absence is an open invitation to take care of the one of the better teams in the East.  Look for Clint Capela to have a monster game tonight.  The Sixers have lost 2 of 3 games, and are coming off a nail-biting loss to lowly Chicago.  Philly still has plenty of talent in Ben Simmons (questionable for tonight), Jimmy Butler, and Tobias Harris.  J.J. Reddick also seems to never miss when playing Houston.  The rebounding battle is vastly important in this game.  Houston is 62-8 since last season when outrebounding their opponent.  They’ve got a better opportunity than ever with Embiid sidelined due to injury.

Who thought we’d be here?  The Rockets, going for their 7^th straight win.  A streak that’s included wins over some of the NBA’s elite (Warriors, Raptors, Celtics).  It seems like it was only days ago people were questioning if Houston would even make the playoffs.  Now, everyone wants to get on the bandwagon.  The Rockets are rolling.  Turns out, all those injuries, roster turnover, and early season adversity, wasn’t a good thing.  It was a great thing.  Last season, Houston strolled through the regular season like it was a cakewalk.  And yes, they probably would have won, had Chris Paul been healthy.  But last year’s Rockets team didn’t get hit much at all in the regular season.  They say whatever doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.  In basketball, adversity makes the best teams stronger.   Champions manage adversity, and use it to their advantage.  When the Rockets got hit by the Warriors last year, they ultimately couldn’t deliver the final blow.  They were shell-shocked.  They hadn’t experienced how dire sequences of a season can pull a team together.  On and off the court.  This Rockets team is a closer-knit unit than any team before, despite the new faces.  Houston’s adversity has paid off this season.  They were hit hard with injuries, but playing time and new roles opened up, creating a deeper roster for the Rockets in the playoffs.  Most importantly, this squad is the toughest Rockets team I’ve ever witnessed.  Tonight, the Rockets might get hit hard throughout the game.  They could go down early, or blow a Rocket-style lead.  But they’ll hit back, this group’s learned from their mistakes.  The playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing postseasons in NBA history.  The West is, of course, loaded.  The East is a battle of four top-heavy teams.  But in reality, we all know who the two best teams are.  They’ll meet again.  And when they do… this time, Houston can take a hard hit.  They’ve got their own Hardened Warrior to keep them moving forward.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Philadelphia 76ers (41-24):  White

Houston Rockets (39-25):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT – ESPN & ATT Sportsnet SW

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rockets Tame Raptors for 6^th Straight Win, 107-95

 

Defensive Demolition.    Bench Relief.    We the South.

        

         It was quiet.  Well, quieter than usual in Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.  The Rockets rolled into Toronto, and stormed out with their sixth win a row, 107-95.  Houston pounced on the Raptors early.  The squad had one of their best defensive games of the entire season.  The Rockets gave up a mere 37 points in the first half, and got out to a 22-point lead in the second quarter.  However, the Raptors made sure there wouldn’t be a thrashing in Toronto.  They stormed back to take the lead in the 3^rd quarter, but Houston counterpunched.  The Rockets bench was outstanding, despite missing Kenneth Faried and Iman Shumpert to injuries.  James Harden led the way with 35 points and Gerald Green hit several clutch shots en route to 18 points.  The Green Light ejected life into Houston when they trailed Toronto entering the fourth.

Green hit consecutive three-pointers, and the Rockets never really looked back.  The Raptors kept it close for part of the final frame, but Harden proved yet again, why he’s the MVP.  The Beard had 19 of his 35 points in the fourth, and exhibited his floater with more frequency.  Just another deadly asset Harden’s added to his game.  One that was on full display on drives to the bucket Tuesday night.  Clint Capela was a monster on the glass, grabbing 15 boards for the Rockets.  Chris Paul had another distributive performance, dishing out 10 assists.  Houston is so lethal with Paul directing the offense.  Since he joined the team, the Rockets are 28-1 when CP3 has 10 or more assists in a game.  When Paul, Harden, and Capela all play together, the Rockets are 62-12 since last season, plus 11-3 in the playoffs.  Even further proof of how important Paul’s health is to Houston’s success.

Houston’s bench came to play on Tuesday night.  Led by Green’s spark and shooting, the Rockets’ reserves brought energy and defense to round out a solid victory.  Houston’s bench unit combined for a staggering plus/minus of plus-73.  The second unit was on fire, especially Rivers and Green.  The duo combined to shoot 7/11 from downtown, and hit some key shots when the Rockets were thwarting a Raptor-comeback in the second half.  Houston as a team outran the Raptors on the fast-break 23-7.  In similar fashion, the Rockets have made moves in playoff positioning.

All of a sudden, Houston, who was once 14^th in the West, now find themselves holding onto the third seed in the standings.  On Tuesday, the Thunder and Blazers lost, pushing the Rockets up two spots.  All 3 teams sport identical records, but that will soon change.  Portland hosts Oklahoma City on Thursday night, in a showdown between the two teams now chasing Houston for the third seed.  Since their dismal 11-14 start, the Rockets have gone 28-11, best in the West.  The Rockets need to keep focusing on their defensive intensity and communication.  Houston’s heating up, and crowds across the league are beginning to notice.  If the Rockets are playing at an arena near you, and it’s not named Toyota Center, get ready for some peace and quiet.

 

 

 

 

Rockets Look to Find a Way in Jurassic Park, Go For 6 in the Six

 

Jurassic Park.    Load Management.    40 Burgers.

 

“How can we possibly have the slightest idea what to expect?” ponders Alan Grant in 1993’s Jurassic Park.  The innovative blockbuster was released the summer before Houston won their first NBA Championship, and left an indelible mark on the film industry.  The quote refers to the discussion of unknown factors that come into play with bringing dinosaurs back to life.  Well, the NBA’s oldest team, the Houston Rockets, have finally come back to life.  The Rockets are shooting for their sixth win in a row on Tuesday night.  This will be the toughest matchup Houston’s faced since their impressive win to start the streak in Golden State.  Toronto boasts one of the best, and deepest lineups in the league.  The Raptors have won 9 of their last 11 games.  Despite this, they lost on Sunday in overtime, giving Toronto extra motivation for Tuesday night.  They also have Kawhi Leonard.  As Samuel L. Jackson says in Jurassic Park, “hold onto your butts.”

Everyone seems to be in need of some load management these days.  If you’re an NBA fan, you’ve probably heard this term more than thrice.  It’s the league’s fancy, new term for “rest”.  And, last time these two squads faced off, Kawhi Leonard decided not to play.  For, um, load management.  It’s becoming an unfortunate trend.  Players used to play for the love of the game.  Now they need extra rest to prepare for, and try to guard, the most unstoppable player on the planet.  James Harden.  It doesn’t matter how much rest Leonard gets, Harden is a problem for him, and the Raptors.

The last time Houston faced Toronto, they were without Chris Paul.  The Point God is in a different sort of groove.  There’s a reason the Rockets have the NBA’s longest winning streak.  Both Harden and Paul are playing at the top of their games.  Houston is 6-1 since Paul returned from injury.  And now, they’re getting help.  Eric Gordon is coming off one his best games of the year.  When EG is splashing shots from deep, Houston is virtually unbeatable.  The Rockets hope to have Kenneth Faried back in action.  Houston’s energetic “Manimal” has missed the squad’s last two contests.  Against this Raptors deep frontline, the Rockets need Faried’s presence.

Marc Gasol just arrived via trade and has fit in nicely with Toronto.  Jonas Valanciunas, who didn’t play in the previous game in Houston, is back and tends to have his better games against the Rockets.  Serge Ibaka’s excelled in an under-the-radar season for Toronto.  Ex-Rocket Kyle Lowry, running the point, arguably could have been an All-Star this year.  Pascal Siakam is the league’s most-improved player.  That race is over.  The Raptors 46 wins are no illusion.  Toronto is for real.  If the Rockets want to escape Jurassic Park with a win, they might need the Beard to score 40.  Then again, in Houston’s previous game, Harden had 42 points.

The 40-point game.  It used to be a highlight.  Something rare.  Except the Beard’s had more 40-point games this season than most players have in their entire career.  Harden loves his 40 burgers.  They’re not rare anymore for the Beard.  He’s scored 40 or more 24 times this season.  The Rockets are 18-6 when he reaches this mark.  When Harden scores less than 40, Houston is merely average, at 18-17.  His scoring has been so important for the squad.  It will be extremely tough to get 40 against the best perimeter defender in the NBA in Leonard.  If anyone can, it’s Harden.  Is it just a coincidence, or do the Rockets really need Harden to score 40 to be more than just mediocre?  Many of the games he scored less than 40, Houston was still working the kinks out and tinkering with the lineup in the beginning of the season.  Injuries also factor into the equation.  Harden had to score when Paul, Capela, and others were out.  The fact Houston won the vast majority of those games is a testament to his greatness.

The Rockets are playing their best basketball of the season.  Finally, they have a healthy roster.  Currently, the Rockets are performing at a level even higher than last season.  Houston needs to keep playing with focus and intensity on defense if they want to get their sixth straight win.  They go into Jurassic Park, one of the toughest places to play in basketball.  Facing off against the Raptors, one of the beasts of the East.  A team that lost the previous meeting between these teams, and will be out for revenge.  Houston needs to keep playing with focus and intensity on defense if they want to make it 6 wins in a row.  Will the Raps hold home court?  Or will the Rockets keep rolling?  During this crazy season, how can we possibly have the slightest idea what to expect?  Hold onto your butts.

 

Scotiabank Arena:  Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (38-25):  “Earned” Red

Toronto Raptors (46-18):  White

 

TV:  7 PM CT – TNT, ATT Sportsnet SW

Wicked Shootahs:  Rockets Crash Celtics Comeback Party, 115-104

 

Boston D Party.    Back in a Flash.    Moving Up.

 

Not this time.  The Rockets weren’t going to let another lead evaporate.  James Harden and Eric Gordon made sure of that.  Houston’s dynamic duo combined for 74 points, and the Rockets staved off a late Celtic comeback to win their 5^th straight, 115-104.  James Harden had 42 points in another MVP-performance.  Eric Gordon had another spectacular game returning from an injury, and was on fire for stretches, finishing with 32 points.  Houston led by as many as 26 points at one point in the contest.  Boston got back within single-digits, and the Rockets looked as if they might fall back into their nightmarish habit of surrendering leads.  But Harden and Houston made sure the ghosts of games past wouldn’t haunt them in TD Garden.  They held Kyrie Irving in check, holding the All-Star to 24 points, and Houston was the better team from the tip.  It was the first time in a while that the Rockets were in control of the matchup from start to finish.  And it all started with their first quarter defense.  The Rockets held the C’s to only 23 first quarter-points, and gave themselves a 10-point lead after the first frame.  Houston was extremely active in the passing lanes and deflecting passes, which set the tone for their stellar defense the rest of the way.

The victory was one of the Rockets best team-efforts of the season, on both ends of the floor.  James Harden and Eric Gordon combined to equal the amount of points (43) that Boston put up in the first half.  Chris Paul had a quietly efficient game.  The Point God once again controlled the pace and put on display one of his most impressive passing games of the season.  CP3 kept finding EG in the second quarter for three pointers during the period that really helped Houston extend the lead.  P.J. Tucker, as he is every night, was the hustler of the night.  Tucker had some huge defensive and hustle plays late in the game to help the Rockets keep the C’s from making it a contest.  All of a sudden, in what’s seemed like the flip of a switch, the Rockets are back in the contender conversation.

Houston continues to move up in the standings.  They currently sit only 1 game behind Oklahoma City and Portland, who are both tied for the cherished 3 seed.  With 19 games to play, if the Rockets keep playing with this rhythm and confidence, they should have the 3 seed in their grasp.  Houston still even has a shot at the 2 seed, although that’s less likely to happen.  What is likely to happen, is the Rockets continued rise in the standings.  It was only days ago, where some questioned if the Rockets would even make the playoffs.  For those paying attention, the squad has found a rhythm and it’s no secret that they’re in the midst of their longest winning streak of the season.  Houston needs to continue to prepare for the playoffs, despite the injury bug creeping up again.  Kenneth Faried didn’t play today, although his injury is nothing serious.  Iman Shumpert also remains injured and missed the tilt.  Injuries have been the Rockets kryptonite all season, and kept them from winning the title last year.  If Houston can stay healthy, and continue to progress up their ladder for potential as true championship contenders, then Golden State won’t be holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June.  Not this time.

Rockets Surge into Boston Looking for 5^th Straight Win

 

Mirror Images.    One Game.    Harden’s Show.  

 

There’s nothing quite like the NBA regular season grind.  82 games.  Consistent travel.  The wicked wear and tear on the body, both mentally and physically.  On Sunday, two teams who’ve seesawed through this season face off.  The Houston Rockets visit Beantown to take on the Boston Celtics this afternoon.  Preseason expectations for both squads were high.  The Rockets were expected to have the best record in the West, up there with Golden State.  Instead, Houston’s had a season full of injuries, with part of the roster imitating a game of musical chairs.  However, things are starting to lookup for the Rockets.  Houston has won their past 4 games, and along with Utah, sport the longest winning streak in the league.  Meanwhile, Boston, with a healthy Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, were expected to have the best record in the East.  The Celtics have been the most disappointing team in the NBA all season.  A squad that was within one game of the NBA Finals last year can’t seem to find its identity this year.  The team is battling with some serious chemistry issues.  Kyrie Irving changes his mind twice every second.  Uncle Drew also seems to thrive in throwing teammates under the bus with his statements to the media.  Boston has been wavering around the 4/5 seed in the East, all season.  They don’t look poised to move up in the standings.  But don’t be fooled, the Celtics are still one the of NBA’s best.  The Rockets hope a visit to Boston will keep them moving in the right direction.

Houston now finds themselves only one game behind the third seed in the West.  Oklahoma City and Portland are currently tied for third, with the Rockets inching closer with each win.  The playoff landscape continues to shift with each game.  Including today, the Rockets have a tough stretch of games coming up against some of the East’s beasts.  Houston needs Harden at his best to go at least 1-2 during this stretch.  But, he’s been at his best all season.  And with Chris Paul looking ready to go for the playoffs, the Rockets are in great position to make some late-season noise, despite their spot in the standings.  Houston plans to spoil Jayson Tatum’s birthday with a win in Boston, as the Rockets try and extend the NBA’s longest winning streak to 5 games.  Houston will have to deal with their worst enemy.  The injury bug is floating around again.  Gerald Green has strep throat, and Iman Shumpert is still dealing with a typically vague Rockets-injury.  There is good news for Rockets fans.  Eric Gordon and Kenneth Faried are expected to play.  Houston needs EG and the Manimal against this deep Boston lineup.  The Celtics are loaded with threats on the perimeter.  Gordon’s defense and ability to create offense can help tire some Boston wings.  Meanwhile, Faried should be a tough matchup for Horford.  Clint Caplea will be guarding him inside but, unlike many opponents Horford faces, Faried isn’t shy to step out to the perimeter to guard big men.

This afternoon, Houston hopes to escape The Hub with a victory, and avoid any late-game letdowns.  Last season, Houston had one of the worst collapses of the year in Beantown.  Don’t expect that to happen today.  The combination of Chris Paul’s leadership and James Harden’s firepower should be enough to overcome the Celtics.  Paul has looked rejuvenated, despite some struggles in the previous game.  The Point God looks ready to guide Houston to a long postseason run.  The streak may be over, but Harden’s level of play hasn’t diminished.  The Beard is coming off a monster 58-point game.  Harden fueled Houston to a comeback-win in arguably his best performance of the season.  The Beard’s had so many epic performances, it’s hard to keep track of them all.  However, in their previous game, the Rockets needed Harden more than ever.  Down 21 points with a depleted lineup, the Beard had his most MVP-caliber performance of the season, to lead the Rockets to victory.  Houston will be looking to give Harden some help this afternoon, as Gordon and the Manimal are expected back from injuries.  Nonetheless, they’re still facing the Boston Celtics.  One of the beasts of the East.  In the national spotlight.  The Beard hasn’t taken these opportunities for granted this season.  Paul might be the key to the playoffs, but in the grind of an 82-game regular season, it’s Harden’s Show.

 

TD Garden:  Boston, Massachusetts

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (37-25):  “Earned” Red

Boston Celtics (38-25):  Black

 

TV:  2:30 PM CT – ABC

 

Harden the Interruption: a Beard Explosion Fuels Rockets’ Comeback to Burn Heat, 121-118

 

Greatness.    Brotherhood Inspiration.    It’s Over, Again.

 

Greatness was witnessed on Thursday night at Toyota Center, on a night that was supposed to be dedicated to a retiring Dwayne Wade.  Houston’s chance to witness the Dwyane Wade Fairwell Tour was quite a show.  The arena was dispersed with Heat #3 jerseys.  A final season that’s seen vintage Wade performances at times (Wednesday’s win over Golden State), and a Heat team mired in mediocrity all year.  No matter the result for Miami, Dwyane Wade usually gets the spotlight.  And he did.  Well, some of it.  Chris Paul and Wade did the traditional jersey-swap.  Something Flash has done after every game throughout his final NBA campaign.  This game however, was about more than exchanging jerseys and hugs.

James Harden took stepped back into the spotlight.  Houston is fighting to get the best possible seed for the playoffs.  For the third time in 4 games, the Rockets fell behind by at least 15 points.  On Thursday night, Houston trailed by as many as 21 in the third quarter.  It looked like another game the Rockets were going to succumb to an inferior opponent.  In Wade’s final game in Houston.  But, Harden, as he’s done time and time again, responded.  The Beard wasn’t going to let a 21-point deficit keep the Rockets down.  Not like this.  The Rockets flipped the script, and this time played the comeback part, rallying to victory.

Harden had another MVP-worthy performance with an astonishing 58 points, including 34 in the 2^nd half, to lead the Rockets to a come from behind victory over the Heat.  Harden’s 58 is the most points scored against the Heat by an opposing player.  He just continues to break records.  The Beard also had 10 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals (for those who say he doesn’t play defense).  Don’t just focus in on the 58 points.  The game was Harden’s most efficient of the season.  The Beard shot 16/32 from the field, including 8/18 from deep.  And he was perfect at the line, going 18/18. Harden also got some brotherly inspiration.  In a bizarre third quarter sequence, P.J. Tucker (who rarely gets tossed), was ejected by Tony Brothers (Scott Foster’s right-hand man).  Apparently, Brothers was offended by the Sneaker King’s footwear.  It only added the fuel to the fire Houston needed to make their comeback.  Harden had 17 in the fourth, and as CP3 struggled, the MVP just would not allow the Rockets to lose.  The Beard’s had many defining MVP performances.  Add Thursday night’s game to the list.

Elsewhere, Gary Clark played his most minutes in ages.  The rookie had 32 minutes of action, and showed why he deserves more playing time.  Houston’s depth has kept him on the bench.  Clark earned more playing time on Thursday.  The rookie had 14 points and 5 rebounds on efficient shooting.  Clark went 5/9 from the field, including 3/7 from beyond the arc.  Hopefully the rookie will see more action.  He’s finally regained his shooting stroke and it’s difficult to keep a rhythm on the bench.  Another Rocket who’s seemed to recapture his shooting stroke, is Austin Rivers.  He provided a spark off the bench, with 17 points for Houston, including some huge threes.  The Rockets clamped down on defense to assist their rally, allowing only 20 points in the fourth quarter.  The win gave Houston 4 in a row, as they now sit only 2 games behind Oklahoma City for the cherished 3 seed.

It’s over, again.  It should be.  And by it, I mean the MVP race.  On the anniversary of last year’s deadly crossover on Wesley Johnson, James Harden had another game to remember.  In another signature MVP performance, Harden dragged the Rockets back from a 21-point second half deficit to give Houston its fourth win in a row.  It was arguably Harden’s defining performance of the season.  Still ailing from a sore shoulder, and with Chris Paul struggling, they trailed by as many as 21-points in the third quarter.  P.J. Tucker got ejected for no reason.  And the depleted Rockets game into the contest with injuries to Eric Gordon, Kenneth Faried, and Iman Shumpert.  Houston had no business winning this game, but the MVP wouldn’t let them lose.  It was the sixth 50-point game for Harden this season, and the third game this season he’s had 50+ points and 10+ assists.  The Beard’s now done that 7 times in his career.  No other player has accomplished that feat more than 3 times in NBA history.  If you still want to complain about Harden, his style of play, or any of the many false narratives floating around, you’re entitled to your opinion.  But go do that in your own time, let the rest of us admire Harden’s greatness.

 

Rockets Host Heat in Wade’s Final Houston Hurrah

 

Heating Up.    Flash vs. Splash, Battle on the Glass.    Consistency.

 

Superstars are consistent.  They bring it every night.  It’s one of the many attributes that separate the superstars from the All-Stars.  The guys who get fairwell tours, from the guys who just, all of a sudden retire.  Dwyane Wade has aged more gracefully than any superstar I’ve witnessed.  Tonight, Wade brings his fairwell tour to Houston as the Rockets face off against the Heat.  The protocol was to rest Chris Paul.  Don’t let him play on back-to-back nights.  Not tonight.  Not against his good buddy Dwyane Wade.  Paul will play tonight, but Houston suffered two setbacks last night.  Shumpert and Faried sustained injuries in Charlotte and are not expected to play tonight.  Nonetheless, the Rockets have enough firepower to get the job done.  Clint Capela is coming off a monster game, Chris Paul is in a complete groove and has forcefully controlled the pace for Houston over the last 3 games.  James Harden, who’s been struggling with his shot, is still James Harden.  He’ll get his rhythm back.  The Beard may have slightly cooled off, but the Rockets are heating up.  Houston goes for its fourth straight win tonight.  The Heat have lost 9 of 12 games, and are currently tenth in the East.  Both teams played last night, so their will be plenty of tired legs on the floor.  However, the Rockets are 12-1 at home on the second night of a back-to-back.  Miami is coming off their most emotional win of the season, a thrilling last second victory over Golden State.  Houston will try and put Miami away early.  Despite the 3-game winning streak, the Rockets have lost leads of 15 or more in each game.  Gaining and keeping the upper hand is something Houston needs to work on, as they continuously let teams hang around.  Tonight the Rockets have a chance to blowout a tired Heat team.  It won’t be easy, as Houston is playing their third game in 4 nights.

Miami’s emotional win cam via one of the craziest buzzer beaters I’ve ever seen.  Dwyane Wade hit a difficult, awkward shot from beyond the arc as the buzzer sounded.  The celebration that followed was a sight to behold.  Miami should still satisfied with their crazy win last night, giving the Rockets a chance to pounce on them early.  Eric Gordon will primarily be on Dwayne Wade tonight.  Flash has shown he can still play, despite this being his last season.  Splash Gordon will need to make Wade work on both ends to try and tire out the future Hall-of-Famer.  The matchup inside will be key to tonight’s matchup.  Capela is going up against a group of bigs in the mold of Cody Zeller, who he faced in Charlotte last night.  Bam Adebayo is an energy guy similar to Faried and is a great rebounded.  Kelly Olynk has quietly played well for the Heat all season.  Miami’s best big man, Hassan Whiteside, is out with an injury, but so is Faried for Houston.  Clint Capela will need some help on the glass tonight if the Rockets want to make it 4 in a row.

At 37, Wade’s having a respectable season for someone playing past the age when many retire.  Many are questioning if he should hang up his jersey for good, as he looks to have plenty left in the tank.  But Wade’s going out his way.  In style.  And last night’s shot to beat the Champs will go down as one of the best plays of this entire regular season.  The Rockets can only hope their future Hall-of-Famers (Harden, Paul) can age like Wade as they mature as players, and battle the unbeatable father time.  For now, the Rockets’ two stars have more than enough left in the tank to lead the Rockets on a late-season surge up the standings.  Houston’s problem all season, besides health, has been consistency.  The Rockets haven’t strung 4 wins in a row in a long time, and it’s been a rarity this season.  They’ve got a great chance to build on their streak tonight.  Maybe they take a cue from Wade.  It’s time to channel some of that superstar consistency.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Miami Heat (27-33):  White

Houston Rockets (36-25):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW

 

        

 

 

Rockets Hang On, Beat Hornets, 118-113, in Wacky Charlotte Contest

 

The Swiss Bank is Open.    Unfortunate Trend.    Battle of Runs.

 

It might have taken a few games, but Clint Capela has finally returned to the All-Star form he resembled before the break.  Houston’s big man had his best game since his injury, and the Rockets beat the Hornets in what turned out to be a weird game, 118-113.  The victory gave Houston their third win in a row.  Wednesday night’s duel was a battle of runs.  Houston started out hot, hitting 6 3-pointers en route to 41 points, and an 8-point edge after the first quarter.  And again, the Rockets managed to grab a sizeable lead, this time a 15-point edge over the Hornets.  The lead was soon evaporated, and Charlotte led by as many as 12 at one point in the contest.  Kemba Walker had another stellar game for the Hornets with 35 points.  Charlotte ended the first half on a 28-6 run to take a 7-point lead into the half.  The Rockets would respond in the final half.  P.J. Tucker continued his stretch of shooting the ball with consistency.  The Sneaker King went 5 for 5 from beyond the arc, on his way to 15 points.  James Harden scored half of his 30 points in the 3^rd quarter to get Houston back in the game.  Clint Capela helped seal the deal down the stretch.  Capela finished with 23 points, and 17 boards, including 8 points and 9 boards in the final quarter, respectively.  Chris Paul had another efficiently spry outing.  CP3 finished with 17 points and 10 dimes.  Paul has been nothing short of stellar since the All-Break.  And his critics seemed to go on vacation.  If he can remain healthy, Houston has a chance to go even further than last year in the playoffs.

Houston really can’t catch a break in the health department.  The Rockets’ streak of having the entire lineup available ended, after just one game.  Kenneth Faried went to the locker room in the 2^nd half, after sustaining a knee to the hip.  Iman Shumpert also left the game with an injury.  Houston, more than any other NBA franchise in recent memory, has been bogged down by injuries.  No team is completely healthy all the time.  But the Rockets are never healthy.  I can’t remember the last time they were at full strength besides the lone game this season.  Even with the injury bug flying around again, Houston needs to continue to win and move up in the standings.  They’re only 3 games in the loss column behind Oklahoma City for the 3^rd seed, the spot they’re aiming for come playoff time.  Hopefully, the Manimal and Shump’s injuries aren’t too serious, and they can rejoin the team soon.

Ladies and gentleman, the Swiss Bank is back, and open.  Clint Capela was money on Wednesday night.  He was the best player on the court for Houston, and looks like he’s finally nearing full strength after recovering from injury.  The Rockets are extremely more effective with their big man on the floor.  In Charlotte, Capela led the way with 41 minutes, another sign that the big man is feeling up to speed.  Despite being outrebounded 48-37, Capela had 17 of Houston’s 37 boards, and made his presence felt on the glass when the Rockets needed it most.  This was a huge win for Houston.  Every game is as the Rockets continue to climb out of their early-season hole.  And victories on the road against teams battling for playoff position always present a challenge.  Despite the second half deficit, Houston gutted out the win.  The squad is slowly starting to find a groove again.  Beating Charlotte was a battle of runs, in what’s been a season of runs.  I have a feeling we’re in the midst of the Rockets longest winning streak of the year.  No one’s grasped it quite yet.  It might take a few games.

 

 

Rockets Look to Stir Up Hornets’ Nest in Charlotte

 

Ride the Wave.    Hollow Hornets.    Lead the Road.

 

There’s nothing like playing the Champs.  It brings a different buzz to the arena.  The Rockets know all about this, and so do the Hornets.  The Champs were in Charlotte on Monday night, as the Hornets couldn’t muster enough resistance to put up a fight.  Charlotte’s lost 4 of its last 5 games, and is clinging to the 8^th , and final playoff spot in the East.  On Wednesday night, the Rockets cruise into Charlotte looking to up the gear on their winning streak.  Houston comes in looking for their 3^rd straight win, still riding the momentum from their Saturday night statement-win in the Champs’ house.  James Harden’s 30-point streak was broken on Monday, but the streak ending is a good thing for the Rockets.  The run was becoming a distraction for the team, as great as it was.  Looking at the big picture, it’s good the streak ended on Monday.  Harden had a chance to go for it in the final seconds, but chose otherwise.  Harden’s not quite the stat-padder everyone wants him to be, he’s actually matured as a player.  Maybe he scored all those points because he had to, shouldering a banged up team night-after-night as Houston somehow emerged 21-11 during Harden’s ridiculous tear.  On Monday, 28 points were enough from the Beard, as Houston fended off the Hawks, 119-111.  Now, the Rockets can zone in on the Championship, the only thing worth chasing.   Charlotte’s barely a playoff team and should prove to be no match for the Rockets if Houston brings the focus and intensity.

Houston will look to expose the Charlotte Hornets’ weaknesses tonight.  Their record is under .500, and put Charlotte out West, and they’re nowhere near the NBA Playoff Hive.  The Hornets still have plenty of firepower.  Kemba Walker was a deserved first-time All-Star, and is one of the best players in the league who continues to fly under the radar.  Houston will need to have their eyes on Charlotte’s point guard at all times.  Hornets center Cody Zeller is coming off the best game of his life.  The big man had a career-high 28 points in Charlotte’s previous game against Golden State.  Zeller does a lot of dirty work inside, and plays extremely hard.  He’s not the most talented opponent Clint Capela has faced, but if the Rockets center is caught sleeping, Zeller will take advantage of the lack of effort.  Luckily for Houston, Capela is always active, and they also have a Manimal.  Kenneth Faried is the definition of the word ‘activity.’  The Manimal continues to bring rabid and robust effort and energy every single night.  Coach D’Antoni even opted to start the Manimal in Houston’s previous game.  Faried and Capela have played extremely well together, and it will be interesting to see if D’Anonti keeps Faried in the starting lineup or brings him off the bench.  Regardless, the Manimal has been a perfect fit in Houston, immensely improving the Rockets’ frontcourt depth.  Charlotte also has Rocket-killer Nicolas Batum.  Whether it was in Portland, or now in Charlotte, Batum has always had some of his best games against the Rockets. Houston can’t afford to leave the veteran swingman open, or it could be a long night in Charlotte.  Rookie Miles Bridges has shown signs of promise, but he shouldn’t be much of a threat tonight against the Rockets stronger lineup.  Marvin Williams is expected to play for the Hornets after suffering a toe injury on Monday night.

The Rockets are gunning for 3 wins in a row tonight.  Chris Paul looks like he’s officially back.  Any anxiety about his play after returning from injury can be laid to rest.  The Point God looks as spry as he’s ever been.  This is the Rockets 2^nd game with a completely healthy roster.  They’ll try and pounce on Charlotte early, and see if they can actually hold a  lead on the road for once.  Houston’s done a great job of building leads on the road, but they frequently end up squandering them.  It’s the Rockets worst habit so far this season.  In their last two road games, Houston surrendered leads of 19 or more points.  Tonight, the Rockets need to take care if business early and finish the job.  Only 22 games remain on the schedule.  Houston wants to be as healthy as possible for the playoffs.  Beating opponents you’re supposed to beat helps this cause, and also develops good habits for the postseason.  It’s been a wild, crazy NBA season.  Not just for the Rockets, but for the entire league.  Who knows, in a few months, the Hornets might look back on tonight, and say, “there’s nothing like playing the Champs.”

Spectrum Center:  Charlotte, North Carolina

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (35-25):  Black

Charlotte Hornets (28-32):  White

 

TV:  6 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW

Rockets Return Home, Handle Hawks, 119-111

 

The Streak Ends.    Smart Tendencies.    Good Signs Ahead.      

 

In the grand scheme of things it really didn’t matter.  But, oh my!  What a run!  James Harden’s incredible scoring streak came to an end on Monday night, but the Rockets prevailed over the Hawks, 119-111.  The game was closer than Houston would’ve liked, but a win’s a win.  Right now that’s all that matters.  The Rockets are attempting to climb into the fight for a top 3 seed in the West.  Every game matters, and every win gets Houston closer to this goal.  Finishing off Atlanta (a team Houston should beat easily) helped the Rockets move in the right direction.  It looks as if they are done losing to bad teams.  Trae Young showed flashes of why he’s going to be a great player in this league in the near future.  The Hawks’ promising rookie had 36 points on the night, and dished out 8 assists.  Although, this is just one game for the Rockets in terms of finally beating a team they should beat, there were positive signs near the end of the contest.

The Beard’s 30-point streak ended at 32 games, the second longest in NBA history.  When Harden started the steak, Houston was 12-14 and 13^th in the West.  During his scoring tear, the Rockets went 21-11. Houston’s currently 35-25 and sits in 5^th place in the West.  Harden truly played like a superhero during the last few months.  He pulled the Rockets from the depths of the West, back into playoff contention.  It’s a good thing for Harden, and the Rockets, that the streak ended.  The squad has bigger goals to focus on.  The Beard finished with 28 points, 5 boards, and 2 assists.  He didn’t shoot well. Harden looked as if his shoulder was still bothering him.  The Beard had the ball as the clock winded down.  He could have shot it and tried to keep his streak going.  Instead, Harden let the clock run out.  The Rockets MVP knows they’re more important things to this season than a scoring streak.  Houston has bigger goals, and now they can all focus in on the final stretch as the playoffs near.

Harden’s decision to dribble the ball out, and not go for 30 points in the dying seconds, is evidence of his maturity as a player.  Chris Paul had another stellar outing, 2 days after his night of destruction in Golden State.  CP3 finished with 20 points, 8 dimes, and 6 boards.  Paul has the highest basketball IQ of any player in the league and is one of the smartest  players in NBA history.  During Harden’s absence and in this game Paul has shown how valuable he still is to the Rockets.  It’s so pivotal Houston has him healthy for their playoff run.  If CP3 can stay healthy, the Rockets are still the biggest threat to the Warriors.  And it’s not even close.  Houston needs to continue to play smart basketball.  Now that Harden’s streak is over, the team and the Beard can focus on winning as many of the remaining 22 games as possible.    The Rockets can still get the 3 seed (owned by the Thunder).  They only trail Oklahoma City by 4 games, with 2 tough matchups coming up for the Thunder against Denver and Philly, respectively.  If Houston continues to play with smart tendencies, they have an opportunity to move up in the standings.

It’s time the Rockets finally get mentally ready for the biggest run of the season.  The playoffs.  The most important run of them all.  Houston is finally  entirely healthy.  This was the first game all season that the Rockets boasted a completely healthy roster.  Houston can finally start to gel as a full unit, and “Run as One” en route to the highest playoff seeding they can achieve.  Reasonably, the 3 seed is the best outcome.  If the Rockets continue to beat the teams they should, they should have a great chance at grabbing the 3 seed for the playoffs.  Houston’s proven it can battle with the best of the NBA.  Up next are some more average squads as the Rockets travel to Charlotte to face the Hornets before returning home for a game against the Heat.  Houston is in a great place to streak some wins together.  After all they’ve been through throughout this turbulent season, come playoff time, the Rockets will be prepped to make the ultimate run.  The only one that matters.