Blog

Rockets Host Pacers, Honor The Big E, to Start Lengthy Home-Stand

Classic Roots.    Benna-Sleeper.    Twogether.     

Coming off their third win of the season, the Rockets return home to host the Indiana Pacers on their first “Hardwood Classics” night of the season. Houston will be donning new uni’s tonight. The squad will be repping jerseys that go back all the way to the San Diego days, the franchise’s birthplace. The Rockets played in San Diego from 1967, before moving to Houston in 1971. One of the greatest players in franchise history, Elvin Hayes, played during the San Diego days and was an influential part of the team’s move to Houston. Hayes will have his jersey retired tonight at Toyota Center during halftime, as the squad finally honors the legendary player in proper fashion.

Speaking of fashion, the Rockets will be sporting a different look on a retro-style court tonight. The jerseys are white with a hint of green and yellow, a nod back to the team’s originating San Diego roots. Personally, I think the jerseys are a nice change of look from the usual red, white, or, black (and sometimes blue). Will they affect the Houston’s performance on the court? Probably not, but the Rockets return home with momentum after winning on the road in Dallas in their previous game. The Pacers are hot themselves. Indiana is 7-6, but the Pacers have won four of their last five contests, including their last couple games. They’ve got one of the hottest rookies not named Banchero in Bennedict Mathurin. The fourth overall pick in last year’s draft raised some eyebrows for being picked so high near the top, but his play has lived up to the level he was chosen. Mathurin is a averaging almost 20 points per game, and if it weren’t for the first overall pick in Orlando’s Paolo Banchero, Mathurn would be the front-runner for Rookie of the Year. Houston needs to keep their eyes on Mathurin defensively if they want to finally win two games in a row.

It’s been a long time since the Rockets won consecutive games. Can the squad  finally do it on The Big E’s night? They’ve got a great opportunity. Indy’s hot, but they’re not an overly dominant team. If Houston rides their recent momentum, and plays with the same physicality that led to their win in Dallas, the Rockets should be able to make it two in a row tonight. Regardless, it should be an entertaining night, as Houston honors Elvin Hayes, and the Rockets rock their classic look for the first time all season… all while searching for that elusive second straight win to start this home-stand.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Indiana Pacers (7-6):  Yellow

Houston Rockets (3-12):  “ Hardwood Classics” White

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Block Party:  Rockets Swarm Mavs, 101-92, for Season’s Third Win

Seventh Heaven.    Game of Runs.    Efficient Goonies.

No Luka Doncic, no problem for the Houston Rockets. Jalen Green and company rolled into Dallas, and swatted the Mavericks out of their own building. Houston put on a dominant performance, blocking 19 shots, one shy of the franchise-record, en route to a 101-92 win in Dallas on Wednesday night. The Rockets had seven players score in double figures, led by Green and Kevin Porter Jr.’s 17 points apiece. The win also gave Houston their second road win of the year, and snapped Dallas’ home winning streak at six games. It was truly Seventh Heaven for these Rockets in North Texas.

Houston played with more physicality, bruising and bullying the Mavericks, on their way to an almost record-breaking 19 blocked shots. And this was arguably the most balanced performance of the season by the Rockets. Seven guys notched double-digits in scoring. And like most players do, everyone missed a shot for Houston… except for Usman Garuba, who had the game of his life. Garuba single-handedly dominated the second half of the second period. Garuba went 5-5 from the floor, and scored a career-high 12 points, including draining two shots from deep. Uzi also grabbed 9 boards and had 3 blocks on the night. Garuba fueled the Rockets’ key run to close the half. In fact, this was a game of runs. After Houston got off to an early lead, Dallas stormed back with an 11-0 run of their own. The Rockets countered with a strong close to the period, scoring the half’s final 15 points to regain control. The Mavs would go on another 11-0 to get back in the game in the third, but Houston managed to keep Dallas at bay with a balanced defensive showing by the squad. The Rockets only gave up 18 points in the fourth quarter, and this is the kind of defense Houston needs to carry with them as they return home for a stretch of games at Toyota Center.

Usman Garuba’s Goon Squad (KJ Martin, Usman Garuba, Tari Eason) had an extremely efficient night as they continue to provide an extra boost off the bench for the Rockets. The trio finished with 20 points on 12-for-15 shooting, and grabbed 17 rebounds. If the Goon Squad can continue to contribute in this manner off the bench, Houston has a chance to win a few games at home during this upcoming stretch. Up next, the Rockets begin their homestand by welcoming the Indiana Pacers to town. It should be a very winnable game for the squad. The Pacers are merely an average team, and Houston should be hungry to get their second home win of the season… no problem.

Rockets Swing into Dallas for Matchup with Mavericks

Brothers Reunited.    Luka Gon-Sit.    One for the Road.

“He’s my brother, I learned a lot from him,” Alperen Sengun said when asked about his thoughts matching up against his former teammate, Christian Wood, who Houston sent to Dallas this summer for a package of draft picks. The Rockets meet Wood for the first time since dealing him as these Texas rivals square off for a Wednesday night matchup. Wood has met expectations, if not exceeded them, so far this season with the Mavs. He’s played well alongside Dallas’ superstar sensation, Luka Doncic. Luckily for the Rockets, Luka will be resting tonight for the 8-5 Mavericks. Houston’s desperate for a win, as they slump into the Big D, having lost nine of the last ten games. It’s been a rough start to the season for the Rockets, but they have a chance to get their best win of the season tonight.

The Mavericks are 8-5, off to a somewhat underwhelming start after many had picked them to finish among the top 3 spots out West this season. Luka is off to an MVP-caliber start, although we won’t get to witness his bag of tricks tonight, the Rockets will likely face Cool Hands Luka later on this season. For tonight’s contest, Houston has to ignore the recent news that Doncic won’t be playing tonight. The Mavs have a talented team around Doncic, and several Rocket-killers (Tim Hardaway, Jr.). Expect Hardaway, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Christian Wood to deal out the majority of the damage for Dallas. If Houston comes into American Airlines Center with the comfortable mindset knowing they won’t have to deal with Luka Doncic tonight, the Rockets will find themselves in trouble.

Hopefully the squad ignores the news. Or finally puts it together for four quarters for a win. Houston is desperate. They have the worst record in the league, being the only team in the NBA yet to record three wins on the season. This is the lone road game during this long stretch of home games for the Rockets, and the squad doesn’t even have to leave the state, heading a few hours Northwest to Dallas. Expect Jalen Green, with Doncic sitting out, to potentially have an explosive night offensively. This is one of those games where anything could happen, except from what we’ve witnessed so far this season, don’t expect the Rockets to blow anyone out of building. They could easily get blown out. Houston could also easily steal one in Dallas if they take advantage of the Luka-less Mavs. Dallas is coming off a close win last night over the Clippers, who the Rockets are all-too-familiar with 14 games into the season. Houston has the rest advantage having yesterday off, can their young legs energize enough efficient play to keep the Mavs at bay? We’ll find out soon enough. It should be fun to watch tonight’s key interior matchup: two former big brothers in Aleperen Sengun and Christian Wood battling in the post. For tonight… we’ll find out just how much Sengun learned after all.

American Airlines Center: Dallas, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-12):  White

Dallas Mavericks (8-5):  Blue

 

Tip-Off:  7:30 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fall to 0-3 Against Clippers in 122-106 Defeat

No Charm.    Too Much George.    Rough Waters.

Houston returned home after their long road stretch, but the friendly confines of Toyota Center provided no less comfort, as the Rockets lost to the Clippers for the third time this season, 122-106, on Monday night. Paul George once again led a balanced Clippers’ attack with 22 points. Jalen Green led the way for Houston with 25 points, knocking down 10 of his 19 attempts from the field.  Kevin Porter Jr. scored 20 points, and led the team with 7 rebounds. And Alperen Sengun chipped in 16 points and 4 boards in a contest that went the Clippers’ way the entire night.

The Rockets are now 0-3 against the Clippers, as we’re 14 games into this campaign, nearing the first quarter mark of the season. Too much Paul George kept Houston at bay, but the Rockets should be able to win these types of tilts with improved chemistry and locker room dynamics. How long will that take? Only time will tell. For now, Houston continues to sail in rough waters to start this season with the league’s worst record at 2-12.

Up next, the Rockets head back on the road, but not far, and only for one game on Wednesday night in Dallas. Afterwards, the squad will return home for a set of four consecutive home games. Hopefully Houston can squeeze a win or two out of this upcoming five-game slate. They’ll have some comfort knowing that Luka Doncic, one of the front-runners for MVP, will be resting Wednesday night as the Rockets battle the Mavericks. They’ve got a chance… time to stretch as the squad hits the road again.

Rockets Return Home After Road Stretch, Meet Clippers for Third Time This Season

Homecoming.    Pause George.    Ball Security.

The Houston Rockets return home to Toyota Center for what seems like the first time in a month tonight. The squad endured a rough, road-heavy start to the season, but now looks to turn things around with a win as they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. These two foes have already met twice this season, with the Clips winning both games. In fact the last time Houston played a game at Toyota Center, it was against these same Clippers, in an ugly loss. The Rockets will try and make the third time the charm as they play the Clips for the final time at Toyota Center this season to begin a home-heavy stretch. Five of Houston’s next six games are at home. The Clippers are coming off a 15-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets, but L.A. has won five of their last seven games overall, including two victories over the Rockets. Beginning tonight, Houston has a great chance to improve their record and put some more wins on the board, as they try and climb out of the hole they dug themselves that is the NBA’s worst record.

The main reason the Rockets are 0-2 against the Clippers this season is Paul George. L.A.’s superstar hit the go-ahead shot in the first meeting between these squads, and led them in scoring both times. If Houston wants any chance to get their third win of the season, they need to contain Paul George. The Rockets need to find a way to ensure PG13 doesn’t explode for a 30 or 40-point night. Houston fans have seen enough of Paul George already this season, it’s time to witness a little “Pause George.” It’s not impossible for these Rockets, the Goon Squad (KJ Martin, Usman Garuba, and Tari Eason) has been reliably efficient in limited minutes recently, but they’ll need help from teammates if they want to stop one of the best players the league has to offer tonight. Houston will see ex-Rocket John Wall for the first time on court against his former team. Wall isn’t putting up the All-Star numbers he displayed earlier in his career but he’s quietly having an efficient season off the bench for the Clips. The Rockets also needs to focus on Marcus Morris Sr., who seem to score over 20 points every time he faces Houston. If Stephen Silas can architect the right rotations, the Rockets have a decent chance to upset the Clippers, and grab their third win of the season tonight.

As was the case last season, Houston’s achilles’ heal this year has been turning the ball over. The Rockets almost always turn the ball over more than their opponent, and these often lead to easy, almost seemingly free points, for the other team. Houston has to take better care of the basketball, or they could be in for another long night against a pesky Clippers team. L.A. will feast on turnovers if the Rockets give away costly points in transition, which has been Houston’s biggest weakness to start the season. Maybe a return home the friendly confines of Toyota Center and Rocket fans will allow Houston to play at a more efficient pace… which might be all they need to earn their first win over these Clippers.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Clippers (7-6):  Black

Houston Rockets (2-11):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Bayou Blues:  Rockets’ Rally, but Collapse Late in 117-106 Loss to Pelicans

Baker’s Dozen.    Different Players.    Goon Squad.

The Rockets trailed by as many as 18 points on Saturday night in the Big Easy. And while it may have appeared Houston’s chances of winning were getting easier as the game went along, a Jalen Green-led rally ultimately came up short. The Rockets even regained the lead, but couldn’t secure the edge, falling to the Pelicans, 117-106, on Saturday night. Green led Houston with 33 points on a stellar 11-for-20 shooting performance. His backcourt mate, Kevin Porter Jr. chipped in, adding 23 points and 3 assists on the night. However, The Rockets’ starting backcourt were responsible for half of the squad’s 24 turnovers. As talented as Green and Scoot are, they need to improve their ability to control the ball. Houston’s turning the ball over more than it’s opposition almost every game, and it’s killing the Rockets. Most of these are costly turnovers, which basically lead to free points for the other team. It’s hard to win when you’re making it easier for your opponent to score more points.

Jabari Smith Jr. had a better game in the Big Easy. Houston’s prized rookie grabbed a whopping 15 rebounds on the night, and scored 9 points as well. He continues to struggle with his shot, but Jabari’s shooting will improve over time, as he’s still young and only 12 games into his professional career. Smith Jr. had two very impressive blocks in this game, and a few that were called foul that looked like clean blocks. Along with Jalen Green, they’re beginning to look like different players as they evolve into (hopefully) superstar level stature in the NBA. Green is obviously much further on his journey compared to Smith Jr., but they’ve both made strides over these past few games.

Meet the Houston Rockets’ Goon Squad: KJ Martin, Tari Eason, and Usman Garuba. Named by Houston’s current legendary play-by-play announcer, Craig Ackerman, the trio have quietly done the “dirty work” in the sparse minutes they’ve received this season. The numbers aren’t flashy, but KJ is one of the best high-flying shot blockers in this league, and Garuba has shown flashes this season of his defensive prowess. Tari Eason’s activity level has been Jae’Sean Tate-like, as the rookie continues to fight for minutes on a young, talented roster. Tate, by the way, is still out with an injury. So this gives the Goon Squad and other Rockets more chances to show coach Stephen Silas their value.

Houston is now 13 games into the season, a baker’s dozen. And while they do have the worst record in league, at 2-11, it’s not as bad as it appears. This is still a young team trying to mesh and find their chemistry on the court. The hard part so far has been the early schedule the NBA’s dealt the Rockets. Houston’s had the toughest start of any team in the league. Of the 13 games, only two have been against team’s currently with losing records, and 10 of them have been road on the road. The good news is, the Rockets finally return to Houston where they’ll play 4 of their next 5 games at home… hopefully that’ll make winning a little more easier than in the Big Easy.

Rockets Face Pelicans in the Big Easy to End Road Trip

Final Stop.    Mount Zion.    Battle for Wembanyama.   

Jalen Green and the Rockets close out their four-game road trip tonight with a matchup against Zion Williamson and the upstart New Orleans Pelicans. Houston’s coming off one of their better performances of the season in Toronto, a 116-109 loss in a tight, completive game. Despite the losing effort, the Rockets’ played with more effort than in recent games in this latest loss, almost rallying for a comeback victory. Regardless the result, Houston’s coming off a moral victory in Toronto as they enter the Big Easy looking for a smooth votary to close out what’s been a brutal road stretch for the Rockets. Saturday night’s showdown in New Orleans is Houston’s 8th road game in their last 9 games. Following tonight’s game, the Rockets head back to Texas for two weeks, with a minor pit-stop in Dallas briefly interrupting a much-needed Home-Stand for Houston. Hopefully returning home, combined with a more favorable schedule, will allow the Rockets to pile more than a couple more wins during this upcoming home-stretch.

After another injury-riddled season last year, the face of the Pelicans’ franchise, Zion Williamson, is back at full strength this season. His defense has been questionable at times, but that will improve with work ethic and determination. This season, Zion is averaging 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists a night. New Orleans is coming off a loss to the surprisingly hot Portland Trail Blazers, 106-95, in their previous contest, where Zion Williamson scored 29 points on an impressively efficient 9-for-14 shooting effort. Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason’s hands will be fuller than Thanksgiving Dinner trying to contain Williamson. Zion is by is a dominant force in the paint, and look for the Duke-phenom to exploit Houston’s lack of strength in the paint. Sengun should put Zion in the spin-cycle on the offensive end for the Rockets, but he’s going to need assistance on defense against one of the NBA’s most explosive athletes.

However, the key to tonight’s game is stopping Jonas Valanciunas. New Orleans’ other big man has dominated the Rockets over his career. Expect the veteran to possibly even outshine Zion tonight. If Houston’s game-plan is centered on controlling Zion Williamson, then the Rockets are in trouble. Valanciunas will likely get the opportunities he salivates at when he gets to utilize his massive frame to overpower   Houston in the paint, which he’s seemingly done from his entire career. In order for Houston to upset the Pelicans in the Big Easy, they have to control the ball, avoid costly turnovers, and limit Zion Williamson’s transitional opportunities. C.J. McCollum and Brandon Ingram are All-Star-caliber players on the perimeter for the Pelicans. If controlling Zion wasn’t enough of a headache, these two slashers are off to great starts to their respective seasons, and if they’re on their game, Houston’s in trouble tonight. Jae’Sean Tate and Bruno Fernando remain out for tonight for the Rockets, therefore providing further chances for the likes of KJ Martin, Eason, Garrison Mathews, and Josh Christopher. After playing limited minutes to start the season, Christopher hasn’t played in the last three games for Houston. Tonight’s a prefect night for Stephen Silas to instill more trust in Christopher by giving him an uptick in minutes.

Believe it or not, but tonight’s a mini-battle in the Salivating Stakes for Victor Wembanyama. Due to past trades, the Pelicans own the Lakers pick if they finish in with one of worst 5 record this season. As of now, L.A. is tied with the Rockets for the worst record in the NBA, at 2-10. And according to the most recent predictions, the Rockets and Pelicans currently have the best chance to land the most hyped player since LeBron James, in France’s Wembanyama. It’s still early to go in the season, but after a dozen games, Houston’s still figuring out the rebuilding process, and will likely be one of the favorites to land the French phenom. It would be a long shot, and it’s out of New Orlean’s control. If the Lakers continue to mightily struggle, the Pelicans could sneakily be in the Wembanyama Stakes as well. For now, both the Rockets are Pelicans are two of the league’s best offensive rebounding teams. Whoever crashes the glass with more intensity should win tonight’s game, unless Mount Zion moves mountains, and keeps the Smoothie King Center rocking… which poses a potential long climb to victory for the Rockets. Regardless, strap up, we should be in for an exciting battle tonight in New Orleans. 

Smoothie King Center:  New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-10):  Red

New Orleans Pelicans (6-6):  White

 

Tip-Off:  7:30 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fall Short in Crunch Time, Lose 116-109 to Raptors

Second-Winded.    Failure to Close.    Pawn’s Disease.

Houston strolled into Toronto sporting a newly minted win streak after ending their previous skid in Orlando on Monday night. And for a decent portion of Wednesday night’s battle, the Rockets appeared poised to notch their second consecutive win, a feat the squad’s yet to accomplish this season. After securing an 8-point edge after a blazing 37 points in the first quarter, the squad mustered only 17 points in the second frame, allowing the Raptors to outscore Houston by 11 points in the quarter, and take the halftime lead.

Despite trailing by as many as a dozen points in the second half, the Rockets fought back to tie the game at 86 early in the crucial fourth period. However, that’s the closest Houston would get to tasting victory. Turnovers, poor crunch-time execution, and too much Fred VanVleet allowed the Raptors to fend off Houston, dealing the Rockets a 116-109 loss. VanVleet led Toronto with 32 points, while OG Anunoby scored 29 points and dominated the paint for the dinos. Jalen Green led all Houston players with 21 points, but it was the Tari Eason late in the game on Wednesday night. Eason had his best game of his young career. The 17th pick in this year’s draft class was an energetic force for the Rockets, especially on defense and the offensive glass. The rookie contributed 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on the evening. Jabari Smith Jr. secured a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 boards. Smith Jr. shot the ball more efficiently than in recent games, and committed only one turnover.

Stringing wins together. It’s been the unsolved case throughout the Stephen Silas era entering his third season as the Rockets head coach. Houston has struggled mightily to win consecutive games. I don’t remember the last time the Rockets recorded back-to-back victories. Is it some form of King’s Disease? Or more appropriately, Pawn’s Disease? As these Rockets have a long way to go to be considered the “Kings” of the NBA. Wins are always exciting, but a team with Houston’s youth and caliber needs to avoid feeling too proud after every victory. The Rockets committed 16 turnovers in Toronto, resulting in 31 fast break points for the Raptors. Toronto had 3 less turnovers, but only gave up nearly half (16) as many points in transition. The Raptors are simply a more experienced and talented team than Houston at the moment. The Rockets naturally let their guard down after victories, because wins have been few and far between over the last three years. It’s essential for the Rockets to find that seemingly elusive cure for Pawn’s Disease… if they want to develop a consistent winner’s mentality on a nightly basis.

Rockets Head North for Tilt with Raptors

The String Problem.    Green Measuring Stick.    Jabari’s Due.

Fresh off their first road win, the Rockets aim for two straight W’s as they head north to Canada for a matchup with the Toronto Raptors. Toronto is 6-5 on the season, coming off a loss to the Chicago Bulls in their previous game. Houston has a chance to steal one in Toronto if they play with the energy they displayed in their victory Monday night over the Magic in Orlando. The Rockets had trouble winning consecutive games last year, and they’ve yet to string two victories together this season. They’ll need to snap out of this “winners hangover” that’s seemed to significantly alter Houston’s performance in games when they’re coming off a victory. This mental barrier goes back three seasons. In the Stephen Silas era overall, the Rockets have rarely won consecutive games, or had any sort of winning streak. Houston aims to buck that trend tonight with an upset in Toronto.

Jalen Green’s coming off his best game of the season, where he scored 34 points in Orlando to lead the Rockets to victory over the Magic. Green out-dueled the first overall pick, Paolo Banchero, who scored 30 points for Orlando. He’ll have a more accurate measuring stick in tonight’s contest when he squares up against Toronto’s Scottie Barnes. The Raptors took Barnes with the fourth pick the same draft class where Houston chose Jalen Green with the second overall pick. Barnes won the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award last season, and made an immediate impact for Toronto, compared to Green, who finished strong after fighting through a slow start to his career. Look for Green to be aggressive tonight, as he tries to lead the Rockets to their second straight win.

Houston’s first pick, and third overall, in this past draft, Jabari Smith Jr., is off to an underwhelming start. Smith Jr. had a solid debut performance, scoring 21 points in Atlanta, but he’s struggled mightily with his jumper since. Tonight would be the perfect time for a breakout performance from the rookie. The Rockets will need more help for Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, and the rest of the squad. It’s time for Jabari to show Houston they made the right choice in taking him with the third pick. Now… he needs to begin to display his superstar potential.

Scotiabank Arena:  Toronto, Canada

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-9):  White

Toronto Raptors (6-5):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  6:30 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fend-Off Magic, 134-127, for Season’s Second Win

Three Line’s the Charm.    Super Young Super-Trio.    The Mart’s Still Open.

After leading by a dozen points after the first three frames, the Rockets staved off an almost-magical Orlando rally, beating the Magic, 134-127, on Monday night at Amway Center. The victory his Houston’s first road win all of the season, and second overall, as the squad climbs to 2-9 in the standings. The Rockets were on fire from  three-point land. Houston connected on 24 of their 48 shots from deep, for an impressive 50%. Orlando didn’t struggle from beyond the arc, they shot 48%, but attempted only less than half from long range, compared to the Rockets.

Paolo Banchero, the first overall pick in this past year’s draft, showed the Rockets an impressive display as he continues to exceed the hype. If there was one negative outcome to take from this game from Houston’s side, it’s that the Magic were able to draft Banchero before the Rockets. In his first 11 games, Banchero is putting up historic numbers, He started his career with five consecutive 30-point games, and had another one against Houston on Monday night. Banchero finished with 30 points on 50% shooting, to go along with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. But his efforts weren’t enough, as the Rockets had their own superstar in the making finally snap out of his slump.

Houston’s Jalen Green had been struggling mightily with his shot over the past few games. That changed Monday night. Green out-dueled Banchero in the battle of rising stars in this league, finishing with 34 points on a phenomenal 12-for-18 shooting performance. One only hopes this is the beginning of Green’s more efficient play, for it’s the key to him having a true breakout-season. As rookie Jabari Smith Jr. continues to adjust to the physicality and pace of the NBA game compared to college basketball, the Rockets might have found their own “Big’Three”, in Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Alperen Sengun.

A very young super-trio indeed.  If Houston can manage to keep this core intact, the future’s bright for the Rockets. Green’s off to a fantastic sophomore season, but KPJ’s poise and control on the court has been a marvel to witness. During Monday night’s win, Porter Jr. finished with 17 points on 50% shooting. Scoot also registered 11 dimes and grabbed 8 boards, second-most behind Sengun. We’re still early in the season, but KPJ looks like he’s in control of his tricks more than ever before. From his decision-making, shooting, passing, and court awareness… his improvement so far has been night-and-day compared to last year. And then there’s Alperen Sengun, who’s more than earned his spot as Houston’s starting center. If Stephen Silas continues to bring him off the bench once Bruno Fernando returns from injury, the coach will officially be on the hot seat. In Orlando, Sengun posted another double-double, with 20 points and 10 boards. The big man also had dished out 4 assists, and had 2 steals and 1 block for good measure.

Very quietly, K.J. Martin, is having a very solid start to the season. Martin will be a free agent in the offseason, and he’s already voiced his displeasure about Silas’ rotations and coaching style to a VERY CLOSE source. Besides Eric Gordon’s 19 points, KJ was another young gun who had a solid game for Houston in their win over the Magic. Martin compiled 21 points on an insanely efficient 8-for-14 from the floor. KJ even drained four of his eight three-point shots, and had 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 more phenomenal blocks. If you’ve been watching Martin, they usually come on a nightly basis. If KJ’s not the best shot blocker under 6’8 in the NBA, he’s near the top of the list. Over his last four games, which began on Halloween, Martin is averaging 21.0 points a games, and integrating himself more off both ends of the floor. Hopefully, he’ll see more playing time, because when he’s on the court, the Rockets performance is elevated… literally. Up next, Houston will try and upset a tough Raptors team, as they fly to Canada to battle Toronto on Wednesday night.