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Rockets Drop Tightly Contested Match to Nuggets, 95-94

Third in a Row.    Mile High Heartbreak.    Theis, Theis, Baby.

For the third consecutive game, the Rockets held a halftime lead. And yet again, the dreaded third quarter was then only period in which Houston was outscored, by a mere 2 points. Nonetheless, in the squad’s closest game of the season, the Rockets fell short in Denver, 95-94, to the Nuggets. Houston had a chance to win on the final play, but Jae’Sean Tate’s shot attempt was blocked by Nikola Jokic as the buzzer sounded. Why Coach Stephen Silas didn’t call a timeout isn’t known. I assume he didn’t want Denver to get their defense set. What followed was a wild play by Houston. Eric Gordon drove to the basket, and dished to Jae’Sean Tate in the crowded paint area. Jokic was able to swat the shot as time expired. EG had a great look at a floater in the lane, but instead drove into traffic, where the Rockets had trouble getting the final shot off.

Nonetheless, this was the best game Houston’s played all season. The Rockets took better care of the ball, committing 17 turnovers, less than average for Houston. Granted, the Nuggets shot the ball terribly, until the final three minutes, but the Rockets almost pulled off off the impressive upset. The squad didn’t seem too affected by the altitude, and they held Denver to only 95 points. Unfortunately, Houston couldn’t score in the final minutes. The Rockets led 94-89, before Aaron Gordon hit back-to-back threes to put the Nuggets on top for good. Jokic paced the Nuggets with 28 points and 14 boards, on a night when they really struggled shooting the ball. Houston will turn right around, and play again Sunday night, as they conclude their road-trip in San Francisco against the Warriors. This young group can’t afford to let this heartbreaking loss linger for long. This isn’t Houston’s first close loss, but compared to their 119-117 defeat in L.A., this definitely stings more.

Daniel Theis, a game-time decision leading up to tip, decided to play, and it paid dividends. Theis had his best game as a Rocket, leading Houston in scoring with 18 points. Eric Gordon chipped in with 12 points, and Christian Wood secured another double-double, finishing with 12 points and 17 boards. Jalen Green struggled once again, scoring only 9 points. Kevin Porter Jr. also had difficulties with only 6 points on the board. As a team, this was a game the Rockets let slip out of their fingertips. The bench played relatively well, led by K.J. Martin’s 11 points. Houston will conclude their road trip on Sunday night in the Bay area, as they take on Steph Curry and the Warriors. Golden State is off to a hot start, tied for the best record in the West. It will be Houston’s first back-to-back game, so the Rockets have the odds against them. Regardless, if they play with then toughness and energy they displayed in Denver, they have a chance to upset arguably the best team in the West.

Rockets Fly into Mile High for Tough Test Against Nuggets

Mile High Matinee.    Lofty Comparisons.    After the Break.

Houston makes their first visit to the Mile High City as the Rockets face the Denver Nuggets in a Saturday afternoon tilt. Denver is 4-4 this season, and coming off two straight losses to the Grizzlies in Memphis. Nuggets’ coach Mike Malone will no doubt have his team prepared to snap their losing streak. This afternoon will be a tough a matchup for the Rockets. This young squad has never felt the side effects that come with playing in the altitude. Hopefully, they are young and athletic enough to grab an early lead, and possibly hang on for the win. That’s asking a lot. The Nuggets are favorites to finish near the top of the West this season, and they have the league’s reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, arguably the best big man in basketball.

Alperen Sengun has already drawn early comparisons to Nikola Jokic. With Daniel Theis out again, Sengun will get the starting nod, and his toughest matchup to date. It should be fun seeing the crafty rookie battle the NBA’s best big man. He’ll be getting assistance from Christian Wood, who’s been a double-double machine during this road trip. So far this season, Jalen Green’s had two good shooting nights, and six poor shooting nights. Hopefully Green can start to find some consistency with his shooting, the weakest part of his game at the moment. Once Jalen’s shots fall with regularity, he’ll be playing like the Rookie of the Year, a title many expect to be Green’s at season’s end. Kevin Porter Jr. needs to run a low-turnover show if Houston wants any chance to shock the Nuggets this afternoon. KPJ took better care of the ball in Phoenix, and he’ll look to duplicate that performance today.

The Rockets have struggled mightily coming out of halftime this season. The third quarter has haunted Houston in each game. Despite getting off to a solid start last game in the third quarter, the Rockets slowed down and were outscored by 12 points. If Houston can maintain their focus and tempo that they’ve built first-half leads with in the last two games, the Rockets have a chance to pull the giant upset. If the turnovers are an early problem, Houston has no chance in Denver’s altitude. It’s the first of a back-to-back for the squad, so we’ll see how deep Stephen Silas decides to use his bench. If it’s a blowout, expect the starters to rest for tomorrow night’s game against Golden State. Nonetheless, Houston’s really looking for improvement coming out of halftime in this game. Hopefully, the altitude doesn’t play an overwhelming factor on the squad’s pace of play. The Rockets are best when they play fast and under control. Houston has to be prepared for a harsher playing environment, as the altitude hits all players differently. It’s the Rockets’ first afternoon tip of the season… maybe an earlier start will give the squad some needed luck in Denver tonight.

 

Ball Arena:  Denver, Colorado

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (1-7):  White

Denver Nuggets (4-4):  Navy “City Edition”

 

TV:  4 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Burn Out Late, Suns Cruise to 123-111 Win

Familiar Pattern.    The Dreaded Third.    Middle of the Storm.

For the second straight game, Houston held the lead at halftime. But it wasn’t enough in Phoenix, as the dreaded third quarter haunted the Rockets once more. Houston was outscored 37 to 25 in the period, and couldn’t fight back in the fourth. Devin Booker scored 27 to lead the Suns, and DeAndre Ayton contributed 16 points and 11 boards. Houston didn’t play poorly, as the Rockets had a balanced attack of six players scoring in double-figures. The squad improved on their free-throw shooting, making a solid 24 of 28 attempts from the line, by far their bets showing at the foul stripe this season. However, turnovers once again became the Rockets downfall. Houston had less than their average, but still turned the ball over 18 times.

Kevin Porter Jr. led Houston in scoring with 20 points. KPJ also had 3 dimes and only 2 turnovers, a welcome sign given he was leading the team in turnovers before this contest. Christian Wood had another double-double, with 18 points and 15 boards. Jalen Green scored 16 points, but on 3-for-14 shooting, another dismal night from the field for the rookie.

The squad is now halfway through their five-game road trip, but the toughest part is yet to come. Up next, the Rockets have a weekend back-to-back against the Nuggets and Warriors. Hopefully, Denver’s altitude won’t affect Houston’s play as much as the average player. The Rockets are young and athletic, but this group’s never played in the altitude, which always seems to play a factor on Denver’s opponents. It doesn’t get any easier, but Houston doesn’t have a choice. Hopefully they can squeeze out a win this weekend to avoid going 0-5 on their road trip.

Rockets Visit Suns Amidst Desert Storm

Toxic Valley.    Maintaining Tempo.    Seizing the Moment.

The biggest news in the sports world today dropped this afternoon, as Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver was accused of racist and misogynistic behavior, from over 70 former and current Suns employees. Sarver’s owned the Suns for 17 years and has vehemently denied these accusations. And amidst all the chaos, the Houston Rockets visit the valley of the sun on Thursday night. Houston will try to build on their previous game, one they nearly won at the buzzer over the Lakers. The team’s chemistry is improving with each game, and the Rockets hope to thrive in a toxic environment on Thursday night. Who knows how the Suns will be affected on the court by the Sarver news. But, Houston needs to take advantage of a possibly distracted Phoenix team.

The Rockets need to continue to play fast, but they need to maintain that tempo for all four quarters. The Lakers managed to slow Houston’s tempo during last game’s third quarter. The Rockets need to keep the fast pace of play, but take care of the ball, like it’s their child.  Houston really needs to clean up their turnovers and free throw shooting, the two areas that’ve plagued the Rockets most to start the season. It starts at the point: if Kevin Porter Jr. can keep his turnovers down at point guard, it should have  article down effect on the rest of his teammates. Hopefully, Alperen Sengun, who was sensational in his first start, gets the starting nod again. And expect K.J. Martin to continue to see more playing time as he’s been extremely efficient in every minute this season.

Look for Jalen Green to continue to be aggressive after coming off his second-best game of his young career. Houston has a great chance to pull the upset tonight over Phoenix. The news about Sarver dropped this afternoon, and it’s still fresh in the minds of everyone in the NBA world. The Rockets have a chance to beat this distracted Phoenix team if they just manage to cut down on their turnovers. The Suns are 3-3 to start the season, and still have former Rocket Chris Paul running the show. Tonight’s contest won’t be easy, but if the Rockets clean up their mistakes, and follow the blueprint from their previous game, Houston has a chance to seize their first road win of the young season.

 

Footprint Center:  Phoenix, Arizona

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (1-6):  White

Phoenix Suns (3-3):  Purple

 

TV:  9 PM CT  –  NBA TV,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Misfire at the Buzzer, Fall to Lakers Again, 119-117

Something Close.    Starting Sengun.    L.A. Lessons.

After starting the season with six games decided by double-digits, the Rockets found themselves in their first close game of the season on Tuesday night. Kevin Porter Jr. had a chance to win the game for Houston in the final seconds. But KPJ’s three-pointer missed by inches, giving the Lakers a 119-117 victory, dealing the Rockets another loss. However, this defeat was different. The final score won’t reveal how well Houston played, but this was the squad’s best game of the season. Despite not coming out victorious, this was a contest the squad deserved to win. Their lone win over a terrible Thunder team doesn’t stand up to this near-upset. Jalen Green snapped out of his slump, and had his second-best game as a pro. Green scored 24 points, and had two clutch threes in the final minute to lead the Rockets rally attempt. Although, Jalen scored 18 of his 24 points in the first quarter, and didn’t score again until the final minute. It was nice to see him show up in the clutch, but Green was shut out for two quarters despite the nice overall stat line. Expect him to improve and be a factor in all quarters as the season carries on. Christian Wood had a monstrous 26 points and 16 rebounds. Jae’Sean Tate had a season-high 20 points, and Kevin Porter Jr. chipped in with 11 points and 8 assists. Kenyon Martin Jr. continues to show why he deserves more playing time. KJ finished with 14 points, 4 boards, and 3 dimes in a season-high 28 minutes of action.

In his first starting nod, Alperen Sengun continues to play like a seasoned veteran in terms of spacing and knowing his teammates. Sengun scored only 6 points, but added 4 rebounds and assists apiece. Al-P’s defense has been stellar all year, and continues to improve with each game. Houston as a team spaces the floor with more impact when Sengun is on the court. This game is evidence that Alperen should arguably get the starting spot at power forward. We’ll see if coach Stephen Silas is thinking on the same wavelength once Daniel Theis recovers from injury. Theis and Danuel House’s absences freed up the starting spot for Sengun, who flourished in his first game as a starter. He’s not posting the gaudiest numbers, but Sengun is proving he’s one of the top rookies in the league, leading all rookies in steals per game (2.3).

Houston had the lead after each of the first three quarters, but the Lakers came out on top in the end. The Rockets led by 11 points at one point, but another dismal third quarter by Houston, allowed L.A. to gain steam. After scoring a season-high 35 points in the first quarter, and 70 at halftime, the Lakers slowed Houston’s tempo in the third quarter, holding the Rockets to 19 points. By the final quarter, LeBron took over when it mattered most, and Houston had no answer. James scored 30 points and dished out 10 assists to lead the Lakers. The soon-to-be 37 year-old is still a freight train on the court, and the best player in basketball when he fully asserts himself. The Lakers star power was just too much for the Rockets to overcome. James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony combined for 99 of L.A.’s 119 points. Houston continued to beat themselves by missing free throws and turning the ball over. The Rockets went 5-for-12 from the line, and turned the ball over 24 times, yet still had a chance to win the game at the buzzer. If Houston can find some way to clean up their turnover problem, and improve on free throw shooting, the Rockets will be able to win close games like Tuesday’s. Houston leads the league by a large margin in turning the ball over. Understandable with a young squad, but the Rockets need to improve in this area soon, or they’ll keep shooting themselves in the foot… even in the games they deserve to win.

Rockets Set for Rematch with Lakers in Hollywood

Round 2.    Turn Over a New Leaf.    Great Expectations.

After their sloppiest game of the season, the Rockets will try and play a cleaner game as they face the Lakers once again in Hollywood. It’s a rematch from Sunday’s ugly game that featured both squads playing sub-par ball. Especially Houston, who committed a torrid 25 turnovers, and missed 14 free throws. People want to say the bright lights and glamour of Hollywood got to the Rockets’ young players on Sunday night. Regardless, with a game at Staples under their belt, Houston should fare better in the rematch tonight.

The problem is, the Lakers will be better as well. L.A. didn’t shoot well on Sunday, and failed to score at least 105 points for the first time all season. Expect both teams to be sharper on Tuesday night. The Rockets and Lakers are still working on chemistry issues with their respective groups. Houston has a decent chance to steal Tuesday night’s affair, if they clean up their turnovers and focus more at the foul line. Otherwise, the Lakers will sweep this short two-game set with no problem.

As long as the Rockets can stay within reaching distance, Houston has a chance to pull off the upset. Houston can’t be much worse than the season-low 85 points their offense displayed on Sunday. It’s an odd two-game stretch for both squads. Rarely does a team host an opponent in consecutive games. If anything was evident from Halloween, the Lakers are still far away from being the scary title threat which many people predicted. The Rockets can sway predictions by stealing a game if they control the ball, and knock down some shots. Or maybe take some inspiration from the Astros. Meanwhile, back home in Houston, their baseball counterparts fight to keep a historic dynasty living on for one more day… now that’s Hollywood.

 

Staples Center:  Los Angeles, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (1-5):  White

Los Angeles Lakers (4-3):  Yellow

TV:  9:30 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Fail to Launch in Ugly 95-85 Loss to Lakers

Scoring Struggle.    Play KJ.    Nothing Close.

In a contest that was spookily sloppy, Halloween brought the Rockets no treats on Sunday night, as Houston lost to the Lakers, 95-85, in an ugly affair for both squads. Despite the Houston’s poor play, Los Angeles didn’t play like world beaters either. Both teams were sloppy from the start, but two areas of really buried the Rockets on Halloween: turnovers and missed free throws. Houston had a terrifying 25 turnovers, a recipe only for disaster. And the Rockets missed 14 free throws, in a game they lost by 10 points. If the squad could’ve been more efficient in those areas, Houston would’ve scared another loss into the Lakers’ early season. The Rockets will look to clean up their mistakes in round 2 against L.A. on Tuesday. Eric Gordon scored 17 points to pace Houston, and Christian Wood added another double-double with 16 points and 13 boards. Jalen Green’s shooting struggles continued. Houston’s savory draft pick scored only 7 points, but had 5 rebounds and assists apiece. Green will improve as the season moves along. Maybe it was his first game in Staples Center. The bright lights of Hollywood played a role in the Rockets’ sloppy play. Houston won’t be as starstruck on Tuesday night.

However, if Houston learned anything from their Halloween loss, it’s that K.J. Martin needs more minutes. KJ deserves to be a part of the rotation. Dating back to last season, Martin has looked great in his brief playing time. One of the most athletic players in the NBA, and one of the few guards who can say he’s blocked the league’s top centers. On Sunday, the Rockets trailed by as many as 28 points. Carmelo Anthony led the Lakers with a vintage 23-point performance. Nonetheless, Houston started to clean their act up in the fourth quarter, and closed the game on a 29-11 run. K.J. Martin was a crucial part of the Rockets comeback attempt. KJ scored all 12 of his points in the final period, and also grabbed 4 boards. His athleticism is a factor this young Houston team can use to their advantage, on both sides of the floor. Hopefully, Coach Stephen Silas realizes this, and grants Martin more minutes in the future.

So far, six games into the season, the Rockets have yet to play in a game decided by less than double-figures. Even in their lone win, Houston blew out the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets will try and play in their first game of the season on Tuesday night as they battle the Lakers once again in Staples Center. This time the bright lights shouldn’t make Houston’s players as much in awe as they were on Halloween. Staples Center certainly has its own aura and vibe, like a majestical place, similar to the historical Madison Square Garden. And playing for the first time in an arena such as this, certainly can factor into a player’s poor performance. 25 turnovers and 14 missed free throws will be tough to top in consecutive games. So, the chances are in Houston’s favor that they’ll play better on Tuesday. The question is, will it be good enough? As the Lakers failed to score 100 points, rare in today’s NBA. Both teams will play better on in the rematch, the Rockets will have to get a lead from the start if they want to leave L.A. with some Tuesday night treats.

Rockets Tough Road Trip Starts with Double-Header vs. Lakers

Hollywood Halloween.    Opposite Force Collide.    Spooky Season.

The Rockets begin a brutal, five-game road trip out West on Sunday night in Los Angeles, as Houston battles LeBron James and the Lakers. Or possibly James, who is listed as questionable for the Hollywood Halloween matchup. It’s the first of back-to-back games against the Lakers on the road. The next match comes Tuesday. LeBron and company have struggled due to start the season. Their new lineup, including Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony, are still getting acclimated to playing with King James. Despite their potential, at this early point in the season, Houston could steal one of these games in L.A. if they play hard enough.

Tonight, and Tuesday, features opposite forces colliding. The Lakers are one of the oldest and most experienced teams, with their eyes on the ultimate prize of a Championship. Houston, on the other hand, is one of the youngest teams, with their goals set on improvement throughout the season. Making the playoffs is already a long shot for the Rockets.

It’s spooky season, and Houston gets to spend Halloween in Hollywood. They’d love nothing more to spoil the Lakers Halloween, and put LeBron and co. back under .500. LeBron is questionable, and due to the caliber of competition Houston has displayed, it wouldn’t be surprising if he sat this one out. Anthony Davis will be playing, and his matchup with Christian Wood could be the key to this game if the Rockets want to pull the Halloween upset.

 

Staples Center:  Los Angeles, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (1-4):  Black

Los Angeles Lakers (3-3):  White

 

TV:  9:30 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Thumped by Jazz, 122-91, in Ol’ Fashioned Blowout

Learning Step.    Insult to Injury.    The Nightmare Only Begins.

Houston took a hard lesson on Thursday night, falling to the Jazz, 122-91, in blowout fashion. The Rockets were never in the game, and trailed by as many as 36 points. It’s a learning step for this young Houston team, as Utah showed why they’re the only remaining undefeated team in the NBA. The Jazz pounced on the Rockets from the opening tip. Utah’s balanced scoring attack featured seven different players in double-figure scoring. Rudy Gobert manned the paint, and made it difficult for Houston in the lane. Gobert finished with 16 points and 14 boards to lead the Jazz.

Christian Wood led the Rockets with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Jalen Green scored 13 points, but on an abysmal 3-for-16 shooting from the floor, including 0-for-8 from downtown. To add insult to injury, Kevin Porter Jr. suffered an ankle sprain, and is questionable this weekend. Thursday’s loss was a big lesson in discipline for the Houston. Even in blowouts, the Rockets have to practice good habits, and play hard. The squad was out-hustled by a better Jazz team, and will need to play with more energy as they hit the road. Hopefully these two days off before Sunday will give Houston a needed rest and recovery period.

And if you thought Thursday night was bad, the nightmare’s only beginning. Houston begins their toughest road trip of the season on Sunday night. A trip that features 5 games against Western Conference playoff competition. Ironically, the struggling Lakers are the Rockets’ first stop. Houston might be able to steal a game, as the old guys in Hollywood are still struggling with chemistry. But, LeBron James won’t let his team fool around for long. The Rockets aim to steal a game on their upcoming five-game trip, that starts on Halloween in Hollywood.

Rockets Host Jazz, Renew Old Rivalry

Different Enemies.    Mission Impossible?    Tune Out the Pressure.

There was a time when these two squads were much more evenly matched. Even as early as two years ago, Houston was coming off knocking Utah out of the playoffs in consecutive years… but how times change. The Jazz, much better now than they were back then, are one of three remaining undefeated teams in the NBA (with Golden State and Chicago). Utah are most recently coming off a double-digit win over the Denevr Nuggets. They’ve also beaten the Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings. Not the stiffest of competition, but the Jazz’ toughness will be visible in Houston tonight. Utah consists of mainly a veteran group, whose core players (Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Joe Ingles) have been together longer than any current core in the league. What does that mean? The Jazz have what Houston will desperately working towards all season, and for a few more seasons to come: amazing chemistry. Utah doesn’t beat themselves. The Jazz rarely turn the ball over, and make opponents out-play them if their going to get the victory.

The Rockets are one of the youngest teams in the NBA, recently setting a record for playing four teenagers in the same NBA game. Houston will be playing about as tough as competition gets in the league tonight. Utah isn’t the most talented team. But they aren’t bogged down by chemistry or injury issues that have already arisen for the Nets and Lakers, the preseason favorites to win the championship. Utah’s best players are Donovan Mitchell, who will test Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green on the perimeter, and Rudy Gobert. The “Eiffel Tower” is one of the best big men in the league, and the best shot-blocker in basketball. Christian Wood will have his hands full tonight as he battles for position in the post with one of the NBA’s elite.

Houston are heavy underdogs heading into their final home game before a brutal five-game road trip. However, if the Rockets can tune out the pressure Utah’s veteran group will be exerting, and play harder, Houston has a chance to pull the early upset of the season. But, the keys to this game are controlling the ball, and getting as many transitional points as possible. If the Rockets turn the ball over against this smart Jazz team, Houston’s setting themselves up for a 30-point blowout. If the Rockets can keep their turnovers low, and score as many fast break points as possible, they have a chance. Utah is one of the toughest teams to score against in the half-court, making the transitional game more important than usual for Houston tonight. It’s not Mission Impossible. But it’s close. The Rockets will try to keep the game closer than expected, and if they can hang around long enough, anything can happen in a regular season game. Tonight will be Houston’s toughest test of the early season so far, and should whip them into the right gear before they head out on the road.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Utah Jazz (3-0):  White

Houston Rockets (1-3):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW