Blog

Too Much Luka, as Rockets Lose to Mavs 116-106

Deja Vu.    Tale of Two Halves.    Keep Climbing.

In a game that was eerily similar to the one Houston played on Sunday night against Boston, the Rockets lost to the Mavericks, 116-106, on Tuesday night. Houston actually played one of their best halves of the season in the first half of Dallas’ home opener. The squad took a three-point lead into the break, but came out flat. The Mavs started the second half on a 13-0 run, after which point the Rockets never saw the lead again. Luka Doncic was dominant as expected for Dallas. Doncic finished with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists to lead the Mavs’ attack. Their star power forward, Kristaps Porzingis, went down with an injury for Dallas. Although it doesn’t seem to be serious, Porzingis aka “The Unicorn,” now has a long history of injuries in his career.

Houston couldn’t overcome the Mavs’ hot start to the second half. Eric Gordon had another strong game off the bench for the Rockets. EG led all Houston players with 22 points. Christian Wood finished with a strong double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 17 boards. Kevin Porter Jr. had 13 points and  8 dimes, but still had 6 turnovers, as KPJ continues to work on protecting the basketball, and playing under control. Jalen Green came back to earth after his 30-point explosion against the Celtics. Green scored only 10 points on 4-for-16 shooting against a tougher Dallas team.

Even though the Rockets return home for their next game, the road doesn’t get any easier. The Utah Jazz, arguably the best team in the NBA so far this early season, come to town. Utah’s veteran team is undefeated, and their core have been together arguably longer than any contender in the league. It will be an extremely tough test for this young Houston team. However, the Rockets are getting better with each game, and despite the 1-3 record, the squad’s come a long way since getting blown out on Opening Night. Houston can only keep working and improving on their chemistry, and hope to steal a game against the Jazz at home, the Rockets final game in Houston before a grueling five-game road trip out West.

Rockets Visit Dallas, Look to Spoil Mavs’ Home Opener

First Texas Tussle.    Smelling Trouble.    Raised Competition.

On Tuesday night, the Houston Rockets travel to Dallas to battle the Mavericks. It’s the beginning of a tough stretch for the Rockets, as their next seven games all come against battled tested Western Conference playoff teams from last season. And six of these games are on the road. Including tonight, which also happens to be the Mavs’ home opener. Dallas started the year by splitting a pair of road contests, falling in Atlanta, but overpowering Toronto on Saturday night. At 1-1, and with their superstar Luka Doncic poised for an MVP season, this is the best Mavs team Dallas has had in a long time, since the prime Dirk Nowitzki days. American Airlines Center will be rocking tonight, and it will be Houston’s first true test in a hostile environment. It’s also the first Texas Tussle of the season, and with Dallas being by far the best team in the state this year, Houston would love to spoil their first home game. Something easier said than done.

If the Rockets want any chance tonight, everyone has to be on their A-games. Jalen Green needs to replicate his performance in the last game. Christian Wood needs to continue to be a double-double machine. Everyone needs to feed off of Jae’Sean Tate’s energy. And most importantly, the squad has to play under control. Kevin Porter Jr. can’t afford a high-turnover night, or the Rockets are in for a long, raucous night in  Dallas. Houston needs to keep the crowd out of the game from the opening tip. Turning the ball over frequently translates to exciting transitional plays for the opposition, which excites their crowd, turning up the volume and pressure in the arena. KPJ, and the Rockets as a unit, need to protect the ball if they want any chance of pulling off the upset in Dallas.

Despite being 1-2, the Rockets have shown improvement from game-to-game. However, this environment in Dallas will be the most hostile game for Houston at this point early in the season. The expectations and excitement for this Mavs’ team will be flowing throughout the arena. Kind of like playing against a sixth man for the Rockets. Kirstaps Porzingis is back and healthy. Dallas’ first-round draft pick Jalen Brunson has looked impressive to start the season. Tim Hardaway Jr. has been more efficient than usual. Tonight will be a tough test, but if Houston can fend off the early noise, and stay within reaching distance, they might have a chance to spoil the Mavericks’ home opener. And in the first of many Texas Tussles… could be one to remember for the Rockets.

 

American Airlines Center:  Dallas, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (1-2):  White

Dallas Mavericks (1-1):  Navy

 

TV:  7:30 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Fail to Hold Early Lead, Fall to Celtics, 107-97

Pain in the Middle.    Jalen Jordan?    Rough Road Ahead.

For a moment, it looked like the Rockets might pull the upset, and keep Boston winless. Houston led by 8 points after the first quarter on Sunday night, but the Celtics took control of the game in the second and third quarters. Boston outscored the Rockets by 25 in the middle periods en route to handing Houston their first home loss of the season, 107-97. Jaylen Brown missed this contest due to an injury. It didn’t matter. The Celtics still had Jayson Tatum, who rose to occasion with 31 points on 50% shooting to lead Boston. Houston simply had no answer for Boston’s young superstar, arguably the best player they’ve faced so far in this early season. And the competition is only going to get stiffer from here on out.

After two subpar games to start his career, Jalen Green drew comparisons to Michael Jordan in only his third professional game. Green was more aggressive from the start against the men in green, tying an NBA rookie record with 8 made three pointers. Green scored 30 points on a much-improved 11-for-18 shooting from the floor, including 8-for-10 from downtown. Michael Jordan scored his first 30 point game in his third game as well. Houston can only hope the comparisons between Green and MJ continue as Jalen’s career moves forwards. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 15 points, and did a nice job of deferring to Jalen Green, allowing the Rockets’ young star to become a more influential part of the offense. However, KPJ had 8 of Houston’s 18 turnovers, a stat that’s crushed the squad early in the season. These traits are expected with a young team.. mistakes, turnovers..  it’s all part of the rebuilding process. But the Rockets can do a better job at handling the ball, and should improve with time. Christian Wood had another All-Star caliber game for Houston, with 20 points and 9 boards. And Alperen Sengun quietly had a sneaky good game, especially on defense. Sengun finished with 7 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in only 19 minutes of action. The Rockets have to love what the early returns they’re witnessing from the Turkish rookie. Sengun already appears to be one of the steals of the draft, and is becoming a fan-favorite in Houston.

After a relatively easy three games to start the season, the road’s about to get rough for the Rockets. Six of Houston’s next seven games are on the road, and all against Western Conference playoff teams from last year. The squad will need to play as hard as they can, and feed off Jae’Sean Tate’s energy, who had another good game on Sunday, with 12 points and 8 rebounds. This could be the start to a long losing skid for the Rockets, but if the squad builds on their chemistry, and Jalen Green continues to draw MJ comparisons… Houston has a chance to possibly upset some competition on what could be a rocky road trip

Rockets Aim to Keep Boston Winless, as Celtics Visit Town

Hateful Eight.    Hungry Like the Wolves.    Down the Road.    

“Bringing desperate men in alive, is a good way to get yourself dead,” a quote from Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight. And as the Rockets prepare to begin a brutal eight-game stretch, the winless Celtics come to town on Sunday night, desperate for a win. Boston lost a heartbreaking double-overtime thriller at Madison Square Garden to the Knicks in their opener, and then got blown out the water by the Raptors in their home opener in Boston, 105-83. The Celtics have a new head coach, in Ime Udoka. But, they still have Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown, two of the best perimeter players in the game today. Brown exploded for 46 points in Boston’s first game, and Tatum is capable of the same offensive output on any given night. After playing two bad teams to start the season, the Rockets get their toughest test of the year so far as a hungry Celtics team visits Houston.

The Rockets need to build off their last win, and hope they can stay under control against a feisty Celtics team. Don’t let the record fool you, Boston, despite being winless, is the best team Houston has faced in this very early season. Sunday night is the first of a torturous eight-game stretch for the Rockets. After tonight, 6 of Houston’s next 7 games are on the road. And every game, including tonight, is against a team who made the playoffs last year. So, just as the Rockets finally enjoyed their first win in the Jalen Green era… the road ahead is about to become much more challenging. Marcus Smart is one of the best defensive players in the NBA, and should give Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green fits.

Houston needs a big game from Eric Gordon tonight, and the squad will certainly look to Christian Wood to dominate similar to the display he showed the Thunder. Otherwise, the Rockets will be in big trouble against one of the hungriest teams in the league. The Celtics know they’re better than 0-2. Expect Boston to come into Houston hungry like the Wolves were in the Rockets’ opener. KPJ and co. have to recognize this Celtics team is going to battle from the opening tip. Desperate times call for desperate measures… And tonight in Houston, the more desperate team’s winning this battle.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Boston Celtics (0-2):  Green

Houston Rockets (1-1):  Black

 

TV:  6 PM CT  –  NBA TV,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Silence Thunder, 124-91, Notch Season’s First Win

Future Vision.    Knocking on Wood.    Finding Balance.

Houston’s second game of the season played like a complete opposite to their opener in Minnesota. The Rockets dominated their homecoming, silencing the Thunder 124-91, in a contest where Houston never trailed. Kevin Porter Jr. controlled the game with more precision, allowing only two turnovers compared to his nine giveaways in the first game. KPJ scored 20 points, and dished out 9 dimes, as the main playmaker on offense. Jalen Green scored 9 points on 4-of-11 shooting as he continues to adjust to play at the NBA level. Eric Gordon had his second straight solid performance. The Rockets’ Sixth Man scored 22 points to lead the bench. Ja’Sean Tate had an energetic bounce-back performance after an underwhelming first game. Tate scored 16 points, grabbed 14 boards, and dished out 5 assists. This is the Tate Houston saw last season, and should see for the foreseeable future. And last, but certainly not least, Christian Wood powered the Rockets offense and dominated the paint. Wood scored 29 points and snagged 14 rebounds, as Houston’s big man looks poised for All-Star consideration this season.

This is the vision, or more or less a blueprint of what the future should look like for the Rockets when all cylinders are clicking. Granted, many improvements are in store. But Houston played a fantastic game in response to getting blown out in their opener. Sure, OKC is no titan, but it’s hard to beat any team by 30 points in the NBA. Houston exceeded expectations in their second game. Can they continue to rise above their opponents as the challenges become tougher? We’ll find out soon enough.

Fourteen Rockets saw playing time on Friday, one more than the thirteen Stephen Silas put on the court in Minnesota. The squad is still trying to find balance, and playing one of the worst teams in your second game only helps chemistry. But true tests of character and talent come against the mighty. And Houston’s schedule gets a lot tougher coming up. The Rockets face the Celtics next on Sunday in Houston. And to get an idea of what to expect, they should recur memories of how Minnesota attacked Houston from the tip in their first game. Enjoy games like Friday while you can Rockets fans… they will be few and far between this season.

Rockets Return Home, Host Thunder in Home Opener

Homecoming.    Building Block.    Another Opportunity.

The Rockets return to Houston to host the Oklahoma City Thunder in the squad’s home opener on Friday night. Both OKC and the Rockets lost their first games of the season. And the Thunder are one of the few teams Houston has a chance at beating this season, even in their first home game. The Rockets’ youth was on full display in Wednesday’s loss in Minnesota. Chemistry will come for Houston with time, but they need to use each game as a building block to improve on coming together as a unit.

OKC is led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a rising star in this league who runs the show for the Thunder at point, and led his team with 18 points in their opener. It will be another perimeter test for the Rockets, as SGA, Darius Bazley, and Lu Dort will give Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green quite the test.

Don’t be surpised if the Rockets remain rusty tonight, great chemistry isn’t built overnight. However, the squad should be better than Wednesday. They’ll be playing in front of a packed house for the first time in over a year. Fans will be pumped up for opening night, encouraging the squad as they continue to embrace the beginning of this new era. At the very least, Houston has the crowd on their side tonight… and there’s no place like home.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (0-1):  Blue

Houston Rockets (0-1):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Mauled by Wolves in Opener, 124-106

Sluggish Start.    Unlucky 13.    Three Headed Monster.    

The Jalen Green era didn’t get off to a thunderous start, as the Rockets were blown out in Minnesota to start the season, 124-106. Houston was sloppy from the opening tip. The Rockets committed a plethora of turnovers as their nervous energy was evident in their first regular season game. Minnesota led by 11 points after the first period, and then broke open the game in the second quarter, digging Houston a deep 27-point hole at halftime. The squad started the second half on an 11-2 run, but Minnesota countered with their own 11-0 run to ensure the Rockets stayed at arms length from taking the lead.

Christian Wood led the Rockets with 16 points and 11 boards. In his first game as Houston’s true point guard, Kevin Porter Jr. had a sloppy game, with with 9 turnovers and only 11 points. Jalen Green showed signs of the superstar-to-be, but it’s going to take time and growing pains before Green fully adjusts to the NBA game. The Rockets top draft pick had 9 points on only 4-for-14 shooting from the floor. Look for Green to improve with each game as the season moves along. Houston played almost everyone in Minnesota, 13 guys, but it didn’t help with any luck in the win column. At least the squad got experience, and a start on building chemistry, something that was obviously lacking with this new Rockets team. Alperen Sengun looked fantastic on defense, and showed glimpses of his potential in a solid debut, garnering 11 points and 6 boards. Eric Gordon had a decent start to his season, and Armoni Brooks showed why his teammates call him the team’s best shooter late in the game. Daniel Theis appears to be a solid veteran down low for Houston who will help Sengun, along with Wood, adjust to the NBA speed and power.

Minnesota’s physicality was an issue for Houston. The Rockets didn’t attempt their first free throw until nearly 16 minutes into the game, and committed too many fouls. The Timberwolves were led by their three-headed monster consisting of Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and D’Angelo Russell. KAT was dominant inside, scoring 30 points and grabbing 10 boards. Anthony Edwards was on fire from downtown, knocking down 6 of his 12 shots from distance en route to 29 points. D’Angelo Russell chipped in with 22 points at the point, as the Rockets had no answer for the Wolves’ “Big Three” on Wednesday night. Houston returns home for their next game. They’ll look avoid another offensive storm from an opponent as they host the Thunder in their home opener on Friday night.

Rockets Head North to Battle Wolves in Season Opener

Green-Lighting a New Era.    Early Test Inside.    Familiar Pest, New Place.

“Great men are not born great, they grow great,” Don Corleone says in The Godfather. And as great as the potential is for these new look Rockets, they’ll only reach their ceiling with solid growth. Which begins tonight in Minnesota, as the Rockets open up their season on the road against the Timberwolves. It’s the first game of the Jalen Green-era for Houston, and the highly touted rookie’s first chance to demonstrate his skills in an NBA game. The Wolves finished with a subpar 23-49 record last year. And while Minnesota has their own growing pains, they also provide Houston with some obstacles in this opening match for both squads.

The biggest test for Christian Wood and the Rockets inside will be Karl-Anthony Towns. The Wolves’ center is one the best big men in the NBA, and can dominate the paint when he’s motivated. Daniel Theis will add assistance on defending towns, and Alperen Sengun may even get a look, depending on how coach Stephen Silas plays his rotation in the first game of the year.

On the perimeter, a familiar face awaits Houston’s backcourt: Patrick Beverly. The former Rocket, and most irritating pest in the NBA is now in Minnesota. As Rockets fans know, Beverly arguably is the hardest playing player in the league, and certainly one of the NBA’s best defenders. Tonight will be a great test for Houston’s new backcourt for the future: Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.

Expect tonight’s matchup to be a tight one in Minnesota. The Rockets are the more talented squad, but the Wolves have the experience edge. And this being the first NBA game for Jalen Green, it’s hard to know what to expect, but so far, Green has met every expectation thrown his way. He was born with great talent, but the real tests begin tonight in Minnesota for Green. If Jalen continues to grow into a great player, this season could be the start of a very special era in Rockets basketball.

 

Target Center:  Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (0-0):  Red

Minnesota Timberwolves (0-0):  Navy

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Young and Restless.    Green Match.    Evolving Matrix.

“You’re afraid of change. I don’t know the future. I didn’t come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it’s going to begin,” Neo says in The Matrix, and as the ribbon is unwrapped on a new Rockets season, the squad enters the campaign with plenty of change. Which isn’t a bad component for this group. As the NBA enters its 75th season, the days of James Harden in Houston are long gone, and the team enters this year with a fresh slate. As opposed to being held Harden’s hostage and all the suffering that entailed the start to the Stephen Silas era in Houston. The Rockets for the first time since the start of the Harden era, feel like they’re truly turning over a new leaf. This new matrix will push the squad to improve and develop their skills, without the distractions of a drama queen like Harden. Houston has a young and eager group, one whose earnest excitement to play will be fun to watch on the court.

The Rockets were fortunate in the draft this offseason, landing the second overall pick. Houston took Jalen Green, who played for one season in the G-League, as opposed to college ball. Green, only 19 years old, was picked by many to win the Rookie of the Year award, and should be a blast to watch his growth in his first season against NBA competition. Jalen has serious superstar potential. While Houston lost their previous superstar last season, Green has a chance to be the perfect replacement, and match for this team. He will start at shooting guard, as Kevin Porter Jr. has been designated with running the show at the point. KPJ had a breakout season last year after the Rockets basically stole him from Cleveland. Look for Porter Jr. to have even more impact in his first full season in Houston. Along with Christian Wood, who showed All-Star potential last season before he went down with injuries, the Rockets have a promising young core that can potentially develop into a Big-Three, barring injury problems.

Houston and GM Rafael Stone were arguably the biggest winners on draft night. Jalen Green was the headline, but the Rockets also drafted three other rookies who should be fun to watch develop with the core. Alperen Sengun, the happiest man on planet earth, was the 16th pick by Houston. Sengun was the MVP of the Turkish league, and is thrilled to be a Houston Rocket. While he’s still raw, as all rookies, Sengun has sneaky potential to be one of the biggest steals of this draft if he reaches his potential in a few years. At the 23rd pick, the Rockets selected Usman Garuba, from Spain. Garuba has the tools to be a stellar defensive player for Houston, but he’s going to need patience, as rotational minutes may not be on his plate this season. And with their final pick, the Rockets chose Josh Christopher at number 24, an Arizona State product. Chistopher has impressed in summer league and preseason. He could develop into a solid role player, or even an All-Star caliber player. Only time will tell. And time’s on Houston’s side this season.

Don’t expect the Rockets to win many games or contend for the playoffs this season. While they should improve on last season’s win total, Houston still has a lot of growing pains to experience with a boatload of rookies and young players at their core. John Wall is still technically on the team, but the Rockets are searching to find him a more suitable home for the aging, frequently injured star. Eric Gordon, one of the last remaining from the pinnacle of the James Harden era, is a veteran Houston hopes will help usher in the ropes of professional play for these young players. Center Daniel Theis, a new addition in free agency from the Boston Celtics, is another veteran who will guide Sengun in adjusting to the NBA game, after the Turk dominated overseas.

Jae’Sean Tate returns after perhaps the most over-achieving rookie year of any player last season. Look for Tate to resume his role as the energizer bunny on this squad, a role he relished in last season. Kenyon Martin Jr. also aims to jump even higher, and block every center in the league this year. KJ Martin improved mightily throughout his rookie season, earning more minutes with each performance, and carving a spot for himself in the rotation. Danuel House Jr. is back once again, along with David Nwaba, Armoni Brooks, and D.J. Augustin. Garrison Mathews and Dashien Nix also made Houston’s roster, but they’ll have to play their way into the rotation, as Houston has a plethora of guys ready to go for opening night.

The Rockets open the season with a pair of games against bad teams, in Minnesota and Oklahoma City, but after that, the reality of the NBA schedule sets in. And Houston should improve as the season moves along, as most young teams do. However, the Rockets are the youngest team in the league, and it will take time for the group to find chemistry. Houston has a bright future, but enjoy the present. As in life, there is no joy without pain in basketball. This season may be painful in the win column, but these are necessary growing pains champions experience in the beginning of their basketball journey. Don’t fear the change the Rockets will display on the court. Embrace it… the Rockets have the Green light to begin a remarkable journey.

Houston crushed by the Hawks in their final game of the season, 124-95, as the Rockets season comes to a close.