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Hobbled Rockets Limp into New Orleans, Hoping for Splashing Returns

Challenge in the Big Easy.    Eye for an Eye.    Stylish Road Closure.

The Rockets close the weekend with their final road game of the decade, and it’s going to be quite the challenge. Houston visits New Orleans, a divisional opponent. The Pelicans and their 10-23 record don’t strike fear in the hearts of people like certain teams, but tonight’s matchup in the Big Easy will be anything but easy for Houston. It’s the second game of a back-to-back for the Rockets, who beat the Nets on Saturday night back in Houston. As is protocol for this entire regular season, Russell Westbrook will rest on the second night of a back-to-back. Clint Capela is still out with a contusion, and James Harden apparently is dealing with a sprained toe, and will miss tonight’s game.  When the Beard, who almost never misses a game, one of the league’s most durable players, can’t give it a go, you know he’s hurting. And that means the rest of the roster needs to step up. Lucky for Houston, as they lose their MVP, hopefully just for the night, their Sixth Man returns, hopefully for the season.

Eric Gordon will play his first game after missing 21 games with a knee injury. The last time Gordon played? On November 11th, against these Pelicans, right here in New Orleans. And EG had arguably his best game of the season, scoring a season-high 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting. Gordon had a rough start to the season, but seemed to find his groove in New Orleans, before suddenly announcing a knee surgery was necessary. Hopefully, Gordon’s knee is working properly, and the sights and sounds of the Big Easy will help EG regain the groove he found in New Orleans in his last game.

The Rockets will use plenty of different rotations on Sunday night. Expect to see everyone on the squad get an increase in minutes. It’d be nice if Houston could win comfortably, but this game is lining up to be a challenge. Nonetheless, the Rockets are entirely unpredictable at times. Who knows? Despite all the absences, Houston’s still boasts one of the league’s deepest rosters. They could win comfortably and blow past the Pelicans. Men in red will be playing who usually don’t see close to as much court time. Despite a decrease in roster talent, expect the squad the Rockets trot out on the floor tonight to play extremely hard at both ends.

Despite a record of 10-23, and still no signs of Zion Williamson, the Pelicans are in a groove, winners of three straight, the longest current winning streak out West. And those three victories were impressive. New Orleans is coming off impressive road wins in Portland and Denver. In the Pels’ last game, they blew out playoff-bound Indiana by 22 at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans is grooving right now, and Houston is flying into a matchup that will be essentially determined by hustle plays. Look for P.J. Tucker to have a huge game if the Rockets are going to somehow escape NOLA with a victory.

Tonight marks Houston’s final road game of the decade, as the squad tries to close the weekend with a win in New Orleans. But without Harden, Westbrook, and Capela, Houston’s “Big 3,” the Rockets are severely undermanned. Houston needs great ball movement and communication on both ends to come out with a victory. It’s the first game all season Houston will be without the Beard. Tonight will prove how far the rest of the Rockets have come as we approach the season’s midway point. Victory in New Orleans would be a stylish way to close this decade of Rockets basketball on the road. A win on Sunday night is achievable, but certainly challenging… nothing comes easy in the Big Easy.

 

Smoothie King Center:  New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (22-10):  Red

New Orleans Pelicans (10-23):  White

 

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

Harden’s 44 Points Guide Rockets Past Nets, 108-98

Semi-Deja Vu.    Biggest Weakness.    The Necessity of 40.    

Houston held on to beat to the Nets, 108-98, at Toyota Center on Saturday night. James Harden, who else, led the way, scoring 44 points, and saving the Rockets from a second-half collapse. This contest, for a moment, appeared to be the same tired story we’d seen many times this season: Houston leads big on a bad opponent, gives up that big lead, and then ultimately loses in disappointing fashion. Except ion Saturday, the Rockets bucked that trend. Houston led comfortably, 42-20, after the first quarter. Or maybe it was too comfortably. The Nets stormed all the way back to take the lead in the fourth quarter and make affairs interesting, but Harden and the Rockets were able to hold off Brooklyn for the victory. A necessary victory, as Houston was coming off their worst loss of the season, a Christmas damper in the Bay Area to the last-place Warriors. A loss to the Nets would have been heartbreaking on a deeper-level. Houston avoided another bad loss, and still have plenty of areas to improve.

How important is it for the Beard to score 40 points for Houston? Well… the Rockets are 12-1 this season when Harden eclipses the 40-point mark. And many of these games Harden has bailed out the squad. But I wouldn’t say Houston needs their MVP to score 40 to win. The squad just needs to quit taking their foot off the gas once they gain a big lead. It’s been the Rockets biggest weakness all season. Looking at other contributors in the win over the Nets, Isaiah Hartenstein had a productive game off the bench. “Hustlestein” got extended playing time in Clint Capela’s absence, scoring 9 points, and grabbing an impressive 13 rebounds. Austin Rivers chipped in with 14 points off the bench. Other than that it was a quiet night for the Rockets other than Harden.

Russell Westbrook finished with 23 points, but on one more shot-attempt than his backcourt-mate. The Beard shot over 60% from the field, while Brodie shot under 40%. Westbrook’s had nights where his shot’s off, and more will come in the future. But Brodie and the squad need to make better decisions as a unit when Russ isn’t connecting with the jumper. Westbrook shouldn’t have more shot attempts than Harden when the Beard is on fire, despite all the defensive coverage Harden sees. Houston needs to use more ball movement, especially when the Beard’s on the bench, so everyone can get involved instead of the game becoming a disastrous one-man isolation show starring Russell Westbrook. Brodie can be a dominant player in isolation. However, he will never be a great shooter, his strength is driving is to the basket. Yet, Russ has problems finishing at the rim this season, missing way too many layups on a nightly basis. Brodie needs to find open teammates if he can’t find the rim, or the Rockets will struggle without Harden on the floor.

Up next, Houston hits the road again. The Rockets take a quick trip over to the Big Easy to take on the Pelicans for a Sunday night game, before returning home for a couple of big games at Toyota Center. Eric Gordon is expected to return. Houston needs his firepower now more than ever, as Russell Westbrook and Clint Capela will both be on the sidelines in New Orleans. Hopefully, EG’s surgery fixed his early-season issues, and he can mesh right back in with the squad. The Rockets need to integrate EG seamlessly back into schemes on both sides of the ball. Splash Gordon is integral to Houston’s success in the long run, and he plays especially well alongside Harden. If the Rockets want to hold onto a top seed in the West, they’re gonna need Gordon to demonstrate why his nickname’s Splash.

Rockets Return Home Needing a Boost, Host the Nets

Good News, Bad News.    Consistency Watch.    Inside Help.

The craziness that is Houston Rockets basketball returns to Toyota Center on Saturday night. Since Christmas, there’s already a rumor swirling around about Russell Westbrook being  part of trade rumors. Don’t listen to the noise. The Rockets won’t be trading Brodie, at least not this season. After a road trip that didn’t end with Houston cutting down the nets, the Rockets return home to host the Brooklyn Nets. Tonight’s game is the first of a back-to-back for Houston, who will travel to New Orleans for a game tomorrow night against the Pelicans. Harden and company are fresh off a four-game holiday west-coast trip that saw the squad go 3-1 during that span. It was a mostly cheerful trip, until the Rockets laid an egg and got beat by Warriors on Christmas. With the holiday spirit in the air, there’s also a fair share of good and bad news coming into Saturday’s tilt for Houston against Brooklyn. On the bright side, the Rockets did beat the Clippers in LA to start the road trip. Houston has no problem beating the league’s title contenders. It’s the losing teams that continue to drag the Rockets down the standings. Houston can’t seem to find any consistently when it comes to beating the NBA’s worst. The Rockets have five losses this month to teams at least five games below .500. If a trait becomes that frequent, it’s no accident, it’s a trend. A nasty habit Houston will have to break if they want any chance at getting the first seed. The halfway point of the season looms, with ten games remaining before the Rockets have played half a season. Plenty of time still remains for Houston to right the consistency ship, put some streaks together, and earn the spot they deserve in the standings. But, it’s up to them to do it. And they can start tonight, against Brooklyn. Not exactly, a losing team, but a squad the Rockets should beat at home. The Nets won the first matchup in Brooklyn earlier this season. Houston’s done a good job at bouncing back against team’s they’ve lost to this season. They’ll look to continue that trend tonight.

Unfortunately, Clint Capela is out with an injury, listed as a contusion. It’s extra unfortunate, given Brooklyn’s twin towers of Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Jordan usually play great against Houston. The Rockets are going to need to work together inside to avoid getting hurt on the glass, to a point to where they can’t recover. The vet Tyson Chandler will start in Capela’s place on Saturday. Looking ahead, Eric Gordon is expected to return tomorrow for Houston when they play in New Orleans. EG has missed the last 6 weeks due to a knee injury. For now, the Rockets will have to fare one more game without him, and get past a pesky Nets team who just suffered their worst loss of the season. In fact, with Houston losing in San Francisco, both squads are coming off their worst losses of the season. Both teams will be itching to get back on the right foot. The Rockets need to take a stand, defend home court, and show that simply, they’re the better team. It’s a fact as long as Houston doesn’t take Brooklyn lightly. Although playing down to their competition is the Rockets favorite habit, and can happen on any given night this season.

The schedule gets tough after tonight, as the Houston heads to New Orleans to finish a back-to-back on the road (never easy), before hosting the Nuggets and 76ers, two of the league’s elite teams. Harden and especially Russell Westbrook, are due for better games than their Christmas offerings. Look for Houston’s superstar backcourt to have a bounce-back game tonight. Without Capela, they really need to drive the ball to the hoop with a sense of urgency. The open shots will always be there, but they’re not always gonna fall. if they’re not falling on Saturday, the Rockets need to address attacking the rim as the game’s number one key. Tonight’s matchup is a big game for Houston. They had a chance at the second seed, but with their loss on Christmas, fell to fourth in the standings. It’s packed in the Western Conference, and the Lakers have slipped within reaching distance if the Rockets could only put together four wins in a row. Houston needs to end the year on a high note, and start the decade on a roll. They’ve got the opportunity right in front of them over the next week. It’s time they answer the call. The boys are back in town… ready to cut down the Nets.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

Jersey Colors:

Brooklyn Nets (16-14):  Black

Houston Rockets (21-10):  “Space City” White

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

Golden State Grinchmas:  Warriors Rally in Second Half, Shock Rockets, 116-104

Pick ‘Em Season.    51 Questions.    Par for the Course.

’Tis the season for giving, and the Rockets gave their fans a lump of coal on Christmas Day. Houston ended their West Coast trip with their worst loss of the season, a 116-104 Christmas defeat at the hands of the Warriors, the worst team in the conference. The gameplay was evident from the opening tip. Harden was double-teamed the second he crossed half court, not unusual given it’s become an increasing trend teams try and throw at the Beard. Houston’s MVP didn’t get a lot of great looks, but Harden still shot 50% from the floor, and finished with 24 points and 11 dimes. He just didn’t get any help. Russell Westbrook scored 30 points, but on a rancid 11-for-32 shooting night. Golden State dared Russ to shoot threes, and Brodie fell for the bait, going a miserable 0-for-8 from downtown. Danuel House had 18 points, and Clint Capela posted a double-double, but the Rockets were outplayed by the Warriors Three D’s: Draymond Green, D’Angelo Russell, and Damion Lee. Golden State’s triple threat scored 62 points on 50% shooting, roasting the Rockets, as Houston’s open shooters couldn’t find the rim. After scoring 39 points in the second quarter, and taking a four-point lead into halftime, the Rockets scored only 36 points the rest of the way. Hopefully, Houston’s minds were on the holidays, a possible excuse for a departure of their usual focus, and an extreme decrease in their ability to hit shots. All the squad can do is move forward and hope they can stop the “losing to bad teams trend” trend before too many losses pile up.

It’s pick ‘em season this year for the Houston Rockets. Or so it seems. Right when the Rockets seem destined to win a game, they pull the chair out from under everyone’s exceptions. The Christmas Day loss in the Bay Area is the fourth loss this month for Houston against teams at least 5 games below .500. Every team has bad losses. But the elite teams show consistency in the regular season en route to a high seed in the playoffs. If the Rockets continue to treat each game as a toss-up, they’ll likely finish somewhere in the range of the fourth, fifth, or sixth seed. Houston currently sits in the fourth spot. If the squad could have finished off the road trip with a win on Christmas, the Rockets would be sitting pretty in the second slot. It’s that close in the West. And seeding is too important this season for Houston to play around with the regular season. Fortunately the Lakers have lost four in a row, but they’ve had a tough schedule of late. LeBron and co. will get it together. Brodie and the Beard need to realize what’s at stake, or their wishes for a top seed won’t be granted this season.

Plenty of questions remain this season for the Rockets. 51, to be exact. That’s the amount of games that remain, and the way Houston is currently operating, the remaining matchups on the schedule are all toss-ups. The Rockets could win or lose on any given night, no matter the place, or opponent. Sure, this is true with every NBA team, but this applies to no team more than Houston. After the Christmas loss, the squad finished 3-1 on their four-game road-trip. Pretty much what was predicted before the trip began, par for the course. Although many picked the Rockets to lose against the Clippers, not the Warriors. But, ’tis how the season’s gone for Harden and company. They generally square-off best against elite teams, but it’s a coin-toss when they play inferior competition. Plenty of time remains to right the season’s ship. Houston can still give fans the ultimate present. They’ll be in the mix for the top playoff spots throughout the NBA’s regular season journey …. just expect plenty of lumps of coal along the way.

Rockets Head to the Bay Area, Battle Warriors in Christmas Showdown

Punishing Hour.    Road Warriors.    Fake Noise.

“There’s gotta be a hundred reasons why I don’t blow you away. Right now I can’t think of one,” Houstonian Dennis Quaid says in the 2002 film, The Rookie. A quote that got me thinking about today’s marquee matchup between the Rockets and Warriors. I mean seriously, there’s gotta be a hundred reasons why Houston doesn’t blow Golden State out of their new arena. It’s Christmas Day, the merriest day of the year. Everyone will be watching, the Rockets shouldn’t embarrass the Warriors in front of a national audience. Houston should be nice, and take it easy on a Golden State team who owns the worst record in the West. The Warriors have been plagued by injuries, and now house one of the league’s youngest squads. They still have Draymond Green, but as he’s shown us this season, Green’s no All-Star, just skillful at kicking people in the groin. Despite all these excuses, I can’t think of one reason why the Rockets shouldn’t blast the Warriors out of the brand new Chase Center, for all eyes to see. Golden State’s ended Houston’s season 4 of the past 5 years. It’s punishing hour in the Bay Area on Christmas. The Rockets are in town to dole out some more revenge on the team they used to call their rivals.

Houston finishes their road trip today in the Warriors’ brand new arena, the Chase Center. The Rockets won the first matchup against Golden State earlier this season back in Houston. At the moment, James Harden and Russell Westbrook are playing like the best duo in basketball. The squad’s riding on a 4-game winning-streak as they arrive in the Bay Area. More impressively, the Rockets have been road warriors, winners of six straight on the road. There’s no reason why the Beard and company shouldn’t make it seven in a row on Christmas. This Golden State roster is lightyears away from the dynasty that knocked Houston out of the playoffs in years past.

Harden is having another historic, MVP-caliber season, and Westbrook is rounding into All-Star form for the Rockets. It would take a Christmas miracle for Houston to lose their first game in the state-of-the-art Chase Center. However, the Rockets are prone to setbacks. Right when it appears like you can almost guarantee a Houston victory, the squad has a letdown, toying with their opponent until it’s too late… and the Rockets get played, like rookies at a poker game. The Warriors, despite their last-place record, have won two straight games. The Rockets can’t overlook their opponent’s depleted roster. Houston’s had problems overlooking opponents in the past, but the squad should have plenty of motivation any time they play Golden State. The Warriors gave Harden and the Rockets plenty of anguish over the last five years. It’s time for Houston and the Beard to repay the favor.

Christmas Day represents the “start” of the NBA season in they eyes of many casual sports fans. A day signifying the league’s in full-gear. The NFL season is winding down, and with the MLB offseason in full-swing, the NBA owns Christmas Day. On display for the holiday are five matchups, mainly featuring elite teams. The Lakers, the Clippers, the Bucks, you know.. the favorites people think we will the title in June. Listen to all the national media noise if you want. Big markets have louder voices. They’ll give you a hundred reasons why one of the teams playing this holiday will win the NBA Championship. And they’re right. One of these teams showcased on Christmas will eventually be crowned champs… just not the ones they think.

 

Chase Center:  San Francisco, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (21-9):  “Space City” White

Golden State Warriors (7-24):  Black

 

TV:  4 PM CT – ABC

Rockets Conquer Kings, 113-104, Earn Fourth Straight Win

Terrific Tandem.    Impending Returns.    Something New.

We’d seen this story unravel in multiple games earlier this year, in distant memories of the past. The Rockets up big, before letting a team back in the game. This contest brough to mind the “it’s not destroying, it’s making something new” quote from the 2018 film Annihilation. Revenge comes in many forms, and while the Rockets didn’t quite annihilate the Kings on Monday night, Houston staved off a Sacramento rally to win, 113-104. For a squad prone to allowing comebacks, the Rockets didn’t let this game get away. Something new in its own right, as Houston’s too many heartbreaking losses, the worst of which was to Sacramento in the first matchup of the season. James Harden and Russell Westbrook were a terrific tandem in sync once again, both with efficient performances. If any doubters remain wondering if Harden and Russ can play together, they’re just confused. Brodie and the Beard have been terrific during the squad’s 4-game winning streak. In Sac-Town, the two combined for 62 points, on a combined 20-for-41 shooting from he field, including a lethal 7-for-15 from downtown. Harden scored 34, while Russ finished with 28, as he continues to increasingly infuse himself with Houston’s offensive system with each game. Clint Capela had another solid game for the Rockets, posting 15 points and 14 boards, while providing tough interior defense on Marvin Bagley. Capela’s become a double-double machine, seemingly getting one each night nowadays. Houston needs the big man to continue having the best season of his career as we approach the midway point of the season.

The Rockets withstood a brilliant game from De’Aaron Fox, who had 31 points for the Kings. It wasn’t enough for Sac-Town, as Houston brought too much firepower for the Kings to stop. The Rockets are really starting to gel as a unit. Westbrook finally appears to know the role Houston needs him to provide. Ben McLemore has been the most pleasant surprise of the year for the Rockets. The only question remains, when Eric Gordon returns, how will it affect the play of Benny Mac, and the team? Only time will tell. EG has been seen shooting in pregame warmups, and his return is imminent. Coach Mike D’Antoni said Gordon’s most likely return date will be Sunday in New Orleans. It will be the second night of back-to-back for Houston, and Russell Westbrook likely won’t be playing in New Orleans. It’s also the last place Gordon played before getting knee surgery, having one of his best games of the season. How fitting would it be if EG could literally pick up right where he left off?

For now, Houston will continue to annihilate their competition without Splash Gordon. The Rockets finish up their West-Coast trip on Christmas Day, in Golden State’s brand new arena. The opponent responsible for ending Houston’s season out 4 of the last 5 years. With all their injuries, it’s not the same Warriors team we’ve seen over the last few years. It doesn’t matter. Revenge comes in many forms, and on Wednesday, Santa’s giving the Rockets a shot at some Christmas revenge as they play the Warriors for the first time in their new arena. Golden State’s shiny, luxurious, grand Chase Center. While Houston might not destroy the Warriors, they have a chance to start something new, and make all those losses in Golden States just distant memories of the past. 

Rockets Visit Sacramento, Prepped to Even Up Kings

Top 50.    Contesting Shooters.    Turning the Page. 

“I think people are just mad with how he’s mastered the game,” Blazers guard C.J. McCollum perked about James Harden on his podcast Monday. And McCollum has a point. Just another NBA player pointing out the Beard’s excellence, as fans and media outlets nationwide continue to down Harden in hate with every passing attempt. Tonight, Harden’s Rockets hit Sacramento for stop #3 on their 4-game road-trip. In the first matchup in Houston, the Kings beat the Rockets at the buzzer, on a deep game-winning three by Njemanica Bjelica. It’s still the most heartbreaking loss of the season for the Beard and company. Since heartbreak in Houston two weeks ago, these teams are trending in different directions. The Rockets roll into Sacramento on a groove. Houston shoots for four straight against a Kings team that has lost three games in a row. Russell Westbrook has evolved into the player Houston hoped to see. Brodie’s been masterful in tweaking aspects of his playing style to fit Coach Mike D’Antoni’s offensive system. After Houston’s last game, the Rockets now have two of the top 50 scorers in NBA history. Harden currently sits in the 45th spot, and Westbrook moved into the 50th spot after the win in Phoenix. ’Tis the season of duos in the NBA this year. Kawhi and PG13. LeBron and AD. But right now, no duo’s playing at a higher level than the Beard and Brodie.

The childhood buddies are both averaging over 30 points (40 for Harden, of course) and shooting at least 50% from the floor. And the last time the Rockets lost when both Harden and Westbrook played? To these same Kings, at Toyota Center, two weeks ago, a soul draining loss at the buzzer. Houston’s superstar duo will look to avenge early season heartbreak with a victory to keep the winning streak alive. It won’t be easy. It’s the last game before Christmas for the Rockets, and it won’t be bringing Houston any gifts. Harden and the squad are going to have to earn the W tonight, against a Sacramento team with some young talent back on the court.

One of the reasons the first game against the Kings was so heartbreaking for Houston, other than losing to a bad team at home, was Sacramento’s young starts De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley were nursing injuries. Fox and Bagley are back in action, and have been slowly eased back into action for the Kings. This duo gives Sacramento added talent and depth. If the Rockets fall asleep, it could be enough of an addition to get another victory over Houston. But it appears the Rockets have turned the page, and are putting their bad habits (mainly) to rest, or so it seems.

Tonight will be a true test to see if Houston can win a game they’re supposed to, without stress. The Rockets are the much better team, and should win easily. But, just when it looks like Houston’s turned the page, they digress, and play down to their competition. The key to tonight’s game will be closing out on open shooters. De’Aaron Fox is one of the fastest point guards in the NBA. Fox’s speed creates a plethora of open threes for Sacramento’s various array of snipers: Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Harrison Barnes and (last but NOT least)… Nemanja Bjelica. Bagley’s post presence will also create more open permitter opportunities for Sac-Town’s snipers. Monday’s game features two of the top five contested shooters in the league. Buddy Hield leads with 240 contested shots, and James Harden is fifth on the list, at 219 contested shots hoisted. The Beard’s able to shake his defender, thus creating more open opportunities for himself. Hield, meanwhile, is more of a catch-and-shoot gunslinger. But both guys have earned the respect of the defense, thus all the contests on shots from (mostly) helpless defenders. Houston needs to keep an eye on Hield, and Sacramento’s arsenal of perimeter threats. If the Kings knock down a few in a row, get their crowd cheering, then it could be a long night at the Golden 1 Center. But don’t expect to hear many cheers in the crowd tonight. The most-hated man in professional sports rolls into town. And no one’s mastered the game like James Harden. Sacramento… prepare to be mad.

Golden 1 Center:  Sacramento, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (20-9):  Black

Sacramento Kings (12-17):  Red

 

TV:  9 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Bearded Sunset:  Harden’s 47 Distance Rockets Past Suns, 139-125

30 x 30.    Heavy Lied the Hand.    Desert Sniper.

 

“I am the gatekeeper to my own destiny and I will have my glory day in the hot sun,” Jack Black says in Nacho Libre, a 2006 film about a cook moonlighting as a wrestler. On Saturday night, James Harden cooked the Suns late into the moonlight, leading Houston past Phoenix for a 139-125 victory. The Beard finished with 47 points, including a dazzling array of late step-back three’s.. the kind of deep shots that only Harden can make. The Arizona State product also added 7 assists and 6 boards, to the delight of many fans in the crowd. Harden still has plenty of friends in Arizona, and Phoenix embraced Harden before he was in the NBA, when he was a budding prospect at ASU. Phoenix kept within striking distance for most of the matchup, but once Harden got sizzling, they had no chance… it was time for the Suns to set. The victory sealed three straight for the Rockets, including five consecutive road wins. It’s also the squad’s 11th straight win in Phoenix, a place where Harden and co. have felt right at home. Russell Westbrook’s chemistry with Harden and the squad improves each night. Brodie displayed another stellar performance for Houston, scoring 30 points, while dishing out 10 assists. Westbrook’s shot selection in Phoenix was beautiful. Russ went 11-for-21 from the floor, better than 50% shooting. And Brodie only attempted two threes, draining one. As Westbrook continues to use a drive-first approach to his game, the Rockets are becoming more and more dangerous. Clint Capela had another strong game for the Rockets, garnering 14 points and 17 boards. Houston needs Capela to sharpen the rough edges in his game during the regular season. The game slows down in the playoffs, and the painted area of the court sees more action. Last season’s fall to the Warriors showed when scouted properly, Capela was shut down. Houston needs their big man to be a productive to beat the league’s elite teams.

Saturday’s win in Phoenix marked the first time that Harden and Westbrook both scored 30 in the same game as Rockets. The childhood buds have steadily worked through the early season growing pains, and now appear to be on the same wavelength. This may be in part to Westbrook’s improved health. Brodie’s dealt with multiple dislocated fingers that occurred during preseason, and has since played through the pain. After Saturday’s win, Russ said his hand is feeling better… maybe health is all Westbrook needed to get into a groove. Basketball’s a sport heavily reliant on hand-usage… especially for a ball-dominant guard like Westbrook. Through his first 19 games, Brodie averaged 21.7 points on 40.9% shooting, including a dismal 23.2% from downtown. Since Westbrook ditched his finger-straps, the Rockets are 6-1 in the last seven games Brodie has played in, with the lone loss coming at the buzzer to Sacramento. During this span, Russ is averaging 29.2 points on 52.2% shooting, featuring an improved 34.1% from behind the arc. This is the Westbrook Houston hoped to see when they traded for him in the offseason. Brodie is adapting to Coach D’Antoni’s offense with his improved health. A bad hand affects everything in basketball: shooting, ball-handling, passing, rebounding, defense, the list goes on. Westbrook’s ability to fight through pain over first 19 games is evidence of his rare breed of toughness.

It’s no earthquake, but movement is being made out West. Slowly.. like revelations to the next Christopher Nolan movie. LeBron and the Lakers have lost three straight after starting the season 24-3. L.A. still sits in first, but the gap is closing. The Rockets are now 20-9, grasping the third spot. Houston’s quietly moved past the Clippers and Mavs, although all three teams are within a game of each other in the loss column. The Nuggets are a game ahead with 8 losses, but Denver visits Houston on New Year’s Eve, marking another opportunity for the Rockets to make moves in the standings. Up next, Houston travels to Sacramento for stop #3 on their four-game, west-coast trip. Two weeks ago, the Kings beat the Rockets at the buzzer in Harden’s house. On Saturday night, the Beard put on another dominant performance, and showed why he controls Houston’s fate. The Rockets can advance far in the playoffs with Westbrook and a healthy squad. But, to win it all? The most difficult of tasks. Houston needs vintage Harden performances like his fourth-quarter sniping display in the desert. Westbrook adds a dimension that gives Houston their best chance to win a title in Harden’s era. But these Rockets only fly as high as the Beard takes them. And to win a championship, Houston will need Harden’s glorious days in June… when the sun’s hot.

Rockets Head to the Desert, Look to Keep Rolling in the Sun

Sunny Advantage.    Avoiding the Trap.    All-Decade.

Houston pays a visit to the desert to face the Suns on Saturday night. The Rockets are looking for their third straight victory tonight. But the past two wins haven’t been easy. Houston’s coming off consecutive 15-point halftime comebacks in their past two games. The first time that’s happened in franchise history. The Rockets will try avoid digging an early hole in Phoenix, as they face one of the youngest teams in the league. James Harden and Russell Westbrook can’t overlook these Suns because they’re a losing team. Houston’s had a problem playing down to their competition yet again this season. It’s a trend they’ll look to end in the desert on Saturday night.

Phoenix started off the season hot, going 5-2, with impressive victories over the Lakers and Sixers. Since, the Suns have cooled off. Phoenix is currently 11-17 and out of the playoff picture. Granted, they just got their best big man, sophomore DeAndre Ayton, back from a suspension. Ayton scored 18 points and grabbed 12 boards in his first game earlier this week against the Clippers His size and strength will pose challenges for Clint Capela in the middle. P.J. Tucker, coming off a stellar defensive performance guarding Kawhi Leonard, and at times Paul George, will no doubt be at Clint’s side to help. Phoenix’s best player, Devin Booker, is one of the most underrated stars in the league. Outside of Booker and Ayton, the Suns are thin, and one of the youngest teams in the NBA. Phoenix’s future is bright, but this season they’re lottery-bound.

Westbrook’s rolling, and the Rockets shouldn’t have much of a challenge in the desert, unless they regress to bad habits. Phoenix lost last night in Oklahoma City, so Houston has the added edge in the rest category as well. Nonetheless, this game has the feel of one that could be a trap game. Christmas is nearing. A rematch with the Kings looms on Monday, the team that stole one in Houston at the buzzer. The Rockets need to keep their focus on the opponent at hand, or this young Phoenix team could run past Houston. If the Harden and co. overlook the Suns, watch out. Despite this being a back-to-back for the Suns, they’re young, and don’t know any better. If Houston plays around, they might shoot themselves in the foot once again. Hopefully the last two comeback victories have inspired the Rockets to start sharper from the tip. Houston has to avoid falling behind by big margins. Comeback victories are dramatic and exciting. But they’re also draining and tiresome on the players. P.J. Tucker is playing way too many minutes. As evidenced on Thursday night, the Rockets will rely on P.J. in the playoffs. The 34-year old Tucker will be 35 by then. Father time catches up with everyone. Houston needs to give P.J. a breather and start winning games comfortably. If the Rockets keep playing around with the game, the game will come back to bite them at the most crucial of moments.

Look, at the Suns, and you see the 11-17 record, a young team, destined for the lottery. However, this is actually the best Phoenix team all decade. It’s been a cold ten years for the Suns since they last saw the playoffs, losing to Kobe’s Lakers in the 2010 Western Conference Finals. This season, and entering a new decade, signals change for Phoenix. They started hot, and have shown signs of promise this season. The Suns will be a threat to make the playoffs for years to come in the future, but not this year. Houston, meanwhile also has the best team they’ve had all decade. And this Rockets group has different aspirations than Phoenix’s young core… serious title aspirations. After dispatching their rivals, the Clippers, in the previous game, Houston put the league slightly on notice, letting the NBA know, “hey we’re here, too.” But the Rockets have to win matchups like the one tonight if they want to give themselves a chance. Losing to bad teams piles up. Houston needs to begin piling up wins. Harden, Westbrook, and the Rockets should be too much to handle for a Suns team playing on the second night of a back-to-back. It’s stop two of Houston’s four-game road-trip. Only a young, tired Phoenix team stands in the way of victory. Time for the Rockets to make the Suns pay, and give the fans what they paid for, as Houston visits the desert.

 

Talking Stick Resort Arena:  Phoenix, Arizona

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (19-9):  “Space City” White

Phoenix Suns (11-17):  Black

 

TV:  8 PM CT – NBA TV,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Comeback Kids 2:  Westbrook Shines as Rockets Rally, Shock Clippers, 112-107

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.    Deja Vu.    Wild, Wild West.

“That was the best acting I’ve ever seen in my whole life,” a young child-actor tells Leonardo DiCaprio’s fading movie star in Quentin Tarantino’s latest film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. And what a night it was in Hollywood on Thursday. For the second consecutive game, Houston faced a steep deficit late in the first half, and acted like they were going to lose. Far from the friendly confines of Toyota Center, this wasn’t going to be Monday night Deja Vu. The difference between hosting a Spurs team transitioning into rebuilding mode, versus playing on the road against a legit title contender, is night and day. The Rockets weren’t supposed to comeback. Not again. Not against these daunted Clippers, winners of 10 in a row at home. Yet, Houston shocked the world, ended the Clips streak at home, and won the game, 122-117, in impressive fashion.

The Rockets trailed by 17 late in the second quarter at Staples Center. Similar to the previous game against San Antonio, Russell Westbrook played the lead role as James Harden was targeted heavily by the defense, and had a quiet first half. Brodie kept Houston in the contest against a Clippers team seemingly poised to run away with the game as the clock approached halftime. The Rockets trailed by 15 at the break, but used a dominant third quarter to retake the lead, 90-87, going into the final period. Los Angeles struck back, taking a 113-107 advantage with less than 5 minutes to play. Harden finally caught fire near the end, scoring 9 of his 28 points during the final 6 minutes. But Thursday was Westbrook’s night.

Russ had his best game as a Rocket, showing a national audience why Houston’s superstar duo belongs in the same class as the pairs in L.A. Westbrook finished with a season-high 40 points, along with 10 boards and 5 assists. Russ shot an average 13-for-31, but only attempted 6 shots from long range. Brodie continues to make smarter basketball decisions as the season progresses, specifically with his placement of shot attempts on the floor. When Westbrook drives to the rim, Houston’s chances of winning rise.

The Beard scored a quiet 28 points, but hit some key threes late in the clutch, and dished out 10 dimes on the evening. Harden saw the best perimeter defense the league can offer, yet still managed to shoot 50% from the field, going 8-for-16 from the floor. Clint Capela quietly had a strong game for the Rockets. Houston’s big man posted 16 points, 8 boards, and 4 blocks. P.J. Tucker continues his career-season at age 34. P.J. grabbed 12 rebounds, and scored 10 points, along with great defense on Kawhi Leonard. The Claw was held to 25 points, but only scored 4 points in the final quarter with Tucker hounding him. Danuel House, Ben McLemore, and Austin Rivers all raised their defensive intensity to counter L..A.’s offensive firepower. Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 34 points, but it wasn’t enough, as Houston’s duo out-dueled L.A.’s star pairing on Thursday. The Beard locked up George in the clutch. PG-13 scored only 4 points in the final 5 minutes with Harden primarily defending him. In Harden and Westbrook, the Rockets house the league’s highest scoring duo, averaging around 60 points per game.

Round 3 at Staples Center only further cemented the matchup between these squads as the NBA’s most heated rivalry. In this rivalry, the bad blood gets worse with each game. Lou Williams was ejected after arguing a call in the second half. Patrick Beverly fouled out again, to the delight of Westbrook and the Rockets. Brodie waved goodbye to Mr. 94 Feet as he exited the contest. We’ll have to wait until March 5th the next time these blood-rivals will square off. It’ll be worth the wait. By then, Houston and L.A. will be jockeying for playoff positioning as the season nears the end. The final matchup should be just as, if not more, entertaining than the first three. For now, the Rockets need to focus on their lift-off.

Houston’s struggled mightily in the first half over the past two games. Everyone loves a great comeback, but the Rockets can’t keep falling behind by 15 points at halftime. Eventually, it’s going to wear Houston out. Rallying is hard work. It’s a long season, we’re not even at the halfway point. The Rockets need to keep their eyes on the big picture. Some comfortable wins will ease Houston’s tired legs in the long run. Hopefully, this road trip (the remaining 3 games all against losing teams) can bring out a more disciplined approach to the game from the Rockets. 

Thursday night saw both of the NBA’s L.A. darlings fall (the Lakers lost to the Bucks), and proved it’s going to be a wild, wild, season the rest of the way out West. Nearing the halfway mark, Houston and the Clips are only 4 games behind the Lakers for the top spot out West. The Rockets have yet to play the LakeShow and the Clips have a date with LeBron and co. on Christmas. Much has to be determined in the wild, wild, west. One thing’s for sure: the West is going to be won in Los Angeles or Houston. If Brodie can continue this emergence as the best “second-best player” on his team in the NBA, the Rockets have a threat to knock off the Los Angeles juggernauts. His career-best performance as a Rocket. Westbrook can score 40 and shoot more than Harden every night. But that’s not the game plan. Russ knows. Houston knows. In some situations, you need to adjust your role properly to fit the scene, as the best actors do in Hollywood. On Thursday night, L.A.’s defense focused on Harden (unsurprisingly). Houston needed Westbrook to play the lead. And Russ stepped up and shined in the role. It’s the kind of acting Houston will require, especially in the playoffs… if they want to be the best Rockets team this generation’s ever seen.