Blog

Finally Here.    Now or Never.    The Departed.

 

            Time seems to go by faster and faster, with each year. It feels like it was only yesterday, that the Houston Rockets suffered their heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the 2018 Western Conference Finals, to the Golden State Warriors. But, it’s been almost a year since Houston nearly tasted a trip to the Finals. And now, after a rollercoaster regular season for both teams, we’re finally here. Back to the point the Rockets have been climbing towards since their departure from competition last year: a rematch with the Warriors. The two-time defending champions. Houston’s biggest rival over the past 5 years, and the squad the Rockets were built to beat. For the second consecutive year, the NBA’s best two teams will face off before the NBA Finals. Except this season, both teams are arguably better. And, one of these offensive juggernauts will be departing the NBA Playoff landscape a round sooner than last season. This year, the “real” NBA Finals takes place in the Western Conference Semifinals. A rematch of last year’s epic Western Conference Finals, that Golden State won in seven games. Due to the league’s playoff format, the Rockets and Warriors could never meet in the Championship round. But, true basketball fans and savants realize these two powerhouses are the best the NBA has to offer, for two seasons running. Two of the most innovative franchises the league has ever seen. Three-point shooting. Offensive efficiency. Scoring explosions. Step-back threes. Small-ball. Extreme isolation. No teams in basketball embody these new trends in the game like Houston and Golden State, and make them work so effortlessly. Big men used to rule the NBA. Stephen Curry’s 3-point shooting, and James Harden’s step-back three (the latter becoming iconic this season) are the final nails in the coffin of basketball’s paint-dominated era.

“I don’t want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me.” The opening line in Martin Scorsese’s classic 2006 film, The Departed, is a synopsis of what the Rockets and Warriors try and accomplish on the court. Revolutionary teams using innovative systems to change the way the game is played. Refusing to mold to their NBA environment, instead using their style to change the game. Allow it to cater to their best abilities. Both Houston and Golden State have each benefited, more so than anyone else, from changes the NBA has made to cater to the offensive, “sexy” part of basketball. Instead of adapting to their basketball environment, the Rockets and Warriors caused the league to make changes, so the game could be adjusted to cater to their styles. The NBA is a product of the Rockets and Warriors respective style of playing basketball. It didn’t used to be that way. The last time Houston won a title, Hakeem Olajuwon dominated an inside-out style of basketball that is rarely seen in today’s game. The Rockets, as influential as they’ve been in changing the game, have been lost in the shadows as Steph Curry and the Warriors get all the credit for revolutionizing the three-point shot. Although, no one shoots the three-point shot with more volume than Houston does. The Rockets just set an NBA playoff record, becoming the first team to attempt more three-pointers than jump shots in their first round victory over Utah. Winners get all the credit, recognition, and remembrance. For all Harden and Houston have accomplished over the past few years, the squad will never get the proper respect and credit until they win a Championship.

Golden State, coming off a series with the Clippers that lasted longer than expected, are finally retaining their interest in basketball. Why now? The Rockets happen to be the only team who can beat the Warriors. Houston knows this. So does, Golden State. There’s a reason that Clippers series was extended. Klay Thompson and the rest of the Warriors couldn’t stop looking ahead to this impending rematch. Golden State will never admit it, but they know if Chris Paul didn’t get injured last year, Houston would have beaten them. They had the Warriors’ backs against the wall, as Paul was the most beneficial factor in Houston gaining a 3-2 series edge. However, Paul went down with the injury, and the Rockets were never the same, losing the final two games, and the series. Golden State is more eager to beat Houston this time around, to try and prove last year’s title wasn’t a fluke. The Rockets, meanwhile, are licking their chops. Houston has waited for this moment since May 28, 2018: Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, the last time these teams met in the playoffs. This season, barring any major injuries, the Rockets have a deeper, tougher, and more talented squad than last year. Houston should be able to beat Golden State. They’re the hungrier team. No one on the Rockets’ roster has a ring. The Warriors have too many rings that they’ve lost interest in the game.

Houston has to take advantage of this opportunity. Chances like these don’t come around often for groups as close-knit as the Rockets. Houston poses a formidable threat to upset the most talented basketball team ever legally assembled. It certainly will be a challenge, but the Rockets are tougher in every department than the Warriors. Golden State has more talent. The Warriors have more talent than anyone. But that talent has started to become irritated. Locker room and chemistry issues have caused more friction amongst this Golden State team than any in the Steve Kerr-era. It’s now or never for the Rockets. Chris Paul isn’t getting any younger. P.J. Tucker is 34. Eric Gordon is 31. James Harden turns 30 in a few months. The franchise won’t be able to obtain all of its assets that Morey acquired mid-season (Danuel House, Austin Rivers, Kenneth Faried). Ultra-reliable Nene, in limited minutes, is on his last legs. Houston’s championship window with this core group is closing. The Rockets have the best shot they’ve had, since the days of Hakeem Olajuwon, to win it all this year. Even better than last season. Houston is too deep, too gritty, and too hungry. The league’s most-hated player will nevr get the respect he deserves until he wins a ring. James Harden is the best player in the NBA without a ring. Expect that to change, and look for the Rockets to put the finishing touches on Golden State’s crumbing dynasty.

It’s been a special season for the Rockets, and their Bearded-MVP. Although, it seems likely Harden won’t win MVP, there’s only one trophy he should be concerned about. To get to that piece of hardware, Harden and the Rockets have to get past the most difficult obstacle they’ll face all season, in an experienced, Championship-laden Warriors squad. Golden State has “winners fatigue”, believe it or not. The only bad news for Houston is, the Rockets seem to be the sole team who gain the Warriors’ interest for more than one game in a playoff series. But, as was evidenced in last year’s Western Conference Finals, and especially during this past regular season, Golden State brings out the very best in the Rockets’ firepower. Houston will need to be firing on all cylinders from the opening gates. Unlike last season, the Rockets open the series on the road, and need to be ready to get a least one of the first two games. Houston can’t afford to fall behind in a series to a powerful Warriors team.

The Warriors have been the golden-standard for all other NBA teams to follow over the last few years. They’re atop the standings out West once again, and Golden State looks to go to the Finals for the fifth consecutive season. In the process, the NBA’s become a product of what are the Warriors doing next, where are they playing tonight, etc. The NBA world has revolved around Golden State. The Warriors are still a product of the NBA, but the NBA is a product of the Warriors. The biggest bandwagon professional sports have ever seen. In this series, the Rockets don’t want to be a product of just another team the Warriors knock off on their way to another championship. Houston has Oracle as its sight to begin making their noise. Letting the NBA world know it needs to start revolving around another team this June. This time, the Rockets want to make the Warriors a product of Houston’s championship run. Time moves fast. Don’t miss a game. This series will be the best the NBA has to offer during these playoffs. And you won’t want to miss the runner-up’s departure.

 

Series Prediction:  Rockets in 6

Formidable Opponent.    Defensive Rise.     Ready to Launch. 

Like many expected, the Rockets closed out the Jazz on Wednesday night to win the first round series, 4-1. After winning the first two games in blowout fashion at home, Houston was tested in the final 3 games of the series. A close, hard-fought win in Game 3 gave the Rockets an insurmountable 3-0 lead. Despite winning Game 4, the Jazz didn’t have enough firepower as the rest of the Rockets came around to seal the deal in Game 5. Sure, the series got closer and more contested as it moved along (as most series do), but Houston fans got greedy. The Utah Jazz had a great season and remain a team with a bright future. Of all the teams that advanced to the next round, the Rockets had by far the toughest opponent in Utah. The idea that a sweep even became a possibility in this series is a testament to the greatness of this Houston squad. The Rockets were never expected to sweep the Jazz. However, had Houston dialed in during the fourth quarter of Game 3, and executed their offense in a different fashion, they might have brought the brooms out. Eric Gordon continued his efficient and consistent play since the All-Star break. Gordon’s defense on the Jazz’ Donovan Mitchell is a major reason Houston won this series in 5 games. James Harden didn’t shoot the ball well, but the reigning-MVP made winning plays, his steal in Game 5 sealed the series win.

The Rockets managed to get past Utah without suffering any injuries. Clint Capela was battling two virus’ that kept his production subpar in Games 3 and 4, but the big man responded in Game 5. Capela looked to be feeling better, scoring 16 points, grabbing 10 boards, to go along with 3 blocks in his best game of the series. Houston needs Capela to return to his All-Star-caliber form for the Rockets to have a chance in the next round.

Houston now advances to play either the Los Angeles Clippers or the Golden State Warriors in the second round. In what no one saw coming, Golden State lost at home (again) to the Clippers last night to extend their series. Nonetheless, all signs point to a Western Conference Finals rematch with the Warriors. The Rockets have waited, since last May, to get another shot at the Champs. Houston’s ready for this moment, with a squad that’s even better than last year’s team. The squad that was a hamstring-injury and one win from the NBA Finals. The Rockets enter the next round as durable as they’ve been all season. Houston’s eyes remain fixed on the goal they’ve worked toward getting back to since last May.

Golden State’s never looked shakier in the Steve Kerr-era. Almost everyone expected the Warriors to finish off the Clippers on Wednesday night, especially with the Rockets punching their ticket to the next round. Golden State, who has been prone to mental lapses all season, looked ahead to their impending rematch with Houston. Those mental lapses aren’t going to work against the hungriest Rockets team in the James Harden era. Houston is ready to launch their quest for revenge. The Rockets are not only an obstacle, but a realistic threat to Golden State’s throne. The real NBA Finals get underway in a few days. In what should be a rematch for the ages… Prepare to expect the unexpected.

Rockets Tune Out the Jazz For Good, 100-93, Advance to Next Round

 

Gentleman’s Sweep.    Secret Weapon.    The Waiting Game.

 

As many expected, the Rockets closed out their series with the Jazz on Wednesday night, with a 100-93 victory in Game 5. Houston won the series in five games (4-1), in a predictable gentleman’s sweep. The close-out game was the arguably the toughest win of the series for the Rockets. Utah put up a fight and made Rockets fans nervous until the final buzzer sounded. The Jazz led 94-93 with a little over a minute remaining, before an Eric Gordon three gave Houston the lead for good. James Harden led the way with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, for the Rockets. The man they doesn’t play defense also had 3 steals, including the game-sealing snag, and 4 blocks. The Beard started 2 of 12 from the floor, before finishing with more Harden-like 8 for 14 shooting. Hopefully, a few days off will get Harden’s shot back in rhythm. The Rockets need Harden at his MVP level if they want to beat their next round opponent. Clint Capela had his best game of the series, and looks to be recovering from his illness. Capela had 16 points and 10 boards, to go along with 3 blocks. Nene made his playoff debut in limited minutes, and could be more of a factor in the next series depending on matchup scenarios. Chris Paul had 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 dimes, as Houston continues to “Run as One”, as their motto says, into the second round. P.J. Tucker continues to do it all on defense, as the veteran is truly deserving of All-NBA defensive honors this year.

The difference-maker in Game 5, and the entire series, happened to be Eric Gordon. Houston’s secret-weapon. EG’s defense throughout the series on Donavan Mitchell was outstanding. Gordon played 40 minutes in Game 5, and guarded Mitchell nearly every minute he was on the floor. EG held Mitchell, Utah’s best player, to only 12 points on an ugly 4 of 22 shooting night. Gordon has been relentless on defense all series. EG held Mitchell to 7.6 points per game on 32% shooting from the floor. More importantly, was Gordon’s ball-denial. Mitchell only got 8.2 shot attempts per game when Gordon was the primary defender. EG contested a total of 17 shots from the perimeter throughout the 5-game series. Only one of those shots connected. It’s not just his defense, obviously. Gordon has always been known more for his offense, but EG has shown in this series why he is a true all-around player in the NBA, and a force to reckon with on defense. Offensively, Gordon’s consistency in the scoring and shootings departments continued. EG finished with 15 points, connecting on 4 of his 8 attempts from deep.

If Houston wants to win another playoff series, Gordon’s role needs to continue to be optimized on both ends of the floor. Splash Gordon brings so many intangibles to  the squad, along with his talent. The Rockets will go as far as James Harden takes them, and Gordon has always played well with Harden on the floor. At times he picked up the slack for the MVP during the regular season. Look for Gordon to do the same in the second round if Harden can’t get back to MVP form. The Beard has been great, but the Rockets need Harden to be playing at his highest potential if they want to advance past the next round.

The Rockets will now prepare to play the Golden State… wait. Nothing’s official yet. It’s still scientifically possible that the Houston Rockets could actually play the Los Angeles Clippers in the next round. The Warriors can’t get the Rockets, and their impending rematch, off their minds. Golden State overlooked the Clippers for the second time in their first round series to extend the series to a Game 6 in Los Angeles on Friday night. Nonetheless, it would truly be a miracle if the Clippers Game 6, let alone this series. A win in the series, would give the Clippers the biggest playoff-upset (and arguably sports) in history. Winning Game 6 would just extend the waiting game for Houston. Barring a sports miracle, the Rockets are still going to play the Warriors in the next round. Golden State’s biggest problem this season has been their inability to gain interest in their opponents. The only team to gain Golden State’s interest has been Houston, because the Rockets are the only team who scare the Warriors. Klay Thompson can’t stop mentioning Houston in his postgame interviews. Golden State knows the toughest test they’ve ever faced in the Steve Kerr-era, eagerly awaits them in the next round. Expect the Warriors to get the Rockets off their minds (for a few hours), and finish off the Clippers on Friday night.

The next round for Houston would start on Sunday afternoon, or Tuesday night, if the Warriors-Clippers series somehow gets extended. The Rockets enter the next round as durable as they’ve been all season. Some off-days give Harden a chance to get a breather, and hopefully regain his regular season shooting rhythm. Houston’s eyes remain fixed on the goal they’ve worked toward getting back to since last May. Their likely opponent, Golden State, has never looked shakier in the Steve Kerr-era. Almost everyone expected the Warriors to finish off the Clippers on Wednesday night, especially with the Rockets punching their ticket to the next round. Golden State, who has been prone to mental lapses all season, looked ahead to their rematch with Houston. Those mental lapses aren’t going to work against the hungriest Rockets team in the James Harden era. Houston is ready to launch their quest for revenge. The real NBA Finals get underway in a few days. In what should be a rematch for the ages… Prepare to expect the unexpected.

 

 

 

 

Rockets Aim to Rebound in Houston, Finish Jazz in Game 5

 

Friendly Confines.    Box Out, and Advance.    Taking Care of Business.

 

         “Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it’s contained”, Donald Sutherland decries as President Snow in The Hunger Games. In Game 4, the Rockets gave the Jazz a spark of hope. Houston relinquished their lead entering the fourth quarter of the previous game. In the final frame, the Rockets missed 13 consecutive three’s, with Donovan Mitchell outscoring Houston by himself, en route to a 107-91 Jazz victory, and the reason we have a Game 5 tonight in Houston. In a series the Rockets are expected to close out on Wednesday, the Jazz enter Game 5 riding a spark of hope, courtesy of their victory in Game 4.

Meanwhile, Houston returns home, intent on ending Utah’s season. The Rockets need all the rest and time they can get to prepare for the Warriors, Houston’s next round opponent (unless the impossible happens). A return to the friendly confines should bode well for James Harden and company. In a short sample size, Houston is 2-0 this series at home, with 26 being their average margin of victory. The Rockets have crushed the Jazz in Clutch City, and they’ll look for a repeat performance at Toyota Center tonight. The last thing Houston wants is another trip back to Utah, where the Rockets are 1-1, with their sole victory coming by 3 points. It’s obvious Houston needs to take advantage of home-court and finish this series in Game 5. If the Jazz win and force a Game 6 back in Utah, Houston might have a problem.

Game 4 exposed Houston’s biggest weakness: defensive rebounding. The Rockets were mauled on the glass, and gave up 17 second-chance points to the Jazz, in a game Houston lost by 16. Meanwhile, the Rockets only managed to garner 3 second-chance points themselves in Game 4. Houston needs to do a better job rebounding as a team, and getting to the loose ball in Game 5. Playing at home should inspire the squad to exert more force in the paint, and improve on the boards. The Rockets need to communicate defensively to put bodies on Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors, the Utah tandem giving Houston fits on the glass. Hopefully, Clint Capela will get better soon. The Rockets’ big man has been dealing with two virus’ since this series began, and his play has been notably affected. Houston needs their star center to get well for the next round. For now, the squad has enough grit to get the job done at home, without Capela at full-strength.

It’s gotten to the point where the Rockets need to finally take care of business, and advance past the Jazz into the next round. Houston is playing in front of their fans, and the Rockets have been stellar at home all season, minus the first four games. Including the playoffs, Houston is 33-6 at Toyota Center after starting the season an abysmal 0-4 at home. All signs point to the Rockets avoiding any sort of Game 4-style letdown that would lengthen this first round matchup. It’s a must-win game for Utah. Their season is over with a loss tonight. However, the Rockets can’t afford to lose this game, and extend the series. Especially if they want the best possible chance to dethrone the Warriors in the next round. This game isn’t a must-win for Houston, but the Rockets have to play with the mindset and sense of urgency that it is, in order to finish the series tonight. A win by Utah would give the Jazz a lot of hope, to go with even more confidence and momentum. Game 6 would be back in Salt Lake City, where the Jazz have been mano-a-mano with Houston over 2 games. And anything can happen in a Game 7. The Rockets need to contain the spark of hope Utah brings into Game 5. It’s time to put the Jazz’ crescendo to rest for the season. If the Rockets play with their usual hunger, Houston will be just fine.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Utah Jazz (1-3):  White

Houston Rockets (3-1):  “Earned” Crimson Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT – TNT,  ATT Sportsnet SW

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rockets Give Jazz a Second Chance, Fall in Utah, 107-91

 

Problems on the Glass.    Pest Issues.    No Shame in Defeat.

 

Houston couldn’t rebound to save their life. The Rockets gave Utah too many second chances, and the Jazz took advantage of Houston’s defensive rebounding deficiencies to take Game 4, 107-91, Monday night in Utah. The series now gets extended to a Game 5, which takes place in Houston on Wednesday night. James Harden’s shooting wasn’t the issue for the Rockets in Game 4. Houston got manhandled by Utah on the glass. The Jazz won the rebounding battle, and got more second chances than any Houston opponent all season long. Clint Capela is battling a virus or two, and hasn’t looked right. That has something to with the Rockets rebounding issues, but it’s still no excuse to get dominated on the glass the way Houston did in Game 4. Hopefully a return home will get the Rockets back to manning the paint and boxing out. They also need Clint Capela to get healthy, and quick, Houston is not the force they are inside, or as a team, without Capela.

Despite the final score, Houston was competitive throughout the majority of Game 4. That is, until they had pest issues. Donovan Mitchell, aka “Spida” Mitchell went off for 19 points in the fourth quarter, outscoring Houston by himself. James Harden even had more points in the fourth quarter of Game 3 (14), than the Rockets had as a team (12) in the final quarter of Game 4. Houston’s 12 points were a low for a quarter this postseason. The Rockets missed 13 consecutive three-point attempts, and got outhustled in the battle for boards. Last game, Harden couldn’t make a shot in until the fourth quarter. In Game 4, the Beard was very quiet in the final quarter. Harden took only three shots, scoring 5 points. Not enough for the Rockets to get it done, especially in their next series against the defending Champs. Houston’s MVP needs to be more aggressive late in games for the Rockets to have a chance to win the title. Houston needs to really focus on getting to the loose ball in Game 5, and hope Donovan Mitchell isn’t still in a groove from Game 4. And if these shooting spells, that have spelled doom for Houston in the past (Game 7 of last year’s WCF), become a trend, the Rockets could be in trouble in the future. Houston needs to adjust on the fly if their shots aren’t falling. In situations like Game 4, the Rockets would have been better off deterring from their game plan, and attacking the basket. Houston has too many guys who can create off the dribble not to take advantage of the easy baskets they can create for themselves. The Rockets need to realize this, and stem from their trigger-happy ways from deep when the shots aren’t falling.

Mama said there’d be days like this. The Rockets were expected to sweep the Jazz. Before the series started, most (including myself) picked Houston to win in 5 games. That will be the likely result, as long as the Rockets regroup and realize they just had a bad game. It happens. Houston is the better team in this series, and despite Game 4’s result, the Rockets are still better than the Jazz. There’s no shame in Monday night’s loss. Sure, the team could have played better, and attacked the basket more in the final quarter, but there’s a reason no team is getting swept out West. The Western Conference was better than ever this season, and no team has yet to punch their ticket to the second round. The fact Houston managed to win the first 3 games against a Utah team that had the second-best record after the All-Star break (besides the Rockets) is a testament to how good this Houston team really is. The Rockets had an off-night in Game 4, yet still led the contest entering the fourth quarter. There’s no reason to think this group has lost any confidence. Houston will aim to prove this back home in Game 5 on Wednesday night. The Rockets blew the Jazz out of the building in Games 1 and 2 in Houston. There’s no reason to think they can’t rebound from Monday’s loss, and do the same in Game 5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rockets Seek to Sweep the Jazz in Game 4

 

End the Music.    Success for the Rest.    No Time to Dance.

 

“Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?”, Jack Nicholson’s Joker asks in Tim Burton’s Batman. The iconic actor turns 82 today, and this quote from Jack is apt to describe Houston’s situation entering tonight’s matchup. The Rockets are coming off a grueling Game 3 win in Utah that gave them a dominant 3-0 series edge, entering Monday night’s matchup. Houston arrives for Game 4 with the goal of ending Utah’s season. Despite the sizeable lead in the series, the Jazz won’t go down without a fight, especially in Salt Lake City. Sweeps are rare in the NBA’s postseason, but even rarer for the Rockets. Houston has only swept a playoff series three times in the franchise’s storied history. It was 22 years ago, back in 1997, the last time the Rockets swept a playoff series. The Dream-led Rockets swept a Wolves squad with a young Kevin Garnett. Houston hasn’t had a broom night since.

Elimination games are the hardest games to win in the playoffs. Utah has nothing to lose, and the Jazz will be playing just as hard, if not harder, than they did in Game 3. Lucky for the Rockets, James Harden’s had enough of all that Jazz. Don’t expect the MVP to miss his first 15 shots, a la Game 3. The Beard will be better tonight. The question is, will his counterparts be as effective as they were in Game 3? Despite being down 0-3, the Jazz had countless opportunities to be trailing 1-2 in the series, but they couldn’t capitalize. Utah’s three-point shooting has been the worst among all teams that made the playoffs. The Jazz will find a rhythm sooner or later. Houston needs to end the music before it’s too late.

Being up 3-0, teams are prone to relax. Sure, the Rockets don’t need to win tonight. Houston needs just one more win, opposed to the Jazz needing four in a row to take the series. The Rockets need to approach tonight’s game with the same mindset they’ve had throughout this entire series. Houston has no time to play around with the Jazz. If Utah wins Game 4, the momentum in the series swings to the Jazz. It puts added pressure on the Rockets to win Game 5 at home, to avoid heading back on the road for a Game 6. Chris Paul, Houston’s coach on the floor, was demonstrative in making sure the Rockets didn’t cave in Game 3, when Harden’s shot wasn’t falling. Houston could have packed it in during Harden’s struggles, but the rest of the squad proved why these Rockets are true contenders.

Houston could pack it in tonight. Up 3 games in the series, they can afford to relax, right? Wrong. Letting your guard down, and losing focus in a game like this, against a desperate and lethal Utah team, would be equivalent to dancing with the devil for Houston. The Rockets need this game. Not just to advance past the Jazz, but a win tonight helps Houston in the future. The Rockets need as much rest as possible before they enter the bloodbath, and try and dethrone the Golden State Warriors. Closing out Utah tonight allows Houston added rest for the back-to-back Champs, and dodges a potential fluke injury in Game 5. Everyone knows the Rockets are injury prone. The less games Houston grinds through, the less likely they are to suffer a heartbreaking injury like they did last postseason.

Monday night’s matchup is a must-win for the Jazz. Their season ends with a loss. But, their season’s already over (unless they pull off the greatest comeback in NBA Playoff history, which isn’t going to happen). The Rockets need to get to the inevitable: finish the Jazz. Put away the Utah crowd early. Don’t let them become a part of the game. In Game 3, Jazz fans were the loudest Houston’s faced all season. They’re only going to be louder in Game 4, with Utah’s season on the line. The Rockets need effective communication on defense, and good ball movement. If Houston can stick to their game plan, and close out on open shooters, the Rockets should be able to tune out the Jazz for good. The Rockets have some spring-cleaning to take care of. Get the brooms, there’s no time to dance.

 

Vivint Smart Home Arena:  Salt Lake City, Utah

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (3-0):  Black

Utah Jazz (0-3):  White

 

TV:  9:30 PM CT – TNT, ATT Sportsnet SW

 

 

 

 

 

Strange Lake City:  Rockets Quiet Jazz, 104-101, Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead

 

Ugly Masterpiece.    Late Night Tunes.    Staying the Course.

 

Not many saw this one coming. In one of the most bizarre games in recent memory, the Rockets held on to beat the Jazz, 104-101, for a dominant 3-0 lead in the series. Houston shouldn’t have won this game. Last season’s Rockets would have lost on Saturday night. Any past Harden-led Rocket teams would have fallen in this contest. But… not this Rockets team.   Despite a historically poor shooting night from their MVP, Houston found a way to win. Harden started the game 0/15 from the field, marking the most consecutive field goals missed in his career. Utah’s defense put Harden out of sync early, and forced him into distributor mode. The Beard managed 10 assists, but couldn’t buy a basket until nearly the midway point of the fourth quarter. Luckily for Houston, the rest of the squad came ready to play, and never succumbed to the noise or pressure.

Chris Paul had 18 points, and carried the load for the majority of the game. Clint Capela was a force inside, picking up another double-double, with 11 points and 14 boards. P.J. Tucker, whose late rebounds sealed the win for the Rockets, had 12 points and 10 boards. Tucker also hit 3 of 4 free throw attempts in the final minute to give Houston the win. Eric Gordon had 12 points, and Austin Rivers chipped in with 11. Geral Green came out of nowhere and hit three long bombs to keep Houston within striking distance in the second half. Kenneth Faired only played 9 minutes, but still managed to compile 4 points and 5 rebounds in spare time. It was a complete team effort. On Saturday night, the Rockets proved they can win with their MVP at his worst. A scary thought for the rest of the league.

Harden was bad. At times, the worst he’s been all season. Amongst all the talk about his torrid shooting, this wasn’t just another off-night for Harden. This matchup displayed so much more. This game more than any other in his career, shows Harden’s growth as a player, leader, and superstar. The Beard started 0 for 15, and looked downright different. Utah had completely taken him out of his shooting rhythm. The Jazz made Harden feel them on defense, and sent multiple bodies at the reigning MVP. Still, Harden managed to find his teammates, something he’s never gotten enough credit for, and finished with 10 assists. Not to mention 6 steals, as Harden’s defense continues to be great night-in, night-out.

When the final frame came around, Harden found his shot, finishing the game 3 of 5 from the field. The Beard scored 14 of his 22 points the fourth quarter, including two big threes that kept the Rockets in a game they would have lost any other season. In years past, Harden would have rained it in, quit, said enough. Not on Saturday night. In Game 3, Harden saved his best tunes for end of the night. The MVP kept attacking, and never let the end-goal of taking Game 3 out of sight. Harden’s mental evolution and growth was on full display in Game 3. In the longest game of the season for Houston, Harden and the Rockets prevailed. It was an ugly masterpiece. The kind of game they would have never won earlier in the year, or last season. These are the type of games championship teams win. Every championship team wins games they’re not supposed to in the playoffs, when they’re not playing their best, and they have to grind it out. Game 3 in Utah will be a game to look back on if Houston achieves their ultimate goal of winning a title.

Houston took Utah’s best punch, but stayed the course, and got contributions from everyone in order to win their toughest battle of the season. This matchup was grueling. The crowd was the loudest the Rockets have played against all season. Not just because it was their first road playoff game, but Utah’s fans really came out in full support. They were loud and in unison from the opening tip until the final seconds. Jazz fans have a reputation for being rude and disrespectful, but they bring an energy level to Utah’s arena that few fan bases can match. Donovan Mitchell had his best game of the series, dropping 34 points, but Utah’s best player missed an open three late to tie the game, and essentially ensured victory for Houston. A win the Jazz desperately needed. And Utah played with desperation, heart, and urgency, in a must-win game with their season on the line. They now trail the Rockets 0-3 in the series, a deficit from which no team in NBA history has ever recovered. Houston collectively managed to survive Utah’s best punch. These Rockets are much hungrier than last season’s group. Now, they just need to take care of business in Game 4 to finish the series.

Harden and the Rockets stayed the course in Game 3. Despite his torrid shooting night, the Beard kept shooting. And the Rockets stayed in reach. When the Jazz would pull away. EG, Green or CP3, or (insert name here) would hit a shot to keep Houston in the game. The Rockets need to continue to stay the course and play as a team in Game 4. Utah’s fans will be louder. The Jazz are one of the few teams that play hard every single game. Houston needs to be ready for another grueling back-and-forth matchup on Monday night. James Harden isn’t going to miss his first 15 shots, and the Rockets will be better. Utah won’t be going down without a fight. Many people (myself included) expected the Jazz to win at least one game in this series. If the Rockets stick to their game plan, with a rejuvenated Harden, Houston should be able to sweep Utah. Not many saw that coming.

 

 

Rockets Hit the Road, Seek to Silence Utah’s Hopes in Game 3

 

Road Warriors.    Shooting into Silence.    The Best of Us.

 

Houston storms into Salt Lake City on Saturday night, facing the Jazz in the pivotal Game 3 of this series. The Rockets hold a 2-0 series lead after holding serve and winning the first two games at home in blowout-fashion. A win tonight would give Houston a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, a deficit from which no team in NBA history has ever recovered. James Harden, has led the way, like he’s done all season. Coming off a triple-double in Game 2, Harden is not the Playoff-Beard of old. The reigning-MVP has his eyes dead-set on a different trophy. One that comes with a ring.

Utah’s season is on the line tonight. Lucky for them, they’ll have their raucous, obnoxious home crowd behind them on every play. But, the Jazz might want to take note: the Rockets are road warriors who relish this sort of opportunity. Last season, Houston won both matchups in Salt Lake City, and they split the pair in the regular season this year. After Game 2, P.J. Tucker spoke on the Rockets hitting the road: “We play great on the road. The energy, us against the entire arena, I don’t know what it is, but it brings out the best in us… Fans are going to come out, be excited. We’re ready to play.” Sounds of doom for the Jazz, unless they can get Donovan Mitchell going.

Houston has done a marvelous job on Mitchell the entire series. Specifically, Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers done the majority of guarding Utah’s best player. And they’ve shut him down. Mitchell already has bridge named after him in SLC. In this series, he’s already been hit with troubled waters, via Splash Gordon. The emergence of EG since the All-Star break has been a major key to Houston’s resurgence and consistency late in the season.

Utah has one of the best home-court advantages in the league. As is the case, role players perform at a higher level at home. So expect Joe Ingles, who has been non-existent, to be a factor, along with Jae Crowder. Houston needs to keep these guys in check, along with Ricky Rubio. Rubio’s confidence wanes when he plays the Rockets. James Harden needs to continue to roast the confidence out of Rubio, which shouldn’t be a problem for the reigning MVP.

The Beard’s had plenty of rest over the first two blowout victories. Harden is pacing himself for the ultimate goal. If the Rockets start the game with the same intensity and focus as they did in Houston, Harden and co. should be able to shoot their way to silence the Salt Lake crowd. The Jazz will be a much better team than the squad the Rockets faced in Houston. Salt Lake City has never been an easy place to get a victory. But, Houston is locked in with a Championship-level mindset. And as Tucker said, playing on the road brings out the best in the Rockets. Jazz fans may not be excited for long. Houston’s ready to play.

 

Vivint Smart Home Arena:  Salt Lake City, Utah

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-0):  Black

Utah Jazz (0-2):  Rainbow Orange

 

TV:  9:30 PM CT –  TNT,  ATT Sportsnet SW

James Harden has been a force to reckon with in the NBA Playoffs for seasons now. But in 2019, Harden and the Houston Rockets are out to seek an NBA championship. Despite never making the NBA Finals in his Rockets’ tenure so far, Harden has been the spectacle of the team ever since his trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Great players have come and gone for the Rockets, especially during the playoffs. But Harden has been consistent throughout and continues to prove that with every post-season game. During the first two games against the Utah Jazz, Harden has torched Utah’s defense, while exposing Donovan Mitchell to the world. Harden’s stellar play so far in the playoffs has been nothing less than great. Heading into Game 3 on Saturday night, James Harden and the Rockets know what they must do to get one game closer to advancing.

Being the key difference for such a talented Houston team has become the norm for Harden over the years. Despite having star point guard Chris Paul as his running mate, Harden’s game hasn’t declined a bit. Their play together reinforces why Harden and Paul are the NBA’s most dynamic backcourt. Acquiring Paul was a great move by Houston, and with CP3 looking spry as ever, Harden has an extra weapon by his side for this playoff run.

Should the Rockets advance to the second round, which is highly likely, a matchup against the Warriors is likely awaiting. What better way for the Rockets to advance to the Western Conference Finals than beating the superstar-studded Golden State Warriors?  A team considered by many to be the most talented ever assembled.

James Harden continues to be the difference maker for Houston. His incredible step back jumpers and eye-popping three pointers have made the Rockets a must-watch team so far during the playoffs.  Expect to see a lot more of Houston and their bearded-superstar. The run is only beginning.

 

Brandon Eisenman

Play It Again, James:  Rockets Blast Jazz, 118-98, in Game 2 Victory

 

Dialed In.    Tone-Setters.    Normality.

 

“MVP! MVP! MVP!” The normal chants were heard at Toyota Center on Wednesday night, as James Harden and the Rockets pounded the Jazz for a 118-98 victory, and a 2-0 series edge. The Beard walked into the arena wearing a chain dedicated to his childhood friend, Nipsey Hussle, who was tragically killed weeks ago. “This journey I’m on is for him”, said Harden post-game. The marathon superhuman season continued for the Beard in Game 2. Harden finished with 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, his third career playoff triple-double. Chris Paul chipped in with 17 points, and Eric Gordon was solid, yet again. EG has been on a consistency tear since the All-Star break. Splash Gordon had 16 points, but it’s his consistency on both ends of the court that make the biggest difference for Houston. EG is one of the most underrated defensive players in basketball. Joe Ingles, who destroyed Houston in Game 2 last year, has been a non-factor in this series. A lot of that credit goes to Eric Gordon, who’s also done a great job keeping Donovan Mitchell in check. Combined with Gordon’s ease to score the ball, there’s no question why EG is the third playmaker on the team, behind the superstar backcourt.

The entire squad locked in defensively. Austin Rivers was brilliant in limited minutes. P.J. Tucker and Danuel House were their usual aggressive selves. Tucker’s shooting has been a welcome sight to start the series. Tucker had 16 points, and made 4 of his 7 three-point attempts. Combined with EG, they’ve shot over 50% from deep over the first two games. Tucker was a streaky shooter in the regular season. When P.J. is knocking down his three’s, Houston looks like an invincible machine on the court. Clint Capela was formidable in the paint, with 10 boards and 3 blocks. Capela’s style of play has kept Rudy Gobert from contributing on the defensive end for Utah. If Gobert leaves Capela to help on D, either Harden or Paul finds the Big Swiss for an open dunk.

What a difference one game makes. Looking at this season, compared to last year, these Rockets are locked in on a completely different level. Just like in this series, last season Houston crushed Utah in Game 1.   However, they lost Game 2 last season, as the squad didn’t approach the game with the same intensity and focus. This season, focus isn’t the issue. These Rockets are completely dialed in, and they proved that with their blowout victory over the Jazz. Houston is setting the tone for the series, and the rest of the playoffs. What many expected to be a long first round may end up shorter than most predicted.

Utah has never been in this fight. Granted, it’s still early, and they say a series never starts until the home team loses. But, the Rockets have completely dominated the Jazz in every fashion throughout the first two games. Houston aims to bring this trend to Utah, where, they can officially say: the series has started. On the MVP chants, Harden said at the podium after the game, “those chants… they’re pretty normal.” The chorus from the crowd has become customary during home games. Just don’t take it for granted, Houston. This season James Harden and the Rockets are having… is anything but normal.