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Capela’s Career-Night, Harden, Cross Up Murray, Nuggets, 125-113

Why So Serious?   Don’t Fall, Jamal!   Hustle and Flow.

Houston returned home to Toyota Center to face a top-seeded Denver Nuggets team as they enter the final mini-stretch of the season’s first half.  The Rockets had no problem with the Nuggets, doing some serious work on Denver and a man’s ankles, Capela and Harden led Houston past Denver, 125-113, on Monday night.  Nikola Jokic “the Joker” might be regarded as the better player in the duel between the big men, however, it was Clint Capela who had the last laugh.  Capela finished with a career-high 31 points to go along with 9 boards.  Clint outplayed another All-Star center, something that’s becoming as nightly as the MVP scoring dropping 30 on the opponent.  The Rockets’ force in the middle proved he’s worthy of being an All-Star this season.  If he doesn’t make the team, it’s not for lack of talent.  The game is a popularity contest, at the moment Derrick Rose has more votes than James Harden.  That pretty much sums up how ridiculously biased the voting is, when it comes to the fan portion of the vote.  But the All-Star game doesn’t mean anything.  Capela’s doing work in games that mean something to help the Rockets climb back up the West standings, and he’s been having the season of his career, some guy with a beard just takes more of the spotlight.

Speaking of beards, James Harden’s streak of 10 straight games with 35+ points and 5+ assists came to an end.  The Beard finished with 32 points and played distributor for much of the night as the rest of the team got rolling, finishing with 14 dimes.  For the first time in twelve games, Harden lowered his scoring average.  By scoring 32 points.  That’s how insanely amazing the Beard’s play has been.  Harden did match his jersey number with his 13^th straight game with at least 30 points.  For a moment, he taught Jamal Murray how to skate, or he tried.  Murray couldn’t keep up, and fell victim to another deadly Harden crossover, arguably the Beard’s best of the season (comparable to the Wesley Johnson Memorial, held last season at Staples in L.A.).  Harden didn’t need as much help tonight, as the Rockets as a team were in a groove.

P.J. Tucker got out of his shooting slump to hit a career-high 7 three-pointers for 21 points.  Gerald Green had another solid game off the bench, finishing with 21 points, and Houston was just too much for a Denver team they’ve now beaten 10 times in a row.  If the Rockets can keep their shooting flow in a nice rhythm and continue to hustle, they can beat any team on any given night.  They will have to continue to hustle and flow on the court, as some beasts from the East come to Houston next, on Wednesday.  The Rockets will host The Greek Freak and the #1 seed Milwaukee Bucks in what should be another tough test for Houston during this difficult stretch in the schedule.  The Rockets don’t match up as well with the Bucks, and the Freak is a whole separate issue altogether.  If Houston plays serious, and as a team, like they did Monday against the Nuggets, the Rockets should pose serious problems for a Bucks team that’s been near the top of the East all season.

Rockets Welcome West-Leading Nuggets to Town, Matchup is No Laughing Matter

Houston-State-of-Mind.   No Joking Around.   Homeward Bound.    

The Rockets are coming off what many call a “hangover” loss to the Blazers in their previous game.  A “Hangover” due to their massive comeback-win on the road in the Champs’ house the game prior.  The Rockets did come out somewhat lackluster, despite Austin Rivers’ offensive spark to start the game. Portland out-played Houston and won.  The squad battled back from sixteen down to make the game interesting, but it wasn’t enough.  Harden and the Rockets’ shots just weren’t falling, and they lost to a decent playoff-bound Blazers team.  It wasn’t a hangover loss, although the Rockets were feeling great after that win over the Warriors, and did come out against the Blazers slower than usual (especially at the end of the first half).  As good as this Rockets team is, they were just out-rebounded and out-hustled by Portland, and ultimately lost.  You can’t with all the games you play.  However, some wins do matter more than others, and that victory over Golden State was still on the minds of both teams during their respective contests on Saturday night.

Houston had that huge win over the Warriors on Thursday night, and the victory seemed to get inside someone’s head.  On Saturday night, Stephen Curry tried to pull-off Harden’s patented, yet extremely difficult, step-back three-pointer, and was called for a travel.  Curry put up his hands to resemble the number “13” trying to say if Harden had done the same move, he wouldn’t have been called for a travel.  However, Steph Curry obviously travelled.  It was a lame attempt at taking a shot at James Harden and the Beard’s invincible move.  Looks like the Warriors are still salty from that loss on Thursday night.  A loss, that came at the hands of one the Beard’s step-back threes (maybe the most difficult of his entire career).  Golden State always says they don’t think about the Rockets, but right now it looks like they have a Houston-State-of-Mind.  Harden and the Rockets have finally gotten into the Warriors’ head.  Golden State still can’t get over a loss in which Kevin Durant was allowed to play out-of-bounds, Draymond Green complained all night with no techs, and the Warriors had no answer for the Beard’s signature move, that, ultimately, ended up winning the game for Houston.  All of these (other than the refs continuation to allow Draymond to say whatever he wants when he wants, no matter how offensive the statement) are good signs for the Rockets and further signs of Golden State’s mental destruction.

The scrutiny on the Beard’s patented move that he’s perfected this season is criminal.  It’s gotten to the point of being a crude joke and is frankly, downright disrespectful.  The Beard’s in the prime of his career and all people want to do is criticize his smallest mistakes.  Sure, Harden travels here and there.  But so does every NBA player.  He doesn’t literally hold the ball and walk halfway up the court like Russell Westbrook (see: last season).  The league even said they’re trying to get the officials to whistle more travel calls this year, although that hasn’t been a major occurrence.  The concept with Harden’s move is his incredible footwork mixed with his ability to lure defenders with his ball handling skills.  But, the aspect of the move that DIFFERS from the way Curry tries it lies in the difference in the players’ lower body strength.  First of all, Harden is a freight train when compared to the frail Curry. Steph’s a great player, but he travelled, and Harden doesn’t (most of the time).  The Beard’s lower-body strength and calf muscles are much stronger than Currys’.  Combine this factor with the Beard’s quickness and stronger legs, which allow him to avoid the travel and do the move unlike any player in history, prove that James Harden doesn’t travel when he lets his step-back three fly.  He may once in a blue moon, but if you think the Beard travels all the time, like the sickening false rumors that run amass the Internet claiming he does, watch him play.  Actually watch. Harden’s too quick for most people to even keep up with his footwork, let alone if they’re not multi-tasking, like many when they watch games.  People just believe what they hear when others claim it’s true, even when they haven’t seen it themselves.  Sure, Harden has that one missed-travel call on Rubio that brought the hate down on him like the plague.  It’s funny how that’s the only play people can come up with when claiming that Harden always travels.

What’s not funny is the Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic aka “The Joker”, and the idea of trying to stop him.  The guy with the best nickname in the NBA isn’t joking around.  The Joker is one of the best Centers in the league, second to only Anthony Davis.  Tonight, the league’s best passing Center, and triple-double flirt-machine hits Toyota Center looking to give the Nuggets their sixth win in a row.  James Harden and the Rockets look to prove that Saturday’s loss to the Blazers was just an anomaly.  It won’t be easy with the Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets in town.  Denver sports an impressive 26-11 record with the top spot in the standings.  The Rockets had one of their more impressive wins earlier in the season, 109-99 over the Nuggets in Denver, when Houston was desperately searching for consistency.  Since then the Rockets’ improvement has been night and day, whilst the Nuggets have had one of the top spots in the West all season.  The Joker is having a career-year as he leads a Nuggets team that’s been hampered by injuries for much of the season, yet still has a small three-game cushion above other teams in the crowded West.  The Rockets had trouble with Nurkic in the previous game, Jokic is an even worse nightmare. Capela will have his hand full on both ends of the floor trying to go toe-to-toe with the Joker.  The Nuggets are deep and versatile, Gary Harris and Paul Millsap’s recent return from injuries only strengthens their lineup.  This game will not be an easy out for Houston.  The Rockets need to bring the focus they had on their win streak if they want to get a victory over a relentless Nuggets team currently on their own five-game winning-streak.  Houston’s focus was top-notch against the Warriors, and the Rockets need to get back to that level to beat a solid Nuggets team, getting healthier and more acclimated to each other with every game.

Nine of Houston’s next twelve games are at Toyota Center.  The Rockets need to take advantage of this home-heavy schedule and take a bound forward in the standings.  A win over a competitive Nuggets team would get the Rockets to within three and a half games of Denver for the top spot out West.  As we approach the midway point there’s still plenty of time in the season for teams to move up and down in the standings.  Houston can do that with a big win tonight that would also guarantee them a portion of the tiebreaker with the Nuggets, as the Rockets already won the first matchup between the teams this season.  The Beard and company try for their tenth win in a row at home tonight at Toyota Center.  Michael Carter-Williams was traded to the Chicago Bulls, for cash and a second rounder, freeing up the roster spot for Danue House Jr., who has been a prime example of what can happen what you put the determination in to getting better and buy into a system.  Other than being supportive on the bench, this Rockets team is just too deep and doesn’t need a player of MCW’s caliber.  Carter-Williams will always be remembered as the Rocket who hit the shot to break Houston’s three-point record, until that record’s broken again, probably this season.  Denver comes into Houston having won nine of its last eleven games.  The Rockets have won eleven of their last thirteen contests.  Something’s bound to give.  The Nuggets have had a great first half to the season, but Houston usually plays well against Denver.  The Beard and the Rockets hope that trend continues, but it’ll be another tough test for a depleted Houston team, still without Chris Paul and Eric Gordon.  The Rockets will try and get the last laugh over the Joker’s Nuggets tonight, back in the friendly confines of Toyota Center.  This time, Houston shouldn’t have to worry about any sort of “hangover.”

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Denver Nuggets (26-11) – Navy Blue

Houston Rockets (22-16) – White

 

TV:  7:00 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW

 

 

Winning Streak Snapped as Rockets Fall to Blazers, 110-101

Lost on the Glass.   Scary Parity.   Home Sweet Home.

The Rockets came into Portland red-hot, only to be cooled-off by the Blazers, as Houston’s winning streak came to a halt, in a 110-101 defeat, on Saturday night.  Portland manhandled Houston on the glass, despite another 20-rebound performance from Clint Capela.  Jusuf Nurkic had a monster game for the Blazers and dominated the painted area, with 25 points and 15 rebounds.  Capela didn’t have enough help on the glass, in a game where no other Rocket had more than five boards.  The Rockets lost the rebounding battle, which was the key to Saturday night’s loss.  Houston had more rest coming into the game (Portland played the night before), but the Rockets looked like they were still feeling the effects of that crucial victory over Golden State in the previous game.  Despite another great game from Austin Rivers, who scored 14 of his 21 points in the first quarter to get Houston started offensively, the Rockets only had four players in double figures and couldn’t manage to outduel the Blazers.  Gerald Green chipped in with 13 points off the bench.  That was pretty much all the bench support Houston got, even though Brandon Knight had his best game yet in red, finishing with 7 points in limited playing time.  The Rockets didn’t have the same focus and intensity they brought to beat the Warriors, and looked a step slow. P.J. Tucker didn’t score a point and only attempted one shot for the entire game.  Houston needs to get the Hustle King going, his corner-threes are key to the Rockets dynamic offensive-attack.  Look for him to find his shooting rhythm in Houston’s upcoming home-friendly schedule.  James Harden had an off shooting night, yet still finished with 38 points and 7 assists, extending his NBA-record of games with 35+ points and 5+ assists to 10 games in a row.

The West has never been so merciless.  The Blazers proved that on Saturday, reminding Houston that Portland is one of many teams in the crowded West who have a chance at getting home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.  Portland ended the first half on a 20-3 run that gave them a 13-point advantage, that, #13 and Houston couldn’t recover from.  The Rockets will get a reminder of the depth in the West with a visit from the Nuggets, the team with the best record in the Conference at the moment (who are exceeding preseason expectations).  The parity in the West is terrifying for teams competing for a playoff spot.  Only 6.5 games separate the #1 seed from the #8 seed, with teams on the outside looking in all still in the playoff-picture, besides the rebuilding Phoenix Suns.  Houston aims to end of the first half of the season at home on a positive note with a pair of victories over elite competition, and a revenge game against Cleveland to cap off the midway-point.

The Rockets return to Houston, and play 9 of their next 12 games at home, including 6 of the next 7 contests. Luckily for the Rockets, they’ve won 9 games in a row at Toyota Center.  Houston looks to close out the toughest stretch of the season in front on the home crowd, as Friday’s game marks the halfway point of the season.  Up next on the schedule, the league’s top teams (by record) from each conference: the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks, come to town.  On Monday night, Houston gets a visit from the top-seeded Nuggets.  A team they beat earlier this season in Denver, which has proven to be arguably the Rockets’ most impressive victory during their poor start.  Houston looks to extend its home winning streak to 10 games and get another victory over a Nuggets team they’ve played well against in recent outings.  The Rockets are optimistic the friendly confines of Toyota Center will help get them back to the red-hot levels of their streak in Houston, as they try and prove Saturday night’s loss was just an aberration for Red Nation.

Rockets Aim to Shoot Blazing Streak to Seven in Portland

Backcourt Battle.   Big Matchup.   Tougher Test.

Houston looks to keep it’s hot-streak going as the Beard and company visit the Moda Center in Portland, looking for their season-high 7th straight win. The Rockets are coming off their best win of the season thus far. After trailing by as many as 20 in the third, Houston came all the way back to beat the Warriors in a Bay Area OT-thriller capped off with the defining shot of James Harden’s career (so far). Despite speculative officiating, the game was a highlight for the league, as the NBA’s best went toe-to-toe late in the game, and some new Rockets (Rivers, House) didn’t shy away from the spotlight. Houston is cooking up some incredible play over impressive competition, led by their bearded chef, who seems to break records and gain momentum with each performance. The Rockets are in the middle of the toughest stretch of the entire season. Regardless, this can be easy to forget, with the Beard carrying the squad, leading the Rockets to win-after-win while making sure the “others” aren’t forgotten. Harden needs to make sure Houston’s not too high after a momentous win over Golden State. Portland has always been one of the tougher places to play in the NBA, and the Blazers may not be the Champs, but they’re no joke, either. The Rockets need to be ready and bring the same focus into the Moda Center that they brought into Oracle.

One of the more dominant backcourts in the league, Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are a handful. Austin Rivers has another great opportunity to show why he’s a perfect fit next to Harden in the backcourt. Rivers has taken on the best guards in the NBA over the last several games (including Curry, Westbrook, and Irving). He’s more than held his own, as the Rockets are undefeated since signing Rivers before Christmas. Last time these two teams met, they set the record for points in a game by starting backcourts, combining for 97 points in a shoot out the Rockets won by seven. In their first meeting, the Blazers ran all over Houston. Although, Harden didn’t play in that game, which took place during the Carmelo Anthony-experiment, back in October. Expect another backcourt-battle tonight as Rivers has a chance to prove why he’s one of the most underrated isolation-scorers in the league.

The matchup of the night takes place in the paint. Clint Capela, coming off another incredible outing, with 29 and 21, will bruise for boards with Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic, an underrated big man who does the majority of the plodding in the paint for Portland. Capela will have his hands full in the post, but if he keeps playing inspired ball, Clint should have another solid game tonight to add to his All-Star resume. Tucker, House, and the Beard will certainly help Capela on the glass, and Rivers adds length to what should be a Rockets rebounding advantage tonight.

Houston needs to come out and strike first, to avoid any potential of a hangover from the previous game. Don’t expect Houston to have any letdowns from their season-defining victory in the previous game. The squad looks focused, and should be ready to take advantage of a Blazers team coming off a tough loss last night to the Thunder. The Rockets are the more-rested team, and shouldn’t have lost any of their focus. If they do seem over-confident, the Beard won’t let them forget the Blazers are no joke. Look for Harden to continue his scorching stretch of play, and put 40 or more on a Blazers team that will be too tired to contain Harden’s handles. The Beard has passed tougher tests.

 

Moda Center: Portland, Oregon

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (22-15): “Earned” Red

Portland Trailblazers (22-17): Black

 

TV: 9:00 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW

MVP Dagger Delivers Final Blow in Epic Comeback, Lifts Rockets Past Champs, 135-134 in OT, Leaves Warriors in a Hardened State

Just Another Game?    Drowning in Dizzy Rivers.    Don’t Bet Against the House.

Don’t bet against the House.  It’s something Golden State will have to learn.  Along with how to guard James Harden, but that’s not a teachable subject.  Going into Thursday night’s matchup, the betting odds favored the Warriors, and reasonably so.  The back-to-back defending Champs, fully healthy, in front of their home crowd.  With a matchup against a Harden-dragged Rockets team banged up for much of the season, despite playing their best ball, a lot of people expected Golden State to win this matchup.  On Thursday night, the Rockets looked destined to have their five-game run come to an end. Houston was beaten and bruised in the first half, trailing by 17 at the break.  Austin Rivers got knocked down and looked concussed.  James Harden took an elbow to the face and went to the locker room.  The Rockets already had Chris Paul and Eric Gordon out with injuries, and now this?  Houston fans and the NBA World thought this game was over.  The Rockets found themselves down by 20, in the toughest arena to win, with a little over nine minutes left in the third quarter.  Their MVP bruised, and Rivers in a daze, victory appeared to be out of reach.  In 99 out of 100 seasons, the Rockets would have lost this game.  Not this season.  Not in Harden’s World.  This season is truly becoming one-of-a-kind.  The Beard and Houston proved that, as they rallied back to beat the Warriors, 135-134, in OT, in what turned out to be the most entertaining game of the NBA season, as we approach the halfway-mark.  Harden hit an impossible shot, on two of the league’s best defenders with one second remaining, to give the Rockets the lead for good.  The Beard took one of the most difficult shots I’ve ever seen in NBA-history with the game on the line.  And made it.  While getting fouled on another no-call.  Harden had no business making that shot.  But as the NBA World is slowly beginning to realize: it’s Harden’s World, we’re just living in it.

The Beard’s improbable shot from 30-feet while surrounded by Draymond Green and Klay Thompson (two of the league’s top defenders) was a sight to behold.  The bucket made Harden the first player in history to have a triple-double with 10 threes.  Afterwards, the Beard shouted something menacing at Draymond that I can’t write here.  I’ll just say pretty much everyone agrees with what the reigning MVP declared after nailing the game winner, and giving Draymond the death-stare as he lay, helpless on the floor, with nowhere to go next, but (where else?) whine.   The NBA’s leading irritant had been barking unnecessarily all night long, as the officials continue to let him mouth off.  They also let Kevin Durant make a critical pass from out-of-bounds (literally) to set up a crucial shot that gave the Warriors a late lead.  It didn’t matter, as The Beard put on a performance for the ages.  He consumed his 5^th straight 40-point game, collecting 44 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 dimes. Clint Capela had another All-Star performance, which now seems to be a nightly occasion, finishing with a career-high 29 points and 21 boards.  Austin Rivers came back from a daze to show why Steph Curry’s a one-dimensional player.  With Chris Paul and Eric Gordon sidelined, Rivers is the only Rocket besides Harden who can create his own shot off the dribble.  Austin created some magic as Rivers dominated Curry in isolation situations on key plays late in the game.  When Houston and Harden (who somehow, and hopefully, never gets tired) desperately sought another ball-handler to step up, Rivers had the game of his career.  He finished with 18-points, including several clutch three’s that kept the Rockets in striking-distance.  Rivers is shooting a blistering 56% off of catch and shoot passes from Rocket teammates.  Houston remains undefeated since signing Rivers shortly before Christmas.  Another great NBA game in what’s turned out to be a more intriguing season than many expected.  Or was it something more?

I had a feeling this game was something more than just a regular season meeting between two powerhouses.  James Harden walked into Oracle on Thursday wearing a raincoat (before out-shooting the Splash Brothers combined, with a career-high 10 made 3-pointers).  The kind of outfit comparable in its outlandishness to what he wore when he dropped 50 on the Lakers.  Only the kind of outfit someone ready to make a statement wears.  That night Harden’s first basket was a statement dunk on JaVale McGee that started his entire Jordan-esque tear.  After the dunk he turned, grimaced, and flexed in LeBron’s direction (as if to say ‘I’m the King now’).  Since, the Rockets are 10-1.  On Thursday night, given the stakes, competition, and injuries, James Harden had the defining performance of his career, and the game was more than just another win.  It was a statement game.  The Beard has had enough.  First, he had a statement for the league’s best player to start his monster-streak.  In his most recent outing, Harden had a statement for the league’s best team, the “unbeatable”  Warriors.  In the best game of his career, Harden proved that he might just be good enough to beat them by himself, even though he’s got plenty of help in reserve.  The rest of the NBA is finally started to notice too.  This game was not just another game, but the defining-point of this entire regular season for the Houston Rockets, and James Harden’s legacy.

The media will spin it like James Harden beat four all-stars alone, but Clint Capela was savage in the paint, continuing his career-year, and dominated the interior on both ends of the floor. Especially with CP3 and Eric Gordon sidelined, Capela becomes integrally more important to Houston and Harden’s success.  Winning isn’t always due to the play of your stars, although the media makes it seems that way.  Basketball is a team sport.  The Beard could score 50 every night, yet he and Houston would still need some kind of assistance.  One of the most difficult things for coaches and GMs to find in the NBA are role players who thrive and mesh with their stars.

That thriving presence has come, in the in the form of Houstonian Danuel House, Jr.  Luckily for the Rockets, Harden and House work so well together.  House feeds off the Beard’s energy and vice versa.  There’s a reason House was the teammate Harden first mentioned in his interview following the game.  The MVP notices the changes a difference-maker can provide for a team.  House has adapted with ease to D’Antonti’s system and plays his heart out on every possession.  For a player with minimal NBA-experience, House has a very high basketball IQ.  The guy never makes mistakes, knows when to cut to the basket, drives to the lane hard, and plays underrated, GREAT defense, on every possession.  House is a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the hardwood.  His grit and toughness fits right alongside P.J., Gerald, Rivers, and Nene’s energy that gives the Rockets their defensive identity.  Combine the athleticism and grit of P.J. Tucker and Gerald Green.  Mix that with maximum-efficient play, and you get Danuel House Jr.  His consistency has been a revelation for the Rockets and brings a new dynamic force to the offense.  House had another efficient game against the Warriors, collecting 17 points, 4 boards, and 3 assists, on ridiculous shooting percentages of 67% from deep, and 60% overall.  He’s the only player in the league this season to have 3 straight games with 15 points on 60% shooting from long range and overall.  He was perfect on 9 free throw attempts against the Warriors, in a time when many players take freebies for granted.  You can tell the man has work ethic and puts in the time to get better.  His shooting makes the defense have to respect him, and he drives the lane like he wants to tear off the rim with a visceral ferocity.  Personally, I enjoy watching House play as much as Harden.  House has taken full advantage of an opportunity given to him and made the most of it, something 90% of NBA players in his situation take for granted.  In the process, it’s benefiting the Rockets’ success in so many aspects.  His defense and energy are contagious for Houston, as he’s been the best pickup of the year, and a secret weapon for the Rockets, as most NBA fans don’t even know his name (yet).  House has transformed from a virtual unknown, to become the NBA’s most efficient and effective rotational-player.  The Rockets inserted him into the starting lineup 6 games ago and haven’t lost since.  This newfound defensive identity, along with the Beard’s historic play, has launched Houston to within a game of the Warriors in the standings and back into the title conversation.

Ironically, the Warriors waived House before the season began.  Luckily, Daryl Morey and co. jumped on the opportunity, with House making the most of his chance.  He made sure to remind Golden State of the mistake they made, as his presence was felt all over the floor.  House gave the Warriors a haunting reminder of what they lost, as he out-hustled Draymond Green and anyone the Warriors put on the floor.  In the process, allowing him to develop more chemistry with Harden and the Rockets.  As Golden State’s chemistry-related issues continue to tear their team apart, Houston’s chemistry is getting better with each game, despite all the injuries.  James Harden, the league’s most durable player, took a beating, and still led the Rockets from 20-points down in a comeback victory over the Warriors in Oracle.  The Beard’s mental revolution has been extraordinary to watch.  Harden knows what he’s got and has all the tools necessary on this Rockets team to accomplish the ultimate goal, the Championship.  The Warriors move to cut House was their decision to make.  Now he’s gone from Golden State, they’ve moved on with their own deck of cards.  If the Rockets keep on moving up the standings, that title of ‘Champs’, that the Warriors proudly associate with, just might be gone as well.

Right now, things are looking up for Houston, despite no return timetables for CP3 or EG.  Up next is a tough matchup in Portland.  After a season-defining win, don’t be surprised if the Rockets have a bit of a letdown.  The Blazers boast one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA, and usually give Houston a tough fight.  However, the Rockets have House, and, like they say in Vegas… “the House always wins.”

 

 

 

 

Rockets, Warriors, Open 2019 with Season’s First Quarrel at Oracle

The Wild West.   Off-Kilter.   Sudden Impact.

 

Welcome to A-not-so-Quiet Place.  James Harden and the Rockets storm into the loudest part of the West, Oracle Arena in the Bay Area on Thursday night, to take on the ultimate enemy.  Yes, inside, Houston’s heated-rivals, and the defending-champion Golden State Warriors await.  The Rockets beat Golden State earlier this season, but that was way back on November 15^th, almost a month before Harden went into Jordan-Mode.  The Warriors have yet to meet this version of James Harden, that is, until sundown this evening.  The Beard has been breathing fire: blazing a path of impressive Rocket wins in his trail, as his record-setting season shifts to the Wild West.  The best the West has to offer.  Houston’s most challenging matchup of the season takes place tonight at “R-oracle”, the nickname given to Golden State’s arena.  For the past four seasons, Oracle has notoriously been the loudest arena and toughest building to win in for the NBA’s other twenty-nine teams.  The Rockets will aim to silence all the noise and get their most impressive victory of the season as they take on the Warriors tonight in front of a national audience.

Golden State may be under-performing in many peoples’ eyes’, but they’re the back-to-back Champs, gunning for a three-peat.  Until someone takes the title from the Bay, the Warriors are still the NBA’s best, no matter where they’re seeded at in the standings come playoff time.  They’re still loaded with five-future Hall of Famers (Cousins remains out with an injury).  These Warriors are an experienced team who’ve tended to get bored in recent regular seasons due to all their success.  This season, they’re not quite the same as they were in years past.  They’re a little off-kilter, something’s not right.  The Warriors aren’t supposed to have deep chemistry issues that induce teammates to tear their team apart in front of the sports world this year.  They’re trying to hide themselves from the rest of the league.  Golden State won’t acknowledge it, and they won’t admit it, because they know it’s real.  The Warriors can feel their own dynasty slowly falling apart.  You’d be hard-pressed to get Golden State to admit this, but study their body language, and other characteristics that give you insight into the mental aspect of the game, and you’ll notice the vast differences.  This is not the team you’ve seen make it to four straight NBA Finals.  Not anymore.  Not when pride gets in the way of sacrifice for the betterment of the team.  Homegrown grudges that are currently brewing between two of the Champs’ four all-stars (Draymond Green & Kevin Durant) have Golden State’s ship sailing on rough waters as they try and mend a beef between two of the NBA’s more ego-driven, selfish players.  Sometimes the simplest choices are the ones that make the biggest differences.  When the Beard was asked what he says to people who are mad at his ability to draw free throws at record-rates, “Stop fouling.  It’s simple.”  Big ego’s and star-power usually only make things more complicated.  Consider the fact that these guys are sick of each other after only two years together, and you realize the sensitivity to their surroundings they share is so contagious, that when they’re around each other, this dreaded sensitivity becomes ominous, and extremely obvious, especially in the locker room (I can only imagine).  The KD & Draymond beef is at the heart of the Warriors’ chemistry issues and was started over a simple play: who was going to take the last shot.  A selfish play that ended in a loss for the Warriors, and something I hadn’t witnessed in the entire Steve Kerr era: the beginning of the end… for the Golden State Warriors dynasty.

Granted, the Warriors are still the odds-on favorite to win it all this year, but they don’t look the same as they did in prior seasons that ended in Championships for the Bay Area.  The Warriors don’t look like they’re having fun anymore.  They appear to be easily rattled, distracted by the luxuries abided to them by being considered a “dynasty”, as fans, players, and the media shower the team with constant praise.  Maybe the all-stars are tired of sacrificing individual legacies in order to win.  This “Kyrie Irving” mindset of wanting to be the guy, instead of wanting to be part of the guys, is why Golden State’s reign as Champions is over this June.  Whatever the case may be, this Warriors team is very different from any previous Golden State-team in the Kerr era.  It seems like they’ve gone from competing against other teams, to competing against each other.  There’s a lot of ego and star power in that locker room.  The mental aspect of the NBA is hardly discussed as teams score more and more points, slowly turning the beautiful game of basketball into a video-game, stat-obsessed league, driven by ratings and money.  We’re nearing the halfway-point in the season, with plenty of basketball left on the NBA slate.  Although the West is wilder this season, wilder ever than before.  LeBron James came to the Lakers.  The Nuggets currently hold the one seed.  The Thunder look as good as they’ve been since Durant left.  The parity across the board in the West this season has been downright unbelievable.

And then, there is Houston. “Space City” has also lifted-off, as the Rockets look to get their eleventh win in twelve games, led by the scorching Man with the Beard.  The reigning-MVP looked at the standings, and realized that it was time for a change.  At 11-14, the Rockets were left for dead.  All it took was a Hard-en Awakening for Houston to get back to having the best chance to end Golden State’s reign.  On December 8^th, the Rockets were put on blast by the Mavs’ rookie sensation, in-state rival Luka Doncic, in a game the Rockets gave away, which resulted in a comeback win for Dallas.  Afterwards the Rockets looked like they hit rock bottom, with a record of 11-14, good for fourteenth in a ruthless Western Conference, and looked like they were starting to fade from the crowd.  Since that game against Dallas, with the Mavs’ sudden comeback, seemingly out of nowhere, almost single-handedly by Doncic… Houston’s had more sudden impact (due to James Harden) than anyone in the league expected.  The Beard’s been a little off-kilter himself, going full-on Jordan-mode to lead the Rockets through a brutal stretch back into the thick of the action in the claustrophobic West.  Suddenly, faster than a New York- Minute, James Harden launched the Rockets from fourteenth to fourth in the standings.

Harden only did what he was needed to do.  After being asked if he’s hungry for another MVP, the Beard stated, “I need it.  I need it for sure.  And I’m going to get it.”  James will have to earn it, in a crowded MVP-race.  Harden’s stellar play is proving that the Beard talks the talk, but also walks the walk.  The Rockets are rolling with their “Earned” red jerseys again tonight in Oakland.  Houston is undefeated wearing those uniforms.  The “Earned” Red brings out another level of play in the Beard, not seen before this season, giving him the ability to have a sudden impact on a game.  It doesn’t matter what he wears, good luck guarding him.  Harden’s got another chance for a case-making argument for MVP with another stellar performance tonight against the league’s best competition.  The spotlight’s on too, and the Beard’s been more attracted to the limelight this season as well, in a positive way that is paying dividends on the court.  Maybe all it took was a good day (or a JaVale McGee poster dunk) for Harden and co. to get started on the Rockets’ destined path for success.  Houston now sits only three and a half games out of first, and only two behind the Warriors in the loss column.  A win would guarantee Houston part of the tiebreaker with Golden State, and would inch them even closer ahead in the standings.

The Beard’s going to need some help from his buddies in Red.  “The Menace” James Ennis is expected to finally make his return to the court tonight.  With Chris Paul and Eric Gordon out, look for Clint Capela, Danuel House, Austin Rivers, and P.J. Tucker, among other Rockets who will help with Harden’s workload, as he is prepped to put on another shoulder-carrying performance.  This will be a perfect test to see how Houston’s younger and less-experienced players react and perform in big game atmosphere.  Playing on the road in the loudest arena. It should be quite a challenge.  The Rockets have suddenly come together to make an impact as a team around Harden’s dominant play.  The Rockets are overcoming any difficulties in their way, meanwhile getting better at approaching their main obstacle, the NBA Championship.  Playing on the road in the loudest arena, certainly heckles many (if not, most) players.  The greats never let the noise get to them.  They embraced it.  Jordan.  Kobe.  Magic.  Bird.  Isaiah.  They loved to silence boos and the raucous crowds.  That noise only further motivated them, made their day.  Harden is ON a similar level with those legends.  Welcoming any incoming threat to the Rockets’ shot at winning the title and his chance at repeating as MVP.  Noise doesn’t affect the Beard it simply “fuels” James Harden’s dominant performance on a nightly-basis.  Harden’s been talking more than ever this season, an obvious reason how the Rockets have turned the season around.  And if you’re in the Bay Area, go ahead and make all the noise you want, it’s not going to affect someone at the peak in the prime of his career.  Dirty Harry once said what’s on Harden’s mind best in the aptly titled, Sudden Impact.  If you’re at the game tonight don’t be shy.  Give the Beard hell, he encourages the motivational tools, the noise, the crowd roars, the heckling… it only makes Harden even better.  If you’re lucky, the Beard might even feel the need to tell you what he’s telling himself tonight, amidst a roaring crowd as they try to faze a legend in his prime:  “Go ahead, make my day.”

Oracle Arena:  Oakland, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (21-15): “Earned” Red

Golden State Warriors (25-13): Yellow

 

TV: 9:30 PM CT TNT

Harden’s Record-Breaking Night Sends Rockets Past Grizzlies, 113-101, Caps off Historic 2018

Year of the Dog.   Another One.   Hello, 2019.

         What a year.  In 2018, Chinese New Year was the Year of the Dog.  In the NBA, 2018 was the Year of the Beard.  And the two are eerily similar, themselves.  James Harden even acted like one briefly in a recent post-game interview, after a Rocket win over the Celtics on December 27^th.  He mimicked a dog’s snarl when questioned about his status as the league’s reigning-MVP.  The Beard growled (slightly, somewhere mid-sentence, something I’ve never seen in his post-game interviews, another great example of how his mental approach to the game and focus has completely shifted from past years) when asked about his MVP-status, “I receive a lot of hate, but it won’t stop me from going out there and killing every single night (gets that Jordan look in his eyes), and being that dog that I am.”  Harden’s a dog all-right.  Feisty.  He’s mad about something.  Like someone took his bone.  Or has a bone he knows is his.  That Championship.  James Harden was finally named the league’s MVP, and led the Rockets to within a win of that NBA Championship.  Houston had the best regular season in the franchise’s storied-history, led by James Harden, barking at the rest of the NBA, as they complained and hated on one of his most un-glorifying abilities.  The sheer nerve to use the rule changes to his advantage, that happen to combine a critical aspect of his game (Getting Free Throws and luring defenders,) which results in an unstoppable force in today’s NBA.  Don’t hate the player, hate the game (or the rules/officiating).  James Harden… that dog.

That dog finished the year with another loud bark, this time a 40-point triple-double.  The Rockets finished 2018 strong with an MVP, record-breaking triumph over the Grizzlies, 113-101.  Harden finished the night with 43 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 dimes.  Clint Capela had a solid double-double with 19 points and 13 boards.  Gerald Green came off the bench to hit 6 of 11 from long rang, and finish with 18 points, resulting in one of his best games of the season.  Houston outscored Memphis by 23 with Gerald on the floor, despite Green getting only 25 minutes of court-time.  Danuel House was solid again in the starting lineup, contributing 16 points, as the Rockets remain undefeated with their House starting.  Houston also has yet to lose with Austin Rivers in the lineup.  The newest Rocket had 12 points in his 4^th game with the team (1^st as a starter) in another solid game for Houston.  He’s been impressive every night and knows his exact role.  Most importantly, he brings some desperate defensive pressure and intensity to Houston’s backcourt, which they’ll certainly need in their upcoming stretch (and to win it all).  Although Memphis made things somewhat interesting late, the Rockets pretty much cruised to their 10th victory in their last 11 games. Kyle Anderson led the way for the Grizz with 20 points and Marc Gasol had a double-double, but other than that, this game was all about the record-breaking guy with the Beard.  James Harden capped off the year by continuing to break records and climb up the NBA’s record books.  The Beard broke the great Oscar Robertson’s record with his 8^th game in row with at least 35 points and 5 assists, an NBA-record. Harden also passed MJ on the all time scoring list with his 7^th game in a row with at least 35 points in a row.  It was also his 11^th straight game with 30 or more points.  Oh, and his 4^th straight contest putting up 40 or more points on the scoreboard. And there’s another one.  The Beard also tied some guy named Curry’s record with 7 games in a row with 5 or more 3-pointers made, connecting on 6 from deep.  Another one: the Beard became the first player to score 40 or more points on 8 or less field goals made.  Just for fun, and because it’s the holiday season, Harden also became the NBA’s all-time scoring leader on New Year’s Eve, totaling 255 in his career on the last night of the calendar year.  Another one.  The Beard also joined Jordan and Kobe as the only players to score 400 or more points in a 10-game span.  If you know James, he’s got a lot of friends, he couldn’t join just one exclusive group to closeout his extraordinary year.  He also joined Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook in the “recorded a 40-point triple-double 10 times” Club.  Another one.  James Harden isn’t on fire.  He is fire.  There is NO definition for what he’s doing during this ridiculous hot span.  It’s never been done before.  Appreciate it while it’s happening, nothing goes on forever, and this streak of play isn’t going to last forever.  Maybe Harden keeps it up for a few more games.  Maybe he goes cold starting with a Warriors-rematch.  Maybe he has an all-time season and can keep this up all year.  Regardless, appreciate it, Rockets fans and true basketball fans everywhere.  Each season is different and this is a once-in-a-lifetime talent at the peak of his powers, in a once-in-a-lifetime season.  I can feel it.

People keep asking if they’re back.  With or without Chris Paul, with this James Harden, the one who was never seen before this season, the Rockets are back.  The Beard’s having a season comparable with the best of all-time, you can count where his season rank’s on one hand, come playoff time.  Harden is playing on another planet and, in the process, brought the rest of the Rockets with him.  This group is even more tight-knit than last season’s.  The new acquisitions have fused seamlessly, and the chemistry difference from the beginning of the season is night and day.  Obviously, everyone has to buy in for chemistry to work, but when your best player also becomes your best leader, it changes everything.  Everything you don’t get to see.  The Beard’s one-on-one sessions with House and others.  Extra-work in the film and weight room.  The talk.  To each player in practice, before, during, and after games.  All the little things.  All that Beard Talk. I used to think The Beard was quiet.  James Harden isn’t quiet anymore.  Even after winning his coveted-MVP, the Beard has a lot of talking to do.  Now that he has that title, there’s a different trophy Harden wants to add to his hall-of-fame accomplishments.  He’s sick of being known as the MVP.  The Beard wants to be known as a Champion.  That title is the one bone he wants most, more than anything.  Winning the MVP opened his eyes to the realization that, to be a legend, you have to have add a ring to legacy, it just sounds better.  If you were a dog, it’s something you would bark for.  The Beard’s been doing a lot of barking to his fellow dogs, motivating them to bring out the most in each bite.  And in a dog-eat-dog league, the Rockets are biting the most, and barking the loudest.  They’re backing it up with their actions too.  The squad has come together as a unit and everyone has complemented each other brilliantly, with House and Rivers adjusting to new roles as if it’d been their job for years.

Hi there, 2019.  What a time to be alive, as the forces collide.  Up next, Houston’s most brutal 4-game stretch of the season (Warriors, Blazers, Nuggets, Bucks) is looking them dead in the eye.  The Blazers are a sleeper playoff team in the West, they’re not an elite team, but Portland boasts one of the best home-court advantages in the entire league, and a win in Portland is never easy.  The Nuggets and Bucks both currently hold the #1 seed in their respective conferences, and the Warriors are, well, the Warriors.  Speaking of the latter, the NBA’s Goliath is on the schedule next.  Houston travels to the bay to take on the team they were built to beat: The Golden State Warriors. Yea, those guys, the Champs.  And in the end, they’re the only team the Rockets need to beat if Harden wants to get that elusive title, that bone.  The one he’s always wanted, but never really knew he wanted, until this season.  The Beard’s been playing like a legitimate solider, carrying the Rockets through the toughest part of the schedule.  The Beard looks to keep playing like a true Warrior, as he faces off against a group of players who wear the name “Warrior” on their jerseys, on Thursday night.  We’ll see who barks and bites the most.  There’s a probable chance the Rockets 5-game winning streak comes to an end, but the Rockets still have James Harden in the midst of the ultra-prime of his career.  As long as the Beard has Houston is this zone. One focused on attention to detail, defense, and role-reliant players.  A zone that allows him to be the best player on planet Earth, when everyone buys into their roles, and gets everyone to “run as one”, as the team’s motto says.  Chris Paul will be back, but this a good team the Beard has around him even with CP3 sidelined.  If it unfortunately happens again, Houston will be ok.  They’re got the reigning MVP, and the next game against the Warriors will be a great test for both teams, especially how the Rockets hold up without CP3.  Granted, the playoffs will be different, but the Beard is durable.  Look at the history.  Harden rarely ever gets injured.  Chris Paul might not be there, I’m praying he will stay healthy but we’ve all seen what can happen.  What we didn’t see last year was the fire in the Beard’s eyes.  A fire that only arrived this season, a flame in the MVP’s eyes people still haven’t noticed due to Harden’s mind-boggling stats.  It’ll be arguably the Rockets toughest game of the season on Thursday night.  The Warriors are the Champs and despite this season’s struggles, still the best team, until proven otherwise.  Oracle is still the toughest place to win in the NBA.  Houston’s going to get their best shot of the year from an opponent all season on Thursday.  The Rockets need to ride their hot streak into the game early to avoid digging themselves out of any holes.  Harden and co. will look to dig Golden State its own hole as they try and stay hot, and further disrupt Golden State’s chemistry on and off the floor. The Warriors will be ready for the heated Rockets, as Oracle will to try to make as much noise as possible to disrupt Houston’s hot streak.  Should be great game with a playoff-like atmosphere.  An excellent opportunity for the Rockets’ younger players, who are getting more playing time due to injuries, and will get much-needed playoff-type experience in Thursday night’s battle. 4 really great players (Durant, Curry, Thompson, Green)… against a dog (Harden).  The obvious bet is the Warriors I’d guess.  But then again, curiosity killed the cat.  I’m more of a dog person, myself.  I’d bet on James Harden.  Oooh… that dog.

Rockets Seek to Tame Grizzlies, Carry Hot Streak into the New Year

Carryover Effect.  Starting a New River.  Put a Ring On It.

It was all a dream.  At least, that’s what most of the Rockets’ 2018 Calendar year seemed to be like when I reflect on the last 365 days.  Houston had the best regular season in franchise-history and was an injury away from its first Championship in 23 years.  James Harden finally won that MVP award that had eluded him ever so closely the previous 3 seasons.  Summer offseason came and the Rockets lost 2 rotational vets in Trevor Ariza and Luc M’bah Moute.  Houston opted to try the Carmelo Anthony experiment, hoping his close friendship with Chris Paul would help mend any difficulties Melo would have joining his new team.  Some friends are better left competitors, let’s just say, it just wasn’t a good fit.  The Rockets got off to a horrible 11-14 start to the season, amid chemistry issues, unwarranted panic, and a hangover from the season before, being so close to winning it all after having a record-breaking year.  Reigning-Executive of the Year Daryl Morey got to work, and showed the NBA why he’s the best GM in the league, especially when it comes to in-season adjustments.  Morey went out and got James Ennis (the Menace) in the offseason as well, but the most important moves he made all came after the Opening Night Massacre, besides making the clutch signing of Gary Clark after the University of Cincinnati graduate went undrafted.  Daryl “Shufflin’ D” Morey looked at his hand and realized he needed to do bet on the River.  Morey did what he does best.  Find the best acquisitions based on a team’s current needs.  Shufflin’ D pulled over the greatest in-season signing in NBA-history, when the Rockets picked up Danuel House, who is slowly becoming a household name.  More recently, after Chris Paul went down, Morey immediately signed Austin Rivers, the Austin Rivers.  The former heated ex-Clipper and rival who had a huge part in last season’s secret tunnel venture.  Except now Rivers is playing like he’s been with Houston all year long and has been a seamless transition into the Rockets’ system.  And then there’s James Harden, who started off the season groggily, but now is playing at a level very few players ever have, seemingly breaking-records with each game.  As 2018 comes to a close, the Rockets are arguably playing their best basketball of the entire calendar year, and they hope to carry this success into 2019.

The Beard looks to close out another record year with another record-breaking night.  He has a chance to break The Big O’s record of 7 consecutive games with 35 points and 5 assists, if he can put up those numbers tonight.  Harden also can break an NBA-record is he makes 4 or more 3-pointers tonight.  The Beard has hit 4 or more from long-range in the last 4 games apiece.  Just for kicks, The Beard is also shooting for his 10^th straight game with 30+ points, including looking for his 4^th 40-point game in a row.  If you shake James Harden’s hand right now, you might get a third-degree burn.  The man with the Beard has been the definition of “hot.”  He was just named the NBA’s Western-Conference Player of the Week a few hours ago, and should win the Award for the month of December as well, without a doubt.  If there was an award for player of the Calendar Year 2018, that would be the Beard’s too.  Harden’s playing with a level of determination, will, and focus that only 3 other perimeter players have ever played at (Jordan, LeBron, Kobe) in my opinion.  The Beard was been undoubtedly the best basketball player in all of 2018 and he looks determined to be even better in 2019.

The Rockets welcome the Memphis Grizzlies to town tonight and hope to end 2018 with a victory.  The Rockets try for 5 in a row as they currently have the longest winning streak in the NBA at 4 games in a row (all wins without Chris Paul, against tough competition).  The Grizzlies are fading after a strong start to the campaign.  Memphis started the season 12-5, but has dropped 8 of their last 11 games overall.  They’ve gone from a group that looked like it would be in the playoff race to a team that is slowly fading out of the crowded pack.  The West is better than ever, and only 8 teams will make the playoffs.  The Grizzlies are still in the thick of things in the crowded West, but their chances are slim, to say the least.  The Rockets on the other hand, look to continue to climb up the standings.  Eric Gordon suffered a knee injury in the previous game and is considered day-to-day, but will probably miss a few weeks.  Austin Rivers will be taking his spot in the starting lineup, with Chris Paul still out as well for the time being.  Rivers has been sensational and has been the perfect “glue guy”, along with Danuel House Jr., during Houston’s recent resurgence.  Both players leave it all on the floor, put their egos to the side, and know their respective roles to the highest degree.

Since acquiring Rivers, the Rockets are 3-0, and since inserting House into the starting lineup, they’re 4-0.  Houston shouldn’t miss a beat with this lineup change as they wait for others to get healthy.  James Harden’s getting all the credit, which almost all of it he deserves.  But without Austin Rivers and Danuel House, not to mention Nene and the other contributors who’ve really stepped up to the big stage, the Rockets would still be on the outside looking in on the playoff race.  Instead, they’re in the 5 slot and only 3.5 games out of first place in the bruising West.

They could get some more help tonight, as James Ennis “The Menace” is questionable and might finally return to the lineup.  Ennis was a starter, but House has earned his minutes as a starter since the Ennis injury.  It will be interesting to see what Coach D’Antoni decides to do as he continues to tinker with his lineup.  Don’t be surprised to see House remain in the lineup.  Just like the “Earned” jerseys (given to teams who made the playoffs last season) the Rockets will be wearing tonight, House has truly earned his spot on the roster, and possibly in the starting lineup for the remainder of the season.  The Rockets have yet to lose with him as a starter.  They’re also (coincidentally?) 3-0 when wearing the “Earned” jerseys they’ll be wearing tonight.  2018 was like a beautiful woman, one the Rockets wanted to engage.  A woman they fell in love with, but just couldn’t commit enough effort to solidify the marriage.  Entering this special new year, it looks like the Rockets have found something special.  In 2019, the Rockets aim to fully commit as a team, “Run As One”, and when the time comes, put a ring on it.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Memphis Grizzlies (18-17):  Navy Blue

Houston Rockets (20-15):  “Earned” Crimson Red

 

TV:  6 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW

 

Rockets, Harden, Man of the House, Exact Revenge on Pelicans, 108-104

Bearding in the Big Easy.  This House Always Wins.  Continue the Grind.

Houston led by as many as 15 points last night, and played one of their best team efforts of the season. Despite a comeback bid from the Pelicans that made the game competitive on the final quarter, the Rockets came out the on top in New Orleans, closing out the Pelicans 108-104, and winning the 9^th of their last 10 games. The Rockets proved they can win anywhere despite their road record remaining below average at the moment, and James Harden made “Bearding” look as simple as 1, 2, 3 in the Big Easy as he scored 40 points for the third consecutive game. The Beard finished with 41 points, 9 boards, 6 assists. Oh, don’t forget about the 3 blocks and 2 steals for the superstar they say doesn’t play defense. James Harden put in yet another dominant performance, as he outplayed Anthony Davis (including hitting a clutch step-back 3 late in the game over the Brow) in a battle of the league’s top scorers. Harden also put his name in the NBA-history books, which he seems to be rewriting with each electric performance. The Beard joined the great Oscar Robertson, as the only players in NBA history to record 35 points and 5 assists in 7 straight games. Harden also tied Michael Jordan for 4^th on the NBA’s streak of games with 35 or points or more. Kobe holds the record with 13 games in a row scoring 35 or more points. Rockets fans need to appreciate this historic streak. James Harden is proving himself as one of the all-time greats as this season flies before our eyes. Just like Olajuwon, players like the Beard only come around once in a lifetime, and the Rockets know how fortunate they are to have their Bearded-leader. Houstonians must not take this for granted. It’s hard because he makes everything look so easy. Putting up video game numbers. Watch closely and you’ll see effort-wise and as vocal leader is where Harden’s game ahs improved the most. He’s truly leading the team this year. Last season he was deserved of the MVP, and the team’s best player, but Chris Paul was their leader, and it showed when CP3 got injured in the playoffs as the Rockets’ season came to an end. Harden will have to somehow continue “Bearding” through what the oncoming onslaught that is Houston’s most difficult 5-game stretch of the entire season, featuring matchups with the teams who are atop their respective conferences in the Milwaukee Bucks and the Denver Nuggets. Not to mention a date with the Warriors, at Oracle arena, in the Bay Area in what will be the Rockets’ first game of 2019 (and biggest challenge of the entire season so far). This stretch will big Houston’s most challenging of the season, and if they can pass is without Chris Paul, is should only boost their confidence even further for the playoffs.

James Harden has obviously been the best player in basketball for over a month. The difference-maker and guy who’s flying under the radar outside of Houston, is Danuel House Jr. Since inserting House into the starting lineup, the Rockets improved to 4-0, and have yet to lose. James Ennis returns on Monday, but don’t be surprised if House keeps his starting spot. The man has more than earned his playing time. House plays his heart out every night like P.J. Tucker and his addition to the team gave the Rockets the much-needed toughness and grit they were lacking when they got off to a struggling start. Last night, House had himself somewhat of a breakout performance on Saturday night in New Orleans. House was everywhere on both ends of the floor like he’s been since signing with Houston. This time he made a little noise in the box score as well with 15 points, 4 rebounds, a dime, and a swipe as he continues to make a difference, no matter who he shares court time with. Daryl Morey and co. made a gamble and it paid off big time. The house didn’t win. Morey and Houston’s House won, and it’s paid big dividends for both parties. The Rockets have been a different team since House joined the squad and has added depth to help place the loss of Trevor Ariza (House is currently on a 2-way contract that soon expires, which will then allow the Rockets to give him a one-way contract for the rest of the season). Speaking of depth, Austin Rivers continued to be sensational playing in a Rocket uniform. Rivers chipped in 10 points for the third-straight game, but was more aggressive opening up plays for teammates, leading the team with 7 assists. He has been another necessary installment to Houston’s system they were sorely lacking to start the season. An irritant in the backcourt. And just like the sorely missed Patrick Beverly, Austin Rivers is an irritant to opposing teams with his constant effort and in-your-face-defense. He’s a better shooter than Beverly, and his smooth transition into the Rockets system has been fascinating to watch. It’s as if he’s been with the Rockets the entire system. The definition of a “perfect-fit.” The Rockets improved to 3-0 since acquiring Austin Rivers, another player from the second unit who does the little things to make a big difference. Speaking of making a difference, Nene has been arguably the wisest and most mistake-prone player on Houston. Plus/minus is a funny stat. It can be seen as a sign of coincidences. Or if the numbers are consistent one on end or the other, the stat can really show mind-boggling evidence of the difference a player’s presence makes on the floor, especially when accounting for minutes played. To give a few examples of who is really making the stat one worth taking a glance at let’s look at Danuel House: House has been on the plus side in almost every game he’s played in, making the case that he always makes a positive difference on the floor. If you’re watching the games, you can see the obvious difference he brings to the Rockets in terms of hustle and defensive pressure, stats that don’t always show up in the box score, but certainly affect a player’s plus/minus. The reason I’m bringing this stat up is it really shows the difference, Nene, in limited playing time, really makes when he’s on the floor. Nene has played only 25 minutes in the last 2 games combined, but he has a staggering plus/minus of +40 in those two contests, meaning the Rockets outscored their opponent by 40 points in the 25 minutes Nene was on the floor in the past two games. That’s not a coincidence. Nene’s veteran presence, toughness, and basketball-IQ are such an overlooked yet precious part of the Rockets system. The big man is one of the backups for Clint Capela. Despite Capela’s all-star caliber season, the Rockets are obviously weakest at the center position in terms of depth. They have Capela, Nene, Hartenstein (currently in the G league) but it’s by far the weakest spot on the roster in terms of player-depth. Capela had a quite game offensively compared to the hot streak he’d been on with only 6 point and 7 rebounds, but he managed to contain Anthony Davis, with help from Nene, allowing the NBA’s best big man only 22 points and 11 rebounds. Health to the big men is essential for Houston to win a title. People forget, but last season Nene got injured, and the Rockets weren’t the same in the playoffs without him, despite getting so close to the finals. The smallest pieces can still make the biggest differences, even when your biggest star is putting on the show of a lifetime.

Houston needs to continue to grind. Just as Eric Gordon was finding his groove again, he finished one of his more efficient games of the year with 21 points on 9 of 14 shooting, EG went down with a knee injury and is getting an MRI Sunday morning. The severity of the injury is unknown at this time, although it looks to be nothing devastating. It’s just unfortunate as EG will have to find his shooting rhythm once healthy and the leg-strength and using your knees instead of all upper-body strength is key to being a successful shooter. The Rockets can only hope Gordon won’t be out for long, and he’ll be able to find his rhythm he had tonight once he returns to the lineup. Gary Clark should be given an opportunity in minutes. The rookies hasn’t seen much playing time since earlier in the season, but Clark was the brightest part of Houston’s dreadful start and the first of 4 major post-draft acquisitions that have more than made up for the absence of Ariza and Luc. These 4 essential guys being, House, Rivers, Clark, and Ennis. I’ll take a combination of those 4, the first 2 alone, over Ariza and Luc this season any day. They just need more time to fuse together as a unit, and increase some shared court time. The natural chemistry each guy brings is an added-bonus, and Houston now has the only good problem in the NBA to have (how to deal with too much depth). D’Antoni will figure it out, and the Rockets will continue to roll without EG as other members of the squad get more opportunities to prove their worth in D’Antoni’s eyes for more minutes on the floor. Up next for the Rockets, the grind continues, with a visit from the Grizzlies, the team who appropriately nicknamed their arena the “Grindhouse.” The Rockets have been playing with that Grizzly-grind-it-out mentality since the Harden statement dunk against the Lakers to begin his epic record-setting stretch. The Rockets need to continue to play gritty basketball as the toughest 5 game portion of the season begins on New Year’s Eve as the Memphis Grizzlies come to town. Hopefully, more of that Memphis Grizzly grind-it-out style of play will continue to rub-off on the Rockets and they can end 2018 on a high note, and ride into the New Year in style.

Rockets Looking for Payback Against Pelicans in New Orleans

Return the Favor.  Beard vs. Brow.  Road Bumps?

Thank you, New Orleans.  The Rockets needed a punch in the mouth (what turned out to be a quarter of a season’s worth) to wake up.  Houston won a franchise-record 65 games last year.  It took a few punches to show them the past doesn’t mean they can just show up, and expect the same success in the following season.  The Pelicans started all the WCF hangover talk with their thumping of the Rockets in Houston’s home opener to start the season.  A lot has changed since October 17^th, the night New Orleans came in to Toyota Center and put a damper on the Rockets’ new season.  After that night, for a majority of the start to the season, the Pelicans looked like a legitimate Western Conference playoff team.  And, Houston, well, was shocked.  And played like they were stunned for the first quarter of the season.  Until their MVP’s recent astonishing play, the Rockets looked like they were worse than last year’s team.  Houston finally woke up.  The Rockets are 8-1 in their last 9 games and have turned things around despite Chris Paul’s absence in the past 3 games (all victories) against playoff-caliber competition.  Tonight, the Rockets look to get revenge for their opening night loss.  The squad travels to New Orleans, to take on Anthony Davis and the sliding Pelicans.  New Orleans just snapped a 5-game losing streak last night, by narrowly beating Dallas, and the Pelicans are fading from the crowded Western Conference playoff picture.  As for the Rockets, they continue to rise in the standings and are only 2 games in the loss column behind the Warriors, as they creep up the standings while the Beard reminds the NBA why he’s still the MVP.  James Harden continues to play the best stretch of basketball in his career, and has resurrected a team whose hopes for a championship were once a lost cause.  The Pelicans also boast one of the NBA’s best, in Anthony Davis, by far the biggest challenge Clint Capela faces in a matchup all season.  Capela has been playing extremely hard on the glass, and has been efficiently productive, playing like a real All-Star, under the radar during Harden’s tear and return to the MVP discussion.  The Rockets look to return the favor.  Repaying the beat-down they received on opening night to a Pelicans team that is more associated with Anthony Davis trade-rumors at the moment than making the playoffs (even though they’re still in the mix).  The Rockets have won 12 of their past 13 home games.  Hopefully, a few road bumps won’t affect their groove as they try and gain more ground in the West over a New Orleans team that has been going in the wrong direction since opening night.  This is a huge game considering 3 of the next 4 are on the road, with each game being against a playoff team in the West.  Included in this upcoming stretch of games is the first road meeting of the season with the Warriors at Oracle on January 3^rd.  The Pelicans always seem to play their best against Houston, and the Rockets will really need to be sharp if they want to come out of New Orleans with a victory.  The rebounding battle is the most important aspect of this game, along with containing Anthony Davis (who only had 48 points and 17 rebounds last night against the Mavs).  If Capela and the Rockets continue to dominate the glass like they have been, and Harden continues his all-time season, Houston shouldn’t have a problem getting revenge in New Orleans on Saturday night.  This time, they’re ready to punch back.

Smoothie King Center: New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (19-15): “Earned” Crimson Red

New Orleans Pelicans (16-20): “Earned” White

 

TV: 6 PM CT – NBA TV & ATT Sportsnet SW