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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.

 

 

 

Rockets Looking for Déjà vu in Game 2 Against Jazz

 

Holding Serve.    Tougher Test.    Learned from Texas.

 

After dismantling the Jazz to start the series, the Rockets will aim to do the same, as Game 2 gets under way on Wednesday night in Houston. Every playoff game is huge. But they Rockets won Game 1 in similar fashion last season over Utah. They wound up losing Game 2, the only game they lost in the series). Houston’s looking to avoid past mistakes, and circumvent falling into a 1-1 tie heading to Utah for Games 3 and 4. A win tonight will truly prove that the Rockets have learned a lot from their missteps during the Chris Paul era. As the wise future Hall-of-Famer realizes, Game 2 will be a tougher test for the Rockets. The Jazz will certainly come out with more desperation and a sense of urgency. Look for Utah to make adjustments. Joe Ingles was a non-factor in Game 1 of this series. In Game 2 last season, Ingles hit 7 three’s en route to 27 points, and Utah’s sole win in the series. Keeping the Aussie swingman in check on the perimeter is one of the biggest keys to this game. Houston can’t let Ingles get open. The pesky veteran is a streaky shooter and can’t get hot quick and do damage if he finds a rhythm. Donovan Mitchell is also poised for an improved performance in Game 2. Mitchell is Utah’s best offensive player, but he’s struggled shooting against the Rockets in his career. Houston needs to ensure Mitchell remains a side-note for this game, if best. Utah’s sophomore stud is another player who can get hot quickly, and change the outcome of a game. If the Rockets can contain this 1-2 perimeter punch for Utah, Houston should win tonight’s game, and go up 2-0 in the series.

As all teams do after a loss in the playoffs, expect the Jazz to come out swinging. The Rockets need to be prepared to take a few early punches in the game. All Houston needs to do is stay the course, and stick with the similar style of a dominant and versatile game plan that worked in Game 1. The Rockets are healthy. They have James Harden, the best player in basketball. Chris Paul, the Point God. And a group of savagely underrated role-players that make up the collective heart-and-soul of this Houston squad. But, it’s the playoffs. The Rockets are looking to become the lone team out West to win its first two playoff games. The matchups out West are all knotted up at 1-1 apiece. Houston doesn’t have a great playoff history in Game 2’s, and it won’t be easy tonight. Houston won’t win by 32. But with the squad completely healthy, the Rockets are clearly the better team, as they demonstrated so thoroughly in Game 1. For Game 2, it’s about coming out with the same mindset. The Rockets came out with fire and didn’t let up in Game 1. It’s natural for some teams to slightly relax after win. Houston can’t afford to cave to this trend, as they need as much rest as possible. If they can advance past Utah, they’ll be going for their goal: dethroning the Champs. And they’ve got a better chance than ever to accomplish what the teams worked two years towards. For now, the Rockets need to continue to take it one game at a time. Game 1 is in the past. The Jazz will be a completely different team in Game 2. Houston needs to be ready to adjust and adapt to Utah’s adjustments.

The past teaches some of the most valuable lessons in life, and in basketball. Houston’s learned a lot over the past two seasons. Including the playoffs. Especially the playoffs. Sure, the regular season matters, to an extent. You have to finish with a top-8 record to make the playoffs, which really matter. Yea, the Rockets didn’t take this regular season as seriously as last year. Granted, they had tons more injuries, roster turnover, and adversity than last season. But, the Rockets learned a lot on May 28^th, 2018 in Houston. Game 7 of last season’s Western Conference Finals. The night they’re dreams of a Championship were crushed by Golden State, as Houston was eliminated. The Rockets truly understand that they didn’t need to blast-off in the regular season. The destination is merely a seeding in the playoffs. Houston had the best seed of all last year, yet wound up empty-handed. Now that we’re officially into this series, look for Houston to continue its domination of the Jazz. Tonight’s game will be closer, and potentially hotly contested. But there won’t be anything on the court hotter than the Rockets. And they’re just warming up for the next round. Taking it one game at a time, as they’re destined to meet their arc enemies in the second round. Ready to avenge for past mistakes.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Utah Jazz (0-1):  Navy Blue

Houston Rockets (1-0):  “Earned” Crimson Red

 

TV:  8:30 PM CT – TNT, ATT Sportsnet SW

 

 

Rockets Obliterate Jazz, 122-90, Grab 1-0 Series Lead

 

Lockdown.    Painting the Way.    Closing Time.

 

        

Houston started off the playoffs with a bang. The Rockets destroyed the Jazz in the series opener, en route to a 122-90 Game 1 victory at home on Sunday night. They may be known for their offense, but when the Rockets defense leads the way, the squad plays its best games. Houston’s tenacious defense, that became a force late in the regular season, carried over into the Game 1 win. The Rockets held the Jazz to 90 points, and kept Utah under 20 points in the fourth quarter. It was a stellar, statement win to begin the playoffs for the Rockets. Many expect this series to be close, and it still has the potential to be close, but none predicted a Rockets 32-point blowout in Game 1. And this time, the attack came from inside-out for Houston, as they blew by Utah for an easy win.

The Rockets absolutely dominated the Jazz in the paint. After averaging only 33 paint points per game during the season, Houston scored 62 in the paint to kick off their playoff run. These Rockets are more versatile than advertised. Houston’s known primarily as a three-point machine, which obviously is a key aspect of their arsenal. But the Rockets are so much more than a team that lives and dies by the three-point shot.

Utah didn’t allow James Harden and the Rockets to shoot many threes, or at least get their preferred looks from deep. The Jazz forced Harden and co. to drive the ball. The Beard had no problem with this at all. Harden set up teammates on offense, as Houston finished with 7 Rockets in double-figures, a balanced scoring attack that was too much for Utah. Rudy Gobert and Utah’s big men had no answer for Houston inside the paint. Despite poor officiating, the Rockets were banged up on too many drives to the basket to count. The same amount of fouls were called on each team, yet Utah finished with 27 free throw attempts, compared to Houston’s 12. Harden, who averages near 10 free throws a game, had only 3 in this contest. Hopefully, the officiating will improve as Houston advances further in the playoffs.

The Beard finished with 29 points, 10 dimes, and 8 boards. Eric Gordon had 17 points as his consistency continues. Clint Capela had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Chris Paul put on a quietly effective game, with 14 points and 7 assists. Kenneth Faried continues to be extremely efficient in limited playing time. The Manimal scored 11 points and grabbed 6 boards in only 16 minutes. After starting off slow, Danuel House had a brilliant showing in his first playoff game. House had 11 points and hit a few three’s when Utah was attempting to creep back into the matchup. The Rockets made sure this one had no chance to be close, outscoring Utah 39-19 in the final frame. Danuel House proved in Game 1 that he has the potential to be just as potent in the postseason as he was in the regular season. The Rockets need House to be better than he was in the regular season. His energy is contagious and feeds off on his teammates. House won’t start any playoff contests, but don’t be shocked if he’s finishing games, especially if they’re close. The Rockets know better than anyone. It’s not about how you start. It’s how you finish.

 

 

 

Rockets Host Jazz in Series Opener

 

Starting on the Right Note.    Defending Home Court.    Early Statement.

 

It’s time to change tones as the playoffs get underway in Houston tonight. The Rockets and Jazz begin their playoff series on Sunday night at Toyota Center. The matchup is a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Semifinals, which Houston won in 5 games. The Rockets will look to achieve that same result this season. Houston needs to start off on the right note. Teams with home-court advantage face a lot of pressure if they lose Game 1. The first game is always pivotal for teams to set a tone for the series.

It’s important that Houston maintains home-court advantage in the series. They don’t want any added pressure, even though they’ve proven they can win easily in Utah. The Rockets need to win Game 1 and defend home court. The Jazz are playing with nothing to lose in this contest, all the pressure is on Houston. The Rockets have been playing with consistency and flair, and should be able to handle the Jazz in Game 1.

Donovan Mitchell was a rookie last season when these teams met. The sophomore guard started off this year slow, but finished strong. The Jazz’ best player is a force to deal with on offense. The Rockets need to focus on him, without letting Joe Ingles, the Aussie sharpshooter get open. Ricky Rubio runs the point for the Jazz, and the sage veteran has had a solid season and always seems to play well against Houston when he’s healthy. On defense, Rudy Gobert will clog the lanes, and make it difficult for Houston drivers to the rim. The Jazz defense will be focused on James Harden. Mike D’Antoni and the Rockets can unleash their arsenal of offensive weapons on Utah, starting tonight.

The start of the playoffs can bring butterflies, but Houston has the veteran squad that should adapt to the change of play in the postseason, quickly and easily. James Harden and Chris Paul want to make an early statement. They’re ready to prove seeding doesn’t matter. And that last year was no fluke. There’s no panic in H-Town. The Rockets are ready for anyone. They need to set the tone for the game, and the series, from the opening tip.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Utah Jazz (0-0):  White

Houston Rockets (0-0):  “Earned” Crimson Red

 

TV:  8:30 PM CT – TNT,  ATT Sportsnet SW

 

Let the Games Begin.    Tune Out.    Repeat Performance.

 

The quest begins. We’re finally here. It’s time for some playoff basketball. After 82 games, the Rockets finished 53-29, 12 games worse than last year’s team. Ironically, this season’s team is actually better. And their quest to prove that begins on Sunday night at Toyota Center. Houston will take on a familiar foe in this series, the Utah Jazz. The Rockets knocked the Jazz out of the playoffs in last year’s second round, and will shoot for the same result in the first round of this postseason. Houston split the season-series with Utah, 2-2. This series features the league’s two hottest teams out West since the All-Star break. As the Rockets rose up the standings from fourteenth to fourth, the Jazz climbed a little higher as well. Utah got off to a slow start, but eventually finished with the fifth seed. For a first-round matchup, the Jazz are about as tough as it gets. They’re gritty, tough, and are one of the top four teams in the West, records not included.

The Rockets said it doesn’t matter who they play. And if they’re the best team, it shouldn’t. This first round will be a great test for this Houston team, and will only make the Rockets better moving forward. No other team that’s favored in their playoff series has as tough an opponent as Houston does in the first round, in Utah. To be the best, you have to beat the best. The Jazz aren’t the best, but they’re a great tune up for the best, if the Rockets can take care of business and advance onto the second round.

Houston needs to take care of business at Toyota Center and protect home court. If the Rockets lose Game 1 or 2, it puts added pressure on the squad heading into a disruptive environment that is playing in Utah. The Jazz have some of the most disrespectful fans in the league. The owner had to address the Utah fans publicly about this earlier in the season, after an incident between Russell Westbrook and a fan. Utah’s fans are loud, and their supportive of their team. They may be obnoxious, but they give the Jazz a great home-court advantage. The Rockets need to tune out all the craziness they will hear from the fans in Utah, and just play basketball. It shouldn’t be a problem for Houston, as they won both games in Utah in last season’s Western Conference Semifinals.

The Rockets need to take advantage of the Jazz’ inability to take care of the basketball. Utah is the second-worst team in the league in turnovers. Houston happens to be the NBA’s number one team in forcing turnovers. The Rockets defense needs to jump all over this advantage to propel them past the Jazz in this series. Houston also needs to box out on the defensive end. The Rockets have struggled all year on the defensive boards. Rudy Gobert and Utah are one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the league. Houston may need to use more size in this series to contain Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors, and others who will be fighting for rebounds. Houston also needs to contain Utah’s Donovan Mitchell, Ricky Rubio, and Joe Ingles on the perimeter. If the Rockets can force the Jazz into a turnover-happy team and win the rebounding war, Houston should win the series.

Last season, the Rockets beat the Jazz in 5 games in the second round to end Utah’s season. Houston is looking for a repeat performance in this year’s first round. Both squads, Houston and Utah, are better than last year. As long as the Rockets don’t look ahead to the second round (where the Warriors will be waiting), they should be able to win this series in 5 games again. It might take 6, but don’t expect this series to go to a Game 7. Houston knows how much is at stake. For the franchise. For James Harden. Chris Paul. Mike D’Antoni. Daryl Morey. They’ve waited months, after last year’s devastating Game 7 loss to Golden State, to get back to the playoffs. It’s that time of the year, and the Rockets are finally here. Ready to go, with a chip on their shoulder, intent on proving the basketball world wrong. It’s time to run it back. It all begins on Sunday night at Toyota Center.

 

Series Prediction:  Rockets in 5