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Rockets Rally, Topple Wizards in Wild 159-158 Win

Monumental Mirage.    Clutchbrook.    Ghosts in the Paint.   

Unforgettable. The best way to describe Wednesday’s night double-duel in sports between Houston and Washington. In H-Town, the Astros came close, but fell to the Nationals in Game 7 of the World Series, giving Washington their first title in baseball. It was a strange series. The first in history that featured the road team winning every game. Back in D.C., the Rockets and Wizards played in one of the most bizarre basketball contests you will ever see. It resembled a hyper-stylized version of today’s NBA. A pickup game between pros… only on steroids. Comparable to watching two of your buddies play NBA2K. Except this was no video game. Players rarely missed. Defense was non-existent. And after erasing a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter, the Rockets survived to beat the Wizards, 159-158. In only 48 minutes. It set the record for the most points scored in an NBA game decided by 1 point. James Harden’s first 50-Burger of the season came at the perfect time. The Beard finally broke out of his shooting slump. Harden finished with an NBA-season high 59 points, on a stellar 18-of-32 shooting, including 6-of-14 from deep. Russell Westbrook recorded another triple-double, with 17 points, 10 boards, and 12 assists. Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards, scoring 46 points on a crazy night. The game featured a relentless pace. 19 different times, a team scored within 10 seconds of the other. There was absolutely no defense to be found. James Harden can score 50 every night. Russell Westbrook can continue to get triple-doubles. It won’t matter. If  Houston continues to have ghosts in the paint, their dreams of a title will become just that: a ghost. A haunting reminder of what could be… if only they could learn to play D. Washington shot the lights out, but the Wizards should never score 158 points. Especially this Wizards team. The Rockets were fortunate to get the win. Without Westbrook, they don’t.

After 4 games, it’s safe to say Russell Westbrook has exceeded expectations. I was hesitant to admit at first, but Brodie has been nothing short of fantastic. Especially in the clutch. He started off slow offensively on Wednesday, but Westbrook always finds ways to impact the game. Despite not scoring in the first half, Brodie was passively assertive, dishing out 11 dimes before the break. But… it’s his contributions in the clutch that have saved Houston this season. Against Washington, Westbrook had 14 points and 8 rebounds in the final quarter. Russ has been extremely effective at tipping out loose balls he can’t secure to other Rockets to save possessions. Westbrook is averaging 11.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in the 4th quarter. He’s shooting an incredible 62%, including 43% from long range in these quarters. Houston needs contributions from the rest of the squad late, if they ever want to win a game by more than 4 points.

Houston rallied from 12 down, including an 11-point deficit with a little over four minutes to play. Harden had a 50-Burger. Westbrook had a triple double. The Rockets got the W. So, little cause for concern, right? Wrong. Statistics can be a monumental mirage, and if Houston doesn’t fix its glaring weakness on defense… their season could become a mirage of false hope. The key number in this game was 158. Way too many points a championship contender should ever allow. If Houston wants to be considered among the league’s elite, they need to fix the massive holes on defense. In particular, the Rockets interior defense has been torrid, as opponents are able to get layups whenever they desire. It’s easier said than done. But it’s something that needs to be done. Or all these big scoring nights, triple-doubles, and fancy stats won’t mean anything. Even if Houston keeps winning by the skin of their teeth. In the playoffs, the game slows down, and defense becomes exponentially more important. If the Rockets don’t get serious on defense, those title aspirations… will be forgettable.

Rockets Visit D.C., Take on Wizards to Begin Road Trip

Keeping Pace.    Rocket Luck.    Role Models Next Door.

A champion will be crowned tonight. Houston travels to D.C. to start their four-game road trip. It’s the squad’s first foray into foreign territory of the season, as they battle the Wizards. The world will be watching as Houston and Washington battle for sports supremacy. It just won’t be this battle. Both cities’ respective baseball teams (Astros and Nationals) face off in Game 7 of the World Series for the ultimate prize: a championship. I’m hoping the Rockets can bring some sort of bad juju into Washington D.C. Somehow curse the Nationals from afar, giving the Astros good luck. It’s Houston’s first road game of the season, as the Rockets attempt to get their third straight victory.

The Beard and Brodie Bunch will try to keep their breakneck pace they built up in Houston to begin the season. The Rockets own the league’s second fastest pace this year, so far. On Wednesday, they battle a Wizards team that is on the cusp of rebuilding, or already is, depending on who you ask. D.C.’s best player, John Wall is expected to miss most of the season with an injury. Bradley Beal, their other All-Star, doesn’t have enough pieces around him to get it done in the NBA, with a group of raw, up-and-coming players. Houston looks to feast on Washington tonight, as the new-look Rockets should be too much talent for this young Wizards crew. Houston needs to attack the glass, and focus on improving their rebounding against the Wizards tonight. Washington boasts several young, raw bigs, who can give the Rockets fits on the glass. Tonight presents a perfect game for the Beard to find his shooting rhythm. Harden has struggled mightily from the field to start the year. Lucky for the Beard, the Wizards pose no threats on the perimeter defensively. Look for Harden to have his best shooting night of the young season, and the Rockets should finally win a game by more than 4 points. Maybe, the mere presence of James Harden and Russell Westbrook in the district will be enough to jinx that town from getting a crown. Hopefully. The Rockets can learn a lot from the Astros. Even if they don’t win tonight, the Stros three-year run has been nothing short of admirable.

There’s no time for sightseeing in D.C. After tonight, the Rockets travel to 3 more cities before returning to Houston. Wednesday night, the eyes of the world will be on the city of Houston, where the Astros try and keep a dynasty alive. It will be quite a sight to behold. Houston’s baseball team has been the role model next door for the Rockets over the past few years. The Astros possess a level of chemistry few teams in sports will ever match. Their love for each other on and off the field is so infectious you can feel it watching them play. The Rockets hope to build their own chemistry into something Astro-like. So they can one day be in the position their role models face tonight: one win from a Championship… the ultimate crown.

 

Capital One Arena:  Washington, D.C.

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (2-1): White

Washington Wizards (1-2): Navy Blue

 

TV: 7 PM CT – ATT SportsNet SW

Houston’s 3rd Quarter Surge Blasts Rockets Past Thunder, 116-112

The Return.    Blasting Off.    Championship Reunion.

It was a reunion of sorts on Monday night in Houston. Chris Paul’s return brought a lot of emotion into Toyota Center. The Rockets played a tribute video during a timeout, and Paul got a warm reception, one he deserved for his time in Houston. His new team, the Thunder, gave the Rockets all they could handle. Houston trailed by 10 at halftime, and it looked Paul might get the better of Houston in his return. However, the new-look Rockets blasted off in the third, outscoring the Thunder by 21 in the period, en route to a 116-112 victory. James Harden had 40 points, but his shooting struggles continued. The Beard went only 3 of 14 from beyond the arc. In contrast, the guy who’d grown a reputation for jacking up threes, Russell Westbrook, attempted only one shot from long range the entire night. Westbrook finished one assist shy of another triple-double, and his presence has had an immediate effect on Houston’s offense.

Last season, the Rockets were 27th in pace of play. So far, this season through 3 games, they’re 2nd. Mike D’Antoni can finally play at his 6 seconds or less pace, and Westbrook makes Houston an apex predator in transition. Once Harden’s shots start falling, the Rockets are going to be blowing opponents out of the water. Houston hits the road next for a four-game trip against inferior competition. And so the Beard and Brodie Era continues on Wednesday, as the squad travels to Washington to take on the Wizards.

Speaking of Washington, the Houston Astros go for their second Championship against the Washington Nationals tonight in Game 6 of the World Series. The city of Houston is arguably the sports city of the moment. The Texans have the best young quarterback in the game, in Deshaun Watson, giving them a bright future for years to come. The Rockets look poised to damage in a new era of basketball in Houston. But, what a moment it should be tonight at Minute Maid Park, the home of the Astros. Houston is having Rockets’ legends Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon and Clyde “The Glyde” Drexler open the night for the Astros. Tonight, the icons from the city’s second-ever sports championship reunite to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 6 of the World Series. It should be goosebumps-inducing moment, and hopefully will inspire the Astros to win their second title. And in the future, if Harden and Westbrook can lead the Rockets back to an NBA title… who knows… maybe one night, the Beard and Brodie will be the ones throwing out the first pitch, in another Houston Championship Reunion.

Rockets Host Thunder in CP3’s Return to Houston

Familiar Faces.    Revenge Game?    Closing Strong.

For the first time since the biggest trade this offseason, Chris Paul returns to Houston. It’s also the first time that Russell Westbrook will be facing Oklahoma City, a place he called home for 11 seasons. The Rockets host the Thunder on Monday night at Toyota Center. Brodie and CP3 won’t be the only familiar faces. These two teams know each other quite well. Thabo Sefolosha spent the best part of OKC’s Brodie Era on the Thunder. Harden and Westbrook took Oklahoma City to the Finals when Kevin Durant was still on the team. Now they join forces in Houston, and face a weaker Thunder team looking more toward the future than focusing on the present.

Is it a revenge game? Only Chris Paul and James Harden truly know how things ended between Houston’s star backcourt of yesterday. Russel Westbrook, always completive and hungry, will want to beat his former team. And CP3 may have lost speed with age, but he hasn’t lost his competitive edge. The two will certainly want to leave imprints on tonight’s contest. Hopefully, James Harden can join the party and find his shooting rhythm. The Beard has struggled mightily from the field to start the season.

After tonight, the Rockets head on a four-game road-trip. Houston looks to close the opening home-stand strong. Expect the Rockets to be victorious over the Thunder tonight. But with Chris Paul in the building, Monday’s contest should be closer than expected. CP3 wants to be these Rockets. The team he helped inch within a hamstring injury of the Finals. And Westbrook wants to beat the Thunder. For Brodie, the opponent doesn’t matter. His energy level won’t change. Emotions will be running high at Toyota Center on Monday night. It will be hard to root against Chris Paul. Houston never achieved the goal they wanted, but they set the single-season franchise-win record with CP3.

The Rockets never wanted to trade Paul. His contract was a huge issue, but Houston could have kept Paul and gotten Russ, they surely would have. A report came out earlier today claiming Harden wanted to get Westbrook and keep Paul at the same time. But in the NBA, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Uniting Paul and Westbrook together wasn’t possible… the exchange was the biggest trade of the offseason. We’ll see how the results play out for both parties tonight. Expect the atmosphere to be electric for a game this early in the season. Houston looks to show the NBA world they benefited from the biggest trade of the offseason, by getting a win against a familiar face.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (1-2):  White

Houston Rockets (1-1):  Red

 

TV:  7:00 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Hold Off Pelicans, 126-123, Claim First Win

Past and Present Magic.    Danuel’s House.    Searching for Rhythm.

A win’s a win. Goes the old cliche. On Saturday night, the Rockets got their first win of the young season, hanging on to fend off the Pelicans, 126-123. It wasn’t the prettiest victory, but right now, they’ll get a win any way possible. A win’s a win. New Orleans stayed with Houston for most of the night. The Rockets even trailed by 3 after 3 quarters. Brandon Ingram led the way with 35 points and 15 boards for the Pelicans. But Russell Westbrook’s play in the final frame secured the victory. Houston started the quarter on an 8-0 run, and Russ took over late going 4 for 7 from the field in the fourth. Westbrook finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists. The 139th triple-double of his career, passing the legendary Magic Johnson on the all-time list. A feat no one expected when Westbrook entered the league over a decade ago, back in 2007. If Westbrook wants to be dominant on this Rockets team, he needs to be more efficient and improve his decision-making. You could say the same for his partner in crime, James Harden.

The Beard almost blew the game with a late turnover that resulted in a New Orleans dunk that cut the lead to one point. Houston survived and got the win, but if they want to compete against the NBA’s elite, they’ll need smarter plays down the stretch from Harden. James finished with 29 points, but went 2-for18 from three, on a terrible shooting night. It’s still early in the season. Harden and Westbrook even said it would take time. It’s inevitable that growing pains will occur. Houston can only hope they don’t linger for too long. The good news for the Rockets: the rest of the squad looks ready to prove why Houston’s roster is arguably the deepest the league has to offer.

Danuel House Jr. has been Houston’s most efficient player so far this season. Time will tell if Mike D’Antoni’s decision to insert House with the starting unit was the right move. Regardless, House looks as comfortable as ever as a Rocket, in his first full season with team. Elsewhere, Eric Gordon still needs regain his shooting rhythm. Splash Gordon connected on only 2 of 9 shots from deep. House, meanwhile, finished with 15 points, on 4 of 5 shooting from beyond the arc. P.J. Tucker had 16 points to go along with the usual hustle he brings on every play. Clint Capela chipped in with 15 points and 7 boards. Houston just needs their start backcourt to get in sync with House and co. It might take a little time, but once everyone shakes off the rust, the Rockets will be a tough out any night. 

Up next, the Rockets have a reunion of sorts. It won’t be an easy contest. Russell Westbrook faces the only team he ever knew before donning Rocket red, the Oklahoma City Thunder. It will be weird to see a familiar face wearing Oklahoma City’s uniform. Chris Paul returns to town, intent on seeking revenge against his former team. Houston will try to prevent that, as Episode 3 of the Beard and Brodie Era continues on Monday night. And if the Rockets can get the victory, don’t expect to hear, “a win’s a win,” afterward. The next game’s personal.

Rockets Aim to Rebound Against Pelicans

All Due Respect.    Everything.    Number One.

“All due respect, you got no f*****g idea what it’s like to be Number One. Every decision you make affects every facet of every other f*****g thing. It’s too much to deal with almost. And in the end you’re completely alone with it all,” Tony Soprano says near the end of HBO’s legendary series. A man with the ego and vanity comparable to that of James Harden and Russell Westbrook. If Houston’s superstar backcourt can’t learn to coexist, the Rockets have no chance of being the league’s number one team. Harden could score 50 points in every game until he retired. Westbrook could get a triple-double in every game for the rest of his career. It wouldn’t matter. If Houston’s superstar backcourt can’t bring the city a title, they’ll never be remembered like the greatest players of all time. Anyone can score in this league. But to be number one? In this league? That’s too much to deal with for most players. Winning championships doesn’t mean something… it means everything. And for the majority of guys in the league, everything is just too much to deal with. The good news for the Rockets is Harden and Westbrook have known each other for years, and their argument gone viral late in Thursday’s loss is likely just a necessary exchange between heated competitors, trying to get on the same page during their first game. Or, at least that’s what it had to be. If Houston has any change of reigning supreme as the NBA’s number one team, Harden and Westbrook have to profit from each other on the court. They have to realize what’s at stake. They owe it to themselves. All due respect, but it’s not every year you get a legitimate shot to win it all. In this league those chances are few and far between. If Brodie and the Beard can’t merge their styles of play into a winning formula, they’ll be all alone at the end of their careers. All those individual stats and accolades attached to their names… with no jewelry to show for it. Just ask the legends who once took the hardwood: in the end, the numbers don’t matter… it’s all about the rings. It’s a long season, but the Rockets’ superstar duo needs to realize their shared goal, and focus on winning.

After their collapse in game number one to the Bucks, Houston looks to get in the win column against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. The team with the number one pick in the draft is no joke, despite their 0-2 record. New Orleans’ first two losses came in nail-biters that went down the stretch. Zion Williamson, the highly touted Pelicans phenom who went number one in the NBA draft, won’t be playing tonight. Zion is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with an injury he suffered in the preseason. New Orleans still poses a formidable test for the Rockets. This is a game Houston needs to win, in order to shoot expectations back into gear. The Pelicans boast many former assets from the Anthony Davis deal. Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart have been solid role pieces for New Orleans. Brandon Ingram has been exceptional in the early start, blossoming into his potential as an All-Star. Jrue Holiday is still arguably the Pelicans best player, running the point. The Rockets defense will focus on Ingram and Holiday, but New Orleans has had five players in double figures in each of their games this season. The Pelicans pose an all-around threat. If Houston returns to the unfortunate habit of playing down to their competition, the Rockets could be in trouble tonight. Luckily for Houston, the Rockets are the more rested team tonight. New Orleans lost a close game in Dallas on Friday night. Rest shouldn’t matter anyways. This Houston team is too talented and motivated to drop their first two games at home this season.

Despite their previous loss to the Bucks, the Rockets had a 16-point lead at halftime, and looked poised for a great win over one of the East’s best. The Rockets collapsed, but it’s the first game in a new era. And it’s not like Houston hosted the NBA’s bottom feeders. Give the Bucks credit. They’re a really good team. They’ll be playing into late-May. They rallied and gutted out a victory on the road (despite some very questionable late calls). Still, it’s no excuse for letting a 16-point lead slip away. Especially considering that last year’s MVP fouled out before crunch time. Hopefully the Rockets have learned from Thursday night’s letdown, and will bounce back against the Pelicans on Saturday night. It’s time that Houston fans see the Rockets perform to their potential. Each NBA season is an epic journey for the league’s contenders. Starting tonight, Houston can get their own journey back on trajectory. And show the league why they’re a title threat. They can handle the pressure… it’s not too much to deal with. It’s time the Rockets put Houston on the map as contenders for the league’s ultimate title: number one.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

New Orleans Pelicans (0-2):  Red

Houston Rockets (0-1):  White

 

TV:  7:00 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Opening Fright:  Rockets Collapse in 2nd Half, Fall to Bucks in Opener, 117-111

Half Measures.    Interior Invasion.    Speeding Up.

“The moral of the story is… I chose a half measure, when I should have gone all the way. I’ll never make that mistake again. No more half measures.” It’s one of the better quotes from the greatest TV show of all time, Breaking Bad. I couldn’t help but think about it after Houston’s opening night loss. The Rockets sure chose a half measure on Saturday night. Everything looked bright and optimistic. Houston held a 16-point lead at halftime, and led by 9 entering the fourth quarter. Giannis even fouled out before crunch time. But in the end, none of it mattered. Milwaukee rallied down the stretch, en route to handing the Rockets a 117-111 opening night defeat. Houston put up brick after brick when it mattered most down the stretch. More concerning, the Rockets had no defensive presence in the paint. Houston allowed layup after layup, as their interior defense appears to be one of the squad’s glaring weaknesses they’ll need to address moving forward. Milwaukee invaded the paint seemingly at will, with Houston having no answers for their attack on the rim. Unfortunately, the Rockets also had a problem giving up big leads last season. They need to buck this trend quickly, or like last year, Houston will find themselves in an early-season hole.

In his first game as a Rocket, Russell Westbrook had a fine game for the stat books. Brodie finished with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 dimes. As expected, his shot selection was questionable at times. However, the Rockets scored as many fast-break points on Thursday (27) as they did in any game last year. Westbrook certainly makes Houston speed up the pace, something essential for Mike D’Antoni’s offense to function at its highest level. James Harden had a quiet opening night. The Beard finished with 19 points, but on a torrid 2-of-13 shooting from the field. Harden also had  14 assists, and 7 boards, but was slowed by some very questionable offensive fouls late in the game. The Beard was called for charging three times late in the game. The egregious calls affected Harden’s aggressiveness. It’s rare to see the Beard take less than 15 shots in a game. It’s just not in his nature. Harden and Westbrook had a heated conversation late in the loss. Houston’s superstar backcourt needs to realize it’s not a one man show. Brodie and the Beard should be past the days of only caring about stats. All the points and triple-doubles in the world can’t buy you a championship. Not in this league. It takes teamwork. Milwaukee showed that down the stretch. The Bucks closed the game without the reigning MVP. The Greek Freak still finished with a triple-double consisting of 30 points, 13 boards, and 11 assists.

The pace of play helped P.J. Tucker get open for looks, who was the most efficient shooter for Houston against Milwaukee. Tucker finished with 17 points, and went 5-of-8 from long range. Clint Capela finished with a double-double, garnering 13 points and 12 boards. However, the big man didn’t see enough playing time down the stretch, and needs to get back into playing shape. Eric Gordon also needs to get back to splashing threes. EG had a terrible shooting night on Thursday. Gordon had the most shot attempts on the team, but went only 4-of-19 from the field. EG also boasted the lowest plus/minus on the entire squad. Houston was outscored by 22 points when Gordon was on the court. Maybe a change to the starting lineup for EG will get him back in rhythm, but it’s too early in the season to make that switch. Plus, Daniel House was solid as a starter, and fills the role nicely. One thing’s for certain: it’s still early, but like time, the season goes by fast. If the Rockets don’t address these issues prominently, they’ll be in for another slow start to the season. Luckily for Houston, the competition isn’t as fierce in their next matchup. The New Orleans Pelicans come to Houston on Saturday night. The division rivals will be without the league’s number one pick and rookie phenom Zion Williamson, who’s out with an injury. However, the Pelicans still have plenty of young pieces, and New Orleans is coming off two close losses. Expect the Pelicans to be hungry for a win. The Rockets can’t afford any more half measures.

Rockets Open Season Against Bucks, Look to Start a New Era

It All Begins…    Take it Back.    Pretenders.

A new age in Houston Rockets basketball begins on Thursday night. The squad has new jerseys, a new-look logo, and a new superstar to pair with the Beard. The Rockets start their 2019/2020 season with the highest of expectations. Not only is it the most anticipated Rockets season in memory, it’s the most anticipated season in NBA history, due to all the free agency movement this past summer. One positive Houston has: stability. This is essentially the same team from last season. Except Houston replaced Chris Paul with another superstar point guard. Albeit a younger, healthier superstar, one still in his prime… Russell Westbrook. Yes, there will be a few growing pains. The same cynics are out there who said Chris Paul and James Harden couldn’t share the ball before they paired up. If it weren’t for injuries, Chris Paul might still be a Rocket, with a ring. Look for Westbrook to seamlessly fit into Mike D’Antoni’s system by the time the playoffs begin. Signs of growing pains are sure to be seen in Westbrook’s first game as a Rocket, but Harden and Westbrook have history together that should ease any chemistry issues that arise. More importantly, both are more motivated than ever with the same goal in mind: an NBA Championship. Harden and Westbrook remain the best two ringless players in the league. That can all start to change on Thursday night, as they begin the long journey towards the playoffs and (hopefully) the NBA Finals. And so the era begins tonight, as the Rockets play host to one of the beasts from the East, the Milwaukee Bucks. 

James Harden should be licking his chops as the last season’s MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, comes into Harden’s House for Game 1 of the regular season. Any NBA fan that has any actual knowledge and intellect knows Harden was the real MVP last season, but got snubbed by voters once again. Both players had tremendous seasons, but Harden carried the banged-up Rockets last season.  Meanwhile, the Bucks had the Coach of the Year, an All-Star besides the Greek Freak, and a healthier squad throughout the season. The Beard can begin his revenge tour tonight, by showing the national public who the real MVP is this season. Despite the addition of Westbrook, Harden’s improvement with each season puts him on the verge of another historical season, and another MVP at year’s end, in my opinion. Harden has looked like he’s in midseason form, even causally dropping 44 points during one of Houston’s preseason games. Look for the Beard to get off to a fast start to the 2019/2020 campaign.

Many people are picking the Bucks to win the East. They won the most games in the conference last season, but that’s in the past. Milwaukee parted ways with point guard Malcolm Brogdon, one of the most underrated and overlooked players in the NBA right now. Brogdon already shined in his debut for the Indiana Pacers, with 22 points and 11 assists. Look for the Bucks to severely miss his absence. Milwaukee will still be a playoff team and a threat in the East, but Brogdon is a piece that takes teams over the top. Without Brogdon, the Bucks won’t finish above the Philadelphia 76ers or the Indiana Pacers out East. The Rockets can expose the Bucks as pretenders with an opening night victory, but it’s not going to be a cakewalk. Milwaukee were one of the only teams to go undefeated against Houston last season. The Bucks play great defense, and have plethora of shooters on the perimeter to help Giannis on offense. Milwaukee, also rebounds the ball well, as the Lopez brothers (Brook, Robin) do damage inside, as well as on the perimeter. The Rockets need to close out on open shooters and crash the boards to ensure they get an opening night win. The Russell Westbrook Era begins. Rockets basketball is officially back. And this season promises to be… one for the ages.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

Jersey Colors:

Milwaukee Bucks (0-0): Black

Houston Rockets (0-0): Red

TV: 7:00 PM CT – TNT

The Rocketssey:  2019/2020 Houston Rockets Season Preview

Open Season.    Mirror Images.    Kings of LA.   

“Is it just me, or is it getting crazier out there?”, Arthur Fleck asks in Joker, the year’s most controversial film. One that made me think of the current NBA landscape: absolute craziness. The Free Agency period, the China tweet, unforeseen league parity. This year marks the most anticipated season in the James Harden era of Houston Rockets basketball. Why? In what turned out to be the craziest offseason in NBA history, the Houston Rockets made arguably the most controversial move: snagging Russell Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tonight, the squad begins their 53rd season in franchise history, embarking on their third mission to win a title. And with the addition of Westbrook, the Rockets have their best chance to win it all since the title days of the mid-90’s. It’s Open Season in the NBA this year. A title’s up for grabs. And for the first time in what seems like forever, there is no clear-cut favorite. No dynasty trying to repeat. Only fresh faces in new places… eager to compete.

The Toronto Raptors lifted the trophy back in June. October’s finally here, and the NBA’s seen a vast amount of change. Comparable to a summer game of musical chairs, many of the league’s stars moved to different locales. During a crazy offseason, the league underwent the most roster changes in NBA history, and saw 72% of eligible free agents switch teams. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George teamed up with the Clippers. Anthony Davis joined LeBron and the Lakers. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving aligned with the Nets in Brooklyn. Kemba Walker travelled up to Boston to fill Kyrie’s void for the Celtics. Jimmy Butler cruised down to South Beach, for a new start with the Heat. And, the Rockets traded Chris Paul and his behemoth of a contract, for Russell Westbrook. Power balanced near the top, leaving promise for the pretenders whose time will come. By adding Westbrook, the Rockets are in position to overrun the “favorites” in LA for the title.

Unlike the Clippers or Lakers, the core of Houston’s roster has been together for the past few playoff runs. P.J. Tucker, Clint Capela, Eric Gordon, Danuel House Jr., Austin Rivers, Nene, Gary Clark, and Isaiah Hartenstein are all returning for the Rockets, along with James Harden of course. Unfortunately, Gerald Green is expected to miss the entirety of the season with a broken foot. The Green Light’s absence will be a blow to the second unit, but shouldn’t derail the Rockets from their championship expectations. New additions for Houston include the return of Ryan Anderson and new signees Tyson Chandler, Thabo Sefolosha, Ben McLemore, Michael Frazier, and Chris Clemons. The Rockets were unable to resign Kenneth Faried, but Chandler’s presence in the frontcourt should help fill that void. Chandler and Sefolosha are savvy veterans who bring even more grit and experience to Houston’s roster. And then there’s Russell Westbrook.

The Rockets are getting a former MVP, and legitimate superstar who’s in the midst of his prime. A player whose motivated himself since high school with the mantra of “why not?” Westbrook is coming off his third straight season averaging a triple-double. Russ brings an unparalleled energy level to the floor the Rockets sorely need. Houston boasts one of the league’s oldest rosters, but the squad’s familiarity with each other gives them an advantage over teams that have to adjust to new pieces and build chemistry. Russell will take some time fitting in to Coach Mike D’Antoni’s “the 3 is the key” offense. However, Harden and Westbrook, childhood friends from Los Angeles, have plenty of history together. In Oklahoma City they took the Thunder to the Finals with Kevin Durant. Now teammates in Houston, the Beard and Brodie aren’t the players they were in OKC, they’re even better. Harden and Westbrook’s bond make the Rockets one of the best bets to win the championship this year, in what’s lined up to be the NBA’s Season of Duos. LeBron and AD with the Lakers. Kawhi and PG with the Clippers. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid in Philly. Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis in Dallas. So, what makes Harden and Westbrook different? Everything.

“One thing I have learned is that you and I are opposites, but also just the same. Like an image in a mirror. We hate people. And they in turn hate us. And fear us.” I couldn’t help but think of Harden and Westbrook when hearing this quote from Peaky Blinders, the British show that’s evolving into a phenomenon. James Harden and Russell Westbrook, so similar yet so different, have slowly evolved into phenomenons in front of our eyes. Mirror images, or not? Both grew up in LA, and both weren’t highly scouted in high school, unlike many of today’s NBA superstars. Each overcame adversity to get to this point. Harden was just supposed to be a role player with a beard. Now he’s evolved into arguably the best offensive player basketball’s ever seen with the Beard. The thought of a player pulling an Oscar Robertson (averaging a triple-double in a season) in this era was unthinkable, until Westbrook accomplished that very feat… for the past three seasons. The Beard and Brodie are the league’s most eclectic pair of fashionistas. Both are known for entering arenas with creative outfits, many times outlandish, but always innovative and unique, like their style of play on the floor.

At age 30, both are genuine superstars in their prime. Both have been isolation dominant players (look for this to change slightly this season). However similar their styles of play, the Beard and Brodie bring different tangibles of force to be reckoned with. Harden, a creative offensive juggernaut and free throw assailant, has mastered the art of “getting any shot at any time” that he wants. Westbrook, a relentless triple-double machine, plays every single game like it’s his last. Russell is arguably the hardest playing professional in the league (along with P.J. Tucker). The kind of guy who irritates you in a pickup game by taking it too seriously, when you’re just trying to play around. Westbrook doesn’t play around. His exerted energetic force should fit comparably with Harden’s more laconic, hypnotizing style of play. Where Harden is more patient, Westbrook is more aggressive, in terms of overall play. You don’t accidentally average a triple-double for three seasons in a row. Only a heightened level of talent, energy, and effort can accomplish what Westbrook has done the past three years.

Despite all this, the Rockets superstar pair seems to inspire more hostility than any other superstars in the league. Performing feats others cannot evokes feelings of jealousy, and hatred. James Harden’s ability to score at will, misinterpreted as someone who cheats the game by his creative ability to draw fouls. Russell Westbrook’s ability to get a triple-double seemingly every game, only to be seen as “stat-padding”, and not the result of extraordinary effort. You don’t have to like Harden and Westbrook. The league’s best duo will elicit fear out of their opponents, and hate out of their opponent’s fans. You’re welcome to get on the Hate Bandwagon. It will only fuel Houston’s superstars toward reaching that elusive title that seems closer than ever this season.

With Harden and Westbrook, the Rockets now have two of the past three MVP’s on the same roster. Something that will elicit jealousy across the league, once the two really start gelling on the court. Houston’s been knocked out of the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors four out of the past five years. However, this Warriors dynasty, has finally come to an end. Kevin Durant jettisoned to the Brooklyn Nets. Klay Thompson will miss the entire season. Valuable, veteran role pieces like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston have parted ways. As a result, Golden State is no longer the biggest threat for Houston.

All the talk this offseason has been about the Lakers and Clippers in Los Angeles. Both teams will be improved, but Houston’s PHEC (PJ Tucker, Harden, Eric Gordon, Clint Capela) core has been together the longest of any Championship contender entering this season. Harden and Westbrook’s past experience playing together will shorten Russell’s adjustment period fitting into Coach Mike D’Antoni’s system. The only real title threat out East are the Sixers. Malcolm Brogan’s departure from Milwaukee will drop them out of contention. Look for the Pacers to be sleepers in the East, but Philly has more talent and experience for a Finals run. If the Rockets want to get back to the Finals for the first time since 1995, it won’t be easy, but it’s more than a possibility.

The Western Conference is better than ever, from top to bottom. Utah, Portland, Denver (all rising teams in the West) improved this offseason, along with the Battle for Los Angeles. A poll was released taken by NBA GM’s on who they expected to win the NBA title. The Clippers and Lakers had the most votes. And while the Battle for LA might determine something, maybe a renewed rivalry by the Hollywood franchises, don’t expect it to determine an NBA Champion. Anthony Davis cannot make it through a full season healthy, and LeBron James is finally starting to show signs that he’s human. The Clippers will be the Rockets biggest threat to the crown, and the only team I see with a chance to beat Houston in a playoff series. Harden and Westbrook, the real kings of LA, have reunited down south in Texas. The best two players in the league without a ring. The hungriest of all duos. If they can stay healthy, look for Houston’s new superstar backcourt to deliver the Rockets a third championship in franchise history. Don’t ask why. As Westbrook would say, ask… why not?

When the Houston Rockets acquired Russell Westbrook during the off-season, the team bolstered their offense. Westbrook brings forth a commitment and attitude to the game that is unmatched. His willingness to play basketball is in uncharted terrain. Joining forces once again with James Harden, the Rockets might finally have their true two-superstar duo. 

Acquiring Westbrook was a great move by the front office. The Rockets needed a solid player to come in and help Harden. Losing Chris Paul hurt, but Westbrook will compensate for that void. There was a hint that Westbrook wanted out of Oklahoma City throughout last season… it just took the right negotiation to strike a deal. Both Westbrook and Harden played alongside each other in Oklahoma City years back. Now reunited, the Rockets new-look backcourt can finally seize advantage of the ruthless Western Conference. A conference that has seen the Golden State Warriors dominate for years, but their reign may finally be over. Kevin Durant moved on to Brooklyn. LeBron James and Anthony Davis could make noise with the Lakers. However, the Clippers might boost the biggest threat to Houston out West. The Clippers arguably won the offseason, keeping their core intact, while adding superstars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. The playoff race out West could very well come down to the Rockets and Clippers. 

Both teams are uniquely talented. In the Rockets’ case, Westbrook and Harden are going to be one of the best duos in the league. This Rockets team is on a mission, and has been, to win a championship. To get there, both Westbrook and Harden are going to have to share the ball. That’s something we saw with Harden and Chris Paul, although the Rockets didn’t make it to the NBA Finals. If this team is going reach that peak, the two stars have to share the ball and include the entire team in the offense. 

The Rockets aren’t only a two-player team. Guys like Eric Gordon, Clint Capela, and P.J. Tucker will get their fair share of the ball. Tucker has become one of the best defenders in the league. However, Harden and Westbrook know what it’s going to take for this to work. Houston brought in Carmelo Anthony last season and we know how that ended up. However, the vibe for Westbrook and Harden is really high. This team is only expected to win around 57-58 games this season. If the two can create a bond on the court and truly work together, this team can make a run to the title. Here’s to the 2019-2020 season. It’s basketball time in H-Town. 

– Brandon Eisenman