Blog

Rockets, Warriors, Clash in Final Regular Season Matchup

 

The Champion’s Number.    Houston’s House.    Statement Game?

 

“The beauty of the NBA is that on Wednesday night we have an opportunity to send a statement”, Steph Curry said before his team’s embarrassing home loss to the Suns on Sunday night. Golden State’s guard already had Houston on his mind. How could he not? The Rockets have won 5 of the 6 previous matchups between the two teams, including last year’s playoffs. Tonight marks the final regular season tilt between Houston and Golden State, the NBA’s two best teams (despite what the records say). The Rockets know it.  And more importantly, so do the Warriors. They won’t admit it, but they know Houston is a legit threat to their title as NBA Champions. A sweep at the hands of the Rockets would send quite the statement back at Curry and his team.  Kevin Durant is out tonight with an injury for the Warriors, but Golden State, as always, boasts plenty of firepower.

The Rockets are red hot, riding the NBA’s longest winning streak at 9 games. Houston is looking to become the first team in the Steve Kerr-era to sweep the Golden State Warriors during the regular season. Like it or not, the Houston Rockets have the Champion’s number. Something about playing Golden State brings out the absolute best in the Rockets. They play their hardest, they play together, and they truly “Run As One”, as their slogan claims. Houston also plays hungrier than ever when facing the Champs. The Rockets aren’t over their loss in the Western Conference Finals last season. A series, they know they would have won had Chris Paul not gone down with the injury.

This regular season, Houston has dominated Golden State. The Rockets are 3-0 against the Warriors. But, it’s not just the record. Houston beat Golden State in the last game without James Harden, on the road. In the previous matchup, they beat the Warriors again in Oracle Arena, this time without Chris Paul and Eric Gordon. The Rockets have proven it doesn’t matter who they put out on the floor. They’ve got the Champs’ number. And as of yesterday, they got their House back.

Danuel House Jr. is a officially a Houston Rocket again.   The Houstonian reached an agreement with the Rockets and is signed with the team for the remainder of the season. House was sensational in his 25 games with Houston. The Rockets went 16-9, with House in the lineup. Many of those games were during Houston’s most difficult stretch of the season. Chris Paul was injured and the Rockets faced the toughest portion of their schedule. Meanwhile, House moved himself from an unknown bench player to a starter in a matter of games. The grit and energy he plays with made House a fan favorite. Houston realized they needed him if they’re going to achieve their ultimate goal of winning a title. The Rockets sent a statement of their own yesterday by bring back their House.

So, Steph Curry and the Warriors think it’s a statement game? I guess they feel the need to prove they can beat Houston. Considering they’ve done it once in their last 6 tries. And that one time was without Chris Paul against an inferior squad. Don’t let the records fool you. This Rockets team is better than last year’s squad. That group made it to within one game of the NBA Finals. Houston’s record may be worse, but this year’s team is a lot better. It just took a while to work out the kinks. And with Danuel House back in Rockets Red, Houston’s ready to make this year’s playoffs more than just a deep run, but a run to remember. Curry was right when he said Wednesday’s game is a statement game. It’s not a good look to get swept by any team in the regular season. Especially, when you’re the back-to-back defending Champions, with 5 All-Stars in their prime. Or maybe this Warriors team isn’t the best in the NBA this season. No matter who wins tonight’s contest, one thing is clear. Golden State will be the favorite heading into the playoffs, regardless of their record or seeding. They’ve earned that, and they should be the favorite. Although, something else has become clear as well. It’s been a crazy and wild NBA season. And anything is possible when Houston is healthy. Maybe, just maybe, the Rockets will emerge and dethrone the Warriors. How sweet it would be… the beauty of the NBA.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Golden State Warriors (45-21):  White

Houston Rockets (42-25):  Black

 

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

 

Rockets Squash Hornets, 118-106, Win 9^th Straight

 

Early Boost.    Healthy Returns.    Back to the Flash.

 

Add another game to Houston’s winning streak. The Rockets put away the Hornets early, and made sure it was never close on Monday night. Houston defeated Charlotte, 118-106, to move their winning streak to 9 games. The Rockets withstood a stellar performance from Kemba Walker, to inch close to the top of the West. Walker had 40 points for Charlotte, and kept the contest mildly competitive. Houston’s defense jumped on the Hornets to the start the game. Charlotte managed only 19 points in the first quarter, and the Rockets held the Hornets to only 44 points at halftime. Houston held on in the second half. Led by James Harden, with 28 points and 10 assists, the Rockets staved off a Hornets comeback attempt, one that never got very close. A great sign for Houston as they keep bad teams out of games.

Monday’s game was only the second of the season with a completely healthy roster for the Houston Rockets. They’ve been relatively healthy since Clint Capela returned, but have had minor injuries to several bench players. Particularly Iman Shumpert, and Kenneth Faried. Capela had a monster night on the glass, and finished with 19 points and 15 boards. The Manimal’s return last night gave Houston a completely healthy squad, and the Rockets looked good having a full unit together. Faried didn’t miss a beat, returning to action with 16 points and 9 rebounds. They led by 29 points at one point in the contest over Charlotte. The Hornets aren’t a contender, but the Rockets are finally beating the teams they’re supposed to beat. It’s a trend that follows championship teams. And it was missing earlier in the season for Houston.

Eric Gordon’s shooting was also missing at the start of the season. But EG’s finally returned to form. Slash Gordon continues to roll for the Rockets, and scored 22 points on the evening. Flash Gordon has arguably been Houston’s most consistent offensive player since the All-Star break. Slash Gordon’s ability to drive to the basket, combined with his lethal shooting from deep, makes EG hard to contain when he’s playing at potential. And Splash Gordon has been huge during the Rockets’ current winning streak. Gordon’s aggressiveness on both ends doesn’t get enough attention. He commands focus from defenses and it opens up so much for the rest of Houston’s offense. EG also is a strong defender, and isn’t afraid to back down from anyone on defense. They’ll need EG to continue his resurgence, as the Golden State Warriors come to town as the Rockets next opponent. It’s the last matchup between the NBA’s 2 best teams. Houston will be facing Golden State with a healthy roster for the first time all season. They’re also looking to become the first team to sweep Steve Kerr’s Warriors in the regular season. On Wednesday night, the Rockets have a chance to add an impressive victory to their winning streak.

 

 

 

 

Rockets Return Home, Face Hornets, Go For 9 Wins in a Row

 

Home Cookin’.    Fun Meters.    Not Too Far.

 

         The Rockets are buzzing and having fun again. Coming off their 8^th straight win, a grind-out defensive victory over Dallas, Houston returns home for their next 4 games. On Monday night, the Rockets host the Charlotte Hornets. Houston hasn’t lost at home since February 9^th, when they gave up a 26-point lead to the Thunder. The Rockets have a great chance to keep moving up the standings. They’re only 4 games out of the 1-seed, Golden State, who they play on Wednesday. The Rockets are only 3 games behind the second seed, Denver, who they play in a few weeks in Houston. This is the third game in 4 nights for the Rockets. If the squad can fight tired legs, they should be able to pull out the victory over an inferior Hornets-squad. Charlotte has lost 8 of 11, but still remain only a game out of the eighth seed in the East. Starting tonight, Houston has an opportunity to cook some more wins together during this home-stretch portion of the schedule.

A lot of factors can measure how well a team is playing. One of the key factors for Houston is the vastly important Eric Gordon Fun Meter. Earlier in the season when Houston was struggling Gordon said, “I’m just not having fun anymore.” Oh, how things can change throughout an NBA season. Gordon got off to a slow start to the campaign. However, Mike D’Antoni tinkered with the lineup, and EG’s efficiency has risen since being swapped into the starting group. Gordon is currently playing his best ball of the season. His shooting is a major reason the Rockets currently own the NBA’s longest winning streak. And why, EG, and the Rockets, are having plenty of fun nights. When Splash Gordon’s having fun making it rain from deep, Houston’s nearly impossible to beat. Gordon is the third guy besides Harden and Paul, who can create his own shot, and for others, offensively. EG also is one of the most underrated players defensively in the entire league. Night-in and night-out he can be seen overcoming defensive challenges. When the rest of the squad is playing defense like Gordon, Tucker, and Paul, the Rockets are a scary team to try and beat.

Houston can’t overlook the Hornets. We all know who waits on the horizon. The Warriors. Houston’s final regular-season matchup against Golden State is on Wednesday. They can’t look too far ahead. The Rockets need to focus on Monday night, and a Charlotte team coming in that has the talent to be a threat to Houston. First-time All-Star, Kemba Walker, one the most underrated players in the league, can have explosive nights offensively. The Hornets play hard, and if Houston comes out lacking focus, the Rockets’ winning streak may come to an unfortunate end, against another inferior opponent. It’s been two and half weeks since Houston last lost. The Rockets can’t afford to fall to any more teams they’re expected to beat. Houston should be able to muster up enough energy to quiet Charlotte’s buzz, and push the winning-streak to 9 games. As long as they find Eric Gordon on offense, it should be a fun night.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Charlotte Hornets (30-36):  Black

Houston Rockets (41-25):  Red

 

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

Paul Wall: CP3’s Block Seals Rockets’ Win Over Mavs, 94-93

 

CPD.    Grind a Way.    Holding On.

 

Houston survived to win a nail-biter in Dallas on Sunday night, 94-93. It wasn’t pretty, but the victory gives the Rockets a season-high 8 in a row. Chris Paul had a game-saving block as time-expired on Jalen Brunson to preserve the victory. CP3 only had 9 points, but he dished out 9 dimes, and his defense was stellar in the clutch. Paul’s been struggling with his shot, shooting 5 for 29 from the field over his past 3 games. Yet, as in tonight, Paul’s still having an impact, and helping Houston find ways to win. Brunson had a good look, but Paul made sure it had no chance of going in. Despite his shooting slump, the Point God’s passing and defense has been spectacular (as it’s been his entire career). CP3 passed Isiah Thomas among the NBA’s All-Time Assists Leaders, moving into the number 7 spot on the list. Paul’s passing and ability to control the pace have been the major forces fueling the Rockets’ winning streak. Harden and Paul combined to shoot an ugly 9 for 36 from the field. Houston’s offense crashed on a night the defense and hustle grinded out the victory.

James Harden had arguable one of his worst games of the season. The Beard’s 28-point game streak was snapped. Harden finished with only 20 points, particularly due to foul trouble. He picked up his fifth foul early in the second half, which led to an extended period of the Beard bench-warming. The Rockets still managed to grind out the victory. P.J. Tucker was spectacular on the defensive end, guarding Luka Doncic for most of the night. Clint Capela had a solid game inside with 17 points and 12 rebounds. However, the Rockets biggest source of shooting fuel came from Eric Gordon, who picked up the slack on offense with Harden in foul trouble. EG finished with 26 points on 10 of 20 from the field, as his late season resurgence continues for Houston. When Gordon is playing well, the Rockets are nearly unbeatable. There’s a reason his hot-streak and Houston’s have coincided at the same time.

The Rockets held on to win in a game that was closer than expected on Sunday night. Houston led by 9 entering the final frame, and almost surrendered another fourth quarter-lead. Shots may not be falling, but the squad’s defense has vastly improved. It’s the reason the Rockets won in Dallas. They had a torrid shooting night as a team, but grinded out the victory on defense. Houston has now held their last 3 opponents under 100 points. That 3-game mark is an impressive feat in today’s NBA, where it’s not unusual to see 120 or more on the scoreboard many nights. The Rockets are still holding onto the 3-seed in the West. The 2-seed, and even the 1-seed, with Golden State’s embarrassing loss to Phoenix, is still in reach for Houston. They Rockets were lucky to escape Dallas with a victory. They return home on an 8-game winning streak, and face the Charlotte Hornets tomorrow night. It’s the third game in 4 nights for Houston. They’ll try and survive against a pesky Hornets team, fighting for their playoff lives.

 

Rockets Zoom Into Dallas, Face Dirk’s Mavs One Last Time

 

Game-Changers.    Fairwell, Frenemy.    Past, Present, Future.

 

Game-changers. Jordan. Magic. Bird. Wilt. Certain players are synonymous with their impact on the game of basketball. To an extent to where they become even bigger than the game itself. If your franchise gets a game-changing player, consider yourself lucky. They are few and far between. However, the Rockets and Mavericks are  both fortunate enough to boast game-changing players. As one of Houston’s greatest rivals, I despise the Mavericks. On Sunday night, the Rockets travel to Dallas, a city they’ve been time and time again. To battle a Mavs team they’ve faced frequently over the years, and will see plenty of again in the future. Except this time, it’s feels different. Yes, Houston is rolling, going for 8 straight wins. The Rockets are playing atmospheric basketball, especially on defense. But, tonight marks the last time Houston faces Dirk Nowitzki.

Legend is an over-used word. Not in Dirk’s case. This man started basketball’s revolution of big men launching threes and kicking Dirty-Dirk step-backs. The German Race Car pioneered the European evolution of the game. And now, 21 years later, at age 40, he’s on his final lap. Dirk might not be as fast or effective as the showstopper he once was, but as a player and person, Nowitzki’s influence on the NBA cannot be overstated, nor dismissed. It would be remiss not to recognize the impact Dirk’s had on the game. Some players truly change the game for the better. Without Dirk, basketball wouldn’t be the same.

Since 1998, he’s been a thorn in Houston’s side. There are too many painful Rocket-memories involving Dirk-Destruction. But, Nowitzki made the game a better place. Sports need true, valiant competitors like Dirk. Even though the Rockets won’t miss having to face Dirk, the game will miss his face a lot more. I’m glad the days of Dirk wrecking destruction on Houston in the playoffs is over. But, part of me grieves what the game is losing. The NBA won’t be the same. Despite losing Dirk, Dallas got lucky again, of course. Well, they were smart. The Mavs traded for All-Star Kristaps Porzingis, but it’s what Dallas did before the season that was more impactful. They drafted Luka Doncic, the best rookie in this year’s class. The Slovenian sensation has the poise and potential to be a future game-changing talent in this league.

Houston is the hottest team in basketball. The Rockets look to even the season series in their final Dallas duel this season. Houston can’t take their foot off the gas. They’re only 3 games from claiming the second seed out West. Dallas is tougher at home, as opposed to the road. Dallas is a woeful 6-27 on the road but the Mavs are 21-11 at home, and a much more formidable opponent in American Airlines Center. However, Dallas has lost 4 straight and looks to be focusing on the race for Zion. Look for the Rockets to win their 8^th straight game, and defeat Dirk in their final matchup. The Mavs are a team with a bright future, but they won’t be able to stop the NBA’s hottest team tonight. James Harden won’t let that happen. He’s a modern-day game-changer.

 

American Airlines Center:  Dallas, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (40-25):  White

Dallas Mavericks (27-38):  Black

 

TV:  6 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Clamp City:  Surging Rockets Shake Off Sixers, 107-91

 

Lift-Off.    Streaking Streak-busters.    Watch the Game.

 

A month into the season, the Houston Rockets were left for dead.  An early-season hangover led to an 11-14 start. But, you know what they say, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.  The Rockets finished off the 76ers with little resistance, 107-91, on Friday night.  Other than Tobias Harris, no one was much of a factor for Philadelphia.  James Harden led the way for Houston as he’s done all season.  The Beard shook off a hard fall to his wrist and had 31 points, 10 boards, and 7 dimes.  Eric Gordon, who’s really starting to find his rhythm, finished with 17 points, and Gerald Green chipped in with 14 on the scoreboard. Clint Capela is rounding back into pre-injury form.  Capela finished with 18 points and 9 boards for the night.  The Rockets have lifted off and are playing out of this world.

Houston’s now in the midst of their longest winning-streak of the season, 7 games, while playing their best basketball of the year.  The game also marked Harden’s 40^th consecutive night with at least 28 points, second in NBA history.  Entering the contest, Philly had the NBA’s longest-active streak scoring at least 100 points, at 28. Houston’s defense ended that streak on Friday night, as Houston had another dominant defensive performance.

P.J. Tucker set the example on defense, from the start.  Tucker drew 2 charges on Amir Johnson, and forced the Sixers into foul-trouble early.  The NBA’s Hustle King continues to play with energy and grit that is worthy of recognition.  Chris Paul noticed.  In postgame comments, Paul said on Tucker, “there’s no question Tuck should be all defense… watch the game and you’ll see his value.”  The Sneaker King’s value has been contagious.  After the game, Coach Mike D’Antoni said Tucker is like “the glue of everything.”  The Rockets as a team have vastly improved on the defensive end since intermission. Before the break, Houston was ranked 25^th in defensive rating.  During this winning-streak, the Rockets’ defensive rating has been 8^th in the league.  Houston’s even held 2 of the top 10 scoring teams in the NBA (Toronto and Philly) to under 100 points.

Since the All-Star break, Houston is 7-1.  Now, they find themselves in sole possession of the 3 seed in the West.  The Rockets are even in striking distance of Denver for the 2 seed.  A scenario that seemed like an afterthought, only weeks ago.  In about a month, the playoffs will get under way.  Who’s the biggest threat to the Warriors throne?  Denver’s held onto the 2-seed all season.  They’ve got a shot.  Many think Oklahoma City or Portland has the best chance.  Well, in case you haven’t noticed, the Rockets are back.  And if you don’t think they’ll be the ones battling Golden State in May, put down your phone.  And watch the game.

 

 

  

Unbrotherly Love:  Rockets Seek Seventh Straight Win, Sixers Come to Town

 

Trust the Progress.    Board Battle.    Moving Forward.

 

“It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”  The iconic line from Rocky, filmed in Philadelphia, hits home when looking at the Rockets this season.  On Friday night, Houston hosts Philadelphia at Toyota Center.  The Rockets aim to get their seventh straight win tonight.  Houston’s seemed to turn a corner at this point in the season.  James Harden, Chris Paul and co. have figured something out.  The Rockets always knew they’d be fine.  It’s been a rocky season.  They’ve been hit hard.  Injuries.  New teammates.  Blown leads after blown leads.  But Mike D’Antoni, Harden, and Paul were confident all along.  After starting 11-14, Houston has gone 28-11, the best record in the West.  The Rockets can only trust that their roster will stay healthy.  It’s the ultimate key to Houston progressing towards their goal of the title.  They’ll see if they can keep that progress going against a Sixers team that’ll be without Joel Embiid.

The All-Star was a huge part of Philly’s win in the previous matchup.  Clint Capela didn’t play in that game for Houston.  But he’ll he be manning the paint tonight.  The last game between these teams was especially chippy.  Embiid had a lot to do with that.  Still, the Rockets are looking to get revenge on a Sixers team that beat them handily weeks ago.  Kenneth Faried remains out for Houston, along with Iman Shumpert.  Embiid is always a matchup issue for the Rockets.  His absence is an open invitation to take care of the one of the better teams in the East.  Look for Clint Capela to have a monster game tonight.  The Sixers have lost 2 of 3 games, and are coming off a nail-biting loss to lowly Chicago.  Philly still has plenty of talent in Ben Simmons (questionable for tonight), Jimmy Butler, and Tobias Harris.  J.J. Reddick also seems to never miss when playing Houston.  The rebounding battle is vastly important in this game.  Houston is 62-8 since last season when outrebounding their opponent.  They’ve got a better opportunity than ever with Embiid sidelined due to injury.

Who thought we’d be here?  The Rockets, going for their 7^th straight win.  A streak that’s included wins over some of the NBA’s elite (Warriors, Raptors, Celtics).  It seems like it was only days ago people were questioning if Houston would even make the playoffs.  Now, everyone wants to get on the bandwagon.  The Rockets are rolling.  Turns out, all those injuries, roster turnover, and early season adversity, wasn’t a good thing.  It was a great thing.  Last season, Houston strolled through the regular season like it was a cakewalk.  And yes, they probably would have won, had Chris Paul been healthy.  But last year’s Rockets team didn’t get hit much at all in the regular season.  They say whatever doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.  In basketball, adversity makes the best teams stronger.   Champions manage adversity, and use it to their advantage.  When the Rockets got hit by the Warriors last year, they ultimately couldn’t deliver the final blow.  They were shell-shocked.  They hadn’t experienced how dire sequences of a season can pull a team together.  On and off the court.  This Rockets team is a closer-knit unit than any team before, despite the new faces.  Houston’s adversity has paid off this season.  They were hit hard with injuries, but playing time and new roles opened up, creating a deeper roster for the Rockets in the playoffs.  Most importantly, this squad is the toughest Rockets team I’ve ever witnessed.  Tonight, the Rockets might get hit hard throughout the game.  They could go down early, or blow a Rocket-style lead.  But they’ll hit back, this group’s learned from their mistakes.  The playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing postseasons in NBA history.  The West is, of course, loaded.  The East is a battle of four top-heavy teams.  But in reality, we all know who the two best teams are.  They’ll meet again.  And when they do… this time, Houston can take a hard hit.  They’ve got their own Hardened Warrior to keep them moving forward.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Philadelphia 76ers (41-24):  White

Houston Rockets (39-25):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT – ESPN & ATT Sportsnet SW

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rockets Tame Raptors for 6^th Straight Win, 107-95

 

Defensive Demolition.    Bench Relief.    We the South.

        

         It was quiet.  Well, quieter than usual in Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.  The Rockets rolled into Toronto, and stormed out with their sixth win a row, 107-95.  Houston pounced on the Raptors early.  The squad had one of their best defensive games of the entire season.  The Rockets gave up a mere 37 points in the first half, and got out to a 22-point lead in the second quarter.  However, the Raptors made sure there wouldn’t be a thrashing in Toronto.  They stormed back to take the lead in the 3^rd quarter, but Houston counterpunched.  The Rockets bench was outstanding, despite missing Kenneth Faried and Iman Shumpert to injuries.  James Harden led the way with 35 points and Gerald Green hit several clutch shots en route to 18 points.  The Green Light ejected life into Houston when they trailed Toronto entering the fourth.

Green hit consecutive three-pointers, and the Rockets never really looked back.  The Raptors kept it close for part of the final frame, but Harden proved yet again, why he’s the MVP.  The Beard had 19 of his 35 points in the fourth, and exhibited his floater with more frequency.  Just another deadly asset Harden’s added to his game.  One that was on full display on drives to the bucket Tuesday night.  Clint Capela was a monster on the glass, grabbing 15 boards for the Rockets.  Chris Paul had another distributive performance, dishing out 10 assists.  Houston is so lethal with Paul directing the offense.  Since he joined the team, the Rockets are 28-1 when CP3 has 10 or more assists in a game.  When Paul, Harden, and Capela all play together, the Rockets are 62-12 since last season, plus 11-3 in the playoffs.  Even further proof of how important Paul’s health is to Houston’s success.

Houston’s bench came to play on Tuesday night.  Led by Green’s spark and shooting, the Rockets’ reserves brought energy and defense to round out a solid victory.  Houston’s bench unit combined for a staggering plus/minus of plus-73.  The second unit was on fire, especially Rivers and Green.  The duo combined to shoot 7/11 from downtown, and hit some key shots when the Rockets were thwarting a Raptor-comeback in the second half.  Houston as a team outran the Raptors on the fast-break 23-7.  In similar fashion, the Rockets have made moves in playoff positioning.

All of a sudden, Houston, who was once 14^th in the West, now find themselves holding onto the third seed in the standings.  On Tuesday, the Thunder and Blazers lost, pushing the Rockets up two spots.  All 3 teams sport identical records, but that will soon change.  Portland hosts Oklahoma City on Thursday night, in a showdown between the two teams now chasing Houston for the third seed.  Since their dismal 11-14 start, the Rockets have gone 28-11, best in the West.  The Rockets need to keep focusing on their defensive intensity and communication.  Houston’s heating up, and crowds across the league are beginning to notice.  If the Rockets are playing at an arena near you, and it’s not named Toyota Center, get ready for some peace and quiet.

 

 

 

 

Rockets Look to Find a Way in Jurassic Park, Go For 6 in the Six

 

Jurassic Park.    Load Management.    40 Burgers.

 

“How can we possibly have the slightest idea what to expect?” ponders Alan Grant in 1993’s Jurassic Park.  The innovative blockbuster was released the summer before Houston won their first NBA Championship, and left an indelible mark on the film industry.  The quote refers to the discussion of unknown factors that come into play with bringing dinosaurs back to life.  Well, the NBA’s oldest team, the Houston Rockets, have finally come back to life.  The Rockets are shooting for their sixth win in a row on Tuesday night.  This will be the toughest matchup Houston’s faced since their impressive win to start the streak in Golden State.  Toronto boasts one of the best, and deepest lineups in the league.  The Raptors have won 9 of their last 11 games.  Despite this, they lost on Sunday in overtime, giving Toronto extra motivation for Tuesday night.  They also have Kawhi Leonard.  As Samuel L. Jackson says in Jurassic Park, “hold onto your butts.”

Everyone seems to be in need of some load management these days.  If you’re an NBA fan, you’ve probably heard this term more than thrice.  It’s the league’s fancy, new term for “rest”.  And, last time these two squads faced off, Kawhi Leonard decided not to play.  For, um, load management.  It’s becoming an unfortunate trend.  Players used to play for the love of the game.  Now they need extra rest to prepare for, and try to guard, the most unstoppable player on the planet.  James Harden.  It doesn’t matter how much rest Leonard gets, Harden is a problem for him, and the Raptors.

The last time Houston faced Toronto, they were without Chris Paul.  The Point God is in a different sort of groove.  There’s a reason the Rockets have the NBA’s longest winning streak.  Both Harden and Paul are playing at the top of their games.  Houston is 6-1 since Paul returned from injury.  And now, they’re getting help.  Eric Gordon is coming off one his best games of the year.  When EG is splashing shots from deep, Houston is virtually unbeatable.  The Rockets hope to have Kenneth Faried back in action.  Houston’s energetic “Manimal” has missed the squad’s last two contests.  Against this Raptors deep frontline, the Rockets need Faried’s presence.

Marc Gasol just arrived via trade and has fit in nicely with Toronto.  Jonas Valanciunas, who didn’t play in the previous game in Houston, is back and tends to have his better games against the Rockets.  Serge Ibaka’s excelled in an under-the-radar season for Toronto.  Ex-Rocket Kyle Lowry, running the point, arguably could have been an All-Star this year.  Pascal Siakam is the league’s most-improved player.  That race is over.  The Raptors 46 wins are no illusion.  Toronto is for real.  If the Rockets want to escape Jurassic Park with a win, they might need the Beard to score 40.  Then again, in Houston’s previous game, Harden had 42 points.

The 40-point game.  It used to be a highlight.  Something rare.  Except the Beard’s had more 40-point games this season than most players have in their entire career.  Harden loves his 40 burgers.  They’re not rare anymore for the Beard.  He’s scored 40 or more 24 times this season.  The Rockets are 18-6 when he reaches this mark.  When Harden scores less than 40, Houston is merely average, at 18-17.  His scoring has been so important for the squad.  It will be extremely tough to get 40 against the best perimeter defender in the NBA in Leonard.  If anyone can, it’s Harden.  Is it just a coincidence, or do the Rockets really need Harden to score 40 to be more than just mediocre?  Many of the games he scored less than 40, Houston was still working the kinks out and tinkering with the lineup in the beginning of the season.  Injuries also factor into the equation.  Harden had to score when Paul, Capela, and others were out.  The fact Houston won the vast majority of those games is a testament to his greatness.

The Rockets are playing their best basketball of the season.  Finally, they have a healthy roster.  Currently, the Rockets are performing at a level even higher than last season.  Houston needs to keep playing with focus and intensity on defense if they want to get their sixth straight win.  They go into Jurassic Park, one of the toughest places to play in basketball.  Facing off against the Raptors, one of the beasts of the East.  A team that lost the previous meeting between these teams, and will be out for revenge.  Houston needs to keep playing with focus and intensity on defense if they want to make it 6 wins in a row.  Will the Raps hold home court?  Or will the Rockets keep rolling?  During this crazy season, how can we possibly have the slightest idea what to expect?  Hold onto your butts.

 

Scotiabank Arena:  Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (38-25):  “Earned” Red

Toronto Raptors (46-18):  White

 

TV:  7 PM CT – TNT, ATT Sportsnet SW

Wicked Shootahs:  Rockets Crash Celtics Comeback Party, 115-104

 

Boston D Party.    Back in a Flash.    Moving Up.

 

Not this time.  The Rockets weren’t going to let another lead evaporate.  James Harden and Eric Gordon made sure of that.  Houston’s dynamic duo combined for 74 points, and the Rockets staved off a late Celtic comeback to win their 5^th straight, 115-104.  James Harden had 42 points in another MVP-performance.  Eric Gordon had another spectacular game returning from an injury, and was on fire for stretches, finishing with 32 points.  Houston led by as many as 26 points at one point in the contest.  Boston got back within single-digits, and the Rockets looked as if they might fall back into their nightmarish habit of surrendering leads.  But Harden and Houston made sure the ghosts of games past wouldn’t haunt them in TD Garden.  They held Kyrie Irving in check, holding the All-Star to 24 points, and Houston was the better team from the tip.  It was the first time in a while that the Rockets were in control of the matchup from start to finish.  And it all started with their first quarter defense.  The Rockets held the C’s to only 23 first quarter-points, and gave themselves a 10-point lead after the first frame.  Houston was extremely active in the passing lanes and deflecting passes, which set the tone for their stellar defense the rest of the way.

The victory was one of the Rockets best team-efforts of the season, on both ends of the floor.  James Harden and Eric Gordon combined to equal the amount of points (43) that Boston put up in the first half.  Chris Paul had a quietly efficient game.  The Point God once again controlled the pace and put on display one of his most impressive passing games of the season.  CP3 kept finding EG in the second quarter for three pointers during the period that really helped Houston extend the lead.  P.J. Tucker, as he is every night, was the hustler of the night.  Tucker had some huge defensive and hustle plays late in the game to help the Rockets keep the C’s from making it a contest.  All of a sudden, in what’s seemed like the flip of a switch, the Rockets are back in the contender conversation.

Houston continues to move up in the standings.  They currently sit only 1 game behind Oklahoma City and Portland, who are both tied for the cherished 3 seed.  With 19 games to play, if the Rockets keep playing with this rhythm and confidence, they should have the 3 seed in their grasp.  Houston still even has a shot at the 2 seed, although that’s less likely to happen.  What is likely to happen, is the Rockets continued rise in the standings.  It was only days ago, where some questioned if the Rockets would even make the playoffs.  For those paying attention, the squad has found a rhythm and it’s no secret that they’re in the midst of their longest winning streak of the season.  Houston needs to continue to prepare for the playoffs, despite the injury bug creeping up again.  Kenneth Faried didn’t play today, although his injury is nothing serious.  Iman Shumpert also remains injured and missed the tilt.  Injuries have been the Rockets kryptonite all season, and kept them from winning the title last year.  If Houston can stay healthy, and continue to progress up their ladder for potential as true championship contenders, then Golden State won’t be holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June.  Not this time.