Rockets vs. Warriors Post-Game 4/10/21

Another Dismal Second Quarter Dooms Houston, as Rockets Fall to Warriors, 125-109

2nd Quarter Nightmares.    109 Ain’t Good Enough.    What Brown Could’ve Done For Houston.

After trailing by only two points after the first quarter, the Rockets essentially fell apart. The Warriors outscored Houston 33-18 in the second period, putting the Rockets in a hole they never managed to escape, falling to Golden State 125-109 on Saturday night. John Wall returned and had another stellar game, scoring 30 points to lead Houston. Christian Wood and Kelly Olynyk’s chemistry continues to flourish, as the two finished with 18 points apiece. But too much Steph Curry put ensured Houston never stood a chance in the Bay. Curry scored 38 to lead all scorers, propelling the Warriors to the win over their old rival.

Coincidentally, Houston’s scored 109 points in their last two games. And 109 points, despite sounding like a big number, isn’t large enough in the modern offensive-obsessed NBA. The Rockets need to start knocking down their shots, and playing tougher defense, or this could be a very ugly end, to what’s been a horrific season.

Sterling Brown only played 4 minutes after scoring 15 points in the previous game. It’s a questionable rotational move for a player who’s been stellar in nearly  all the court action he’s seen this season. Hopefully Coach Stephen Silas gives Brown more minutes in the future. Who knows what Brown could have provided Houston on Saturday night… he could’ve possibly kept the Rockets from falling apart.

Rockets vs. Warriors Pre-Game 4/10/21

Rockets Visit an Old-Rival, Intent on Striking Back to the Winning Side

Old-School Rivals.    Sliding Dubs.    Payback.   

On Saturday night, the Rockets travel to the still-hated Golden-State Warriors to try and deliver some timely payback for all the past playoff pain the Dubs caused Houston. While these may not be the rivals during the James Harden era, both teams find themselves on bait of a landslide. After creeping closer to playoff contention, Golden State has now lost four of their last five contests, and are slowly sliding into the NBA lottery. The Rockets meanwhile, are lottery bound. And there’s nothing more Houston would love to do than ensure the Dubs will be in the same position as season’s end. A victory over the Warriors tonight would severely hamper their hopes of making the playoffs.

Despite the record, the Rockets have seriously playing with more heart and energy ion recent games. Kelly Olynyk has become a godsend, and’s basically cemented his part in the rotation, as long as Houston makes the smart move and holds on to the versatile, veteran big-man after the season. His chemistry with Christian Wood is improving with each game, and given time, the two could provide a unique, special inside presence for the Rockets. John Wall returns for the second half of this back-to-back. Expect the Rockets to play with more heart, and possibly ruin the Dubs’ playoff hopes.

` Well, it’s time for payback. Starting tonight, 20 games remain for Houston. It’s time to finish strong. Snagging Cade Cunningham in the draft is going to take a lot of luck, regardless of the squad’s record. It;’s time to get a win. Against the Warriors. A team I used to really hate, but now just dislike. They ruined so many of our past seasons in the James Harden era, they basically ran him out of town. It’s time for these new-look Rockets to ruin Golden State’s season… it’s Saturday night Payback Night in the Bay, Houston-style.

 

Chase Center:  San Francisco, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (14-38):  Red

Golden State Warriors (24-28):  “City Edition” Navy

 

TV:  9 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets vs. Clippers Post-Game 4/9/21

Tinseltown Tears:  Rockets Fight Comes Up Short Against Clippers, 126-109

Shorthanded-Battle.    Stability Issues.    Evolving Heart.    

The Rockets lost against a short-handed Clippers team, 126-109, on Friday night. Despite big without John Wall, then Rockets held a ten point lead after the first period. But a disastrous second quarter, in which the Rockets were outscored 41-10, pretty much put the game out of Houston’s hands. John Wall was again sorely missed against a Clippers team that was also short-handed. L.A. was without Paul George, Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo, and other herb components for their deep roster. Nonetheless, the Clippers depth was on full-display, as the Clips rolled to an easy victory over the Rockets on Friday night. Even though Houston cut the lead back to 6 at one point in the fourth quarter, you never got the sense the Rockets were going to overcome the hump, and take down L.A. Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points to lead the Clippers, and Reggie Jackson was clutch, scoring 26b points snd dishing 7 dimes.

With Wall’s absence, Kevin Porter Jr. took over the point guard duties. KPJ finished with 14 points, 13 dimes, and 6 boards, as his promising game continues to evolve with each passing result. Still,. without Wall, the Rockets are going to struggle to win any games for the rest of the season. They have the toughest remaining schedule in the league. And with Wall set to miss at least one game in each of the remaining back-to-back sets, Houston has to find a way to achieve victory with Wall sidelined.

Regardless of all the losing, this Rockets team is starting to play with more heart. And that starts with Kelly Olynyk. Like Jae’Sean Tate, Olynyk is an absolute perfect fit to this Houston team and compliments Christian Wood very well in the post. Wood added 23 points in then Rockets loss in L.A.  KPJ certainly is adjusting to playing with Wall once night, and the starting the next evening. Still, at only 20 years old, KPJ has then potential to be superstar no one saw coming in this league. Up next, the Rockets catch a short-breather, and they’re back in action Saturday night for Part 2 of this weekend back-to-back. Houston heads to the Bay Area to take on their former blood rivals… the Golden State Warriors. And while then rivalry may not be as it once was…there’s no short-handed teams tonight in this bout. It’s time the Rockets deal the Warriors a loss, and hamper their playoff hopes. After all, Golden State was Houston’s Evil Empire for so many years. It’s time to re-pay the favor. Even if it’s only for a game. The Warriors are fighting for their playoff lives right now in the brutal West. Bad news for Golden State is… the Rockets aren’t backing down on Saturday night.

Rockets vs. Clippers Pre-Game 4/9/21

Rockets Head West for Tough Battle Against Clippers

The Sweaty West.    Absent Wall.    Something to Prove?

So… who has more to prove? Is it the Clippers? Early-season favorites to be the second seed out West. But Los Angeles now sits in third place, behind the surprising Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. Or is it the Houston Rockets? A team who’s been through more drama, escapades, and blind-sides compared to any other team in the league over the past year. Well this adversity-hit Houston squad faces even more of that adversity tonight, as they head to L.A. to begin a West-Coast back-to-back against the Clippers. Los Angeles got off to a slower start than expected, but the Clips have won three straight. And beating this loaded contender full of stars is a tall task for a Rockets team who will once again be without John Wall.

Being the first game of a back-to-back set, Wall will rest tonight, but hopefully play tomorrow against Golden State. The Rockets are night-and-day a different team with their veteran point-guard leader on the court. For now, Houston will have to rely more on Kevin Porter Jr. to handle the point, and show he’s ready to bring his skills as potential future star in this league to the forefront against one of the league’s best teams. KPJ will need help from Houston’s twin towers, Christian Wood and Kelly Olynyk, who have been building chemistry with each game. Wood, along with the addition of Olynyk, now give the Rockets an inside presence and threat they previously lacked before Kelly’s arrival. Wood could only do so much alone. Olynyk’s arrival in Houston has really helped both players games on the court.

The Rockets are coming off a rare win, after being victorious over the Mavericks on Wednesday night, 102-93. Houston will need to play an almost perfect game without John Wall to beat this Clippers team. Luckily for Houston, this Rockets squad is full of guys with something prove. So? Who’s got more to prove tonight? Is it the forgotten Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association? Or the overrated, media-darling Los Angeles Clippers? Tune in at 9 PM CT to find out.

 

Staples Center:  Los Angeles, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (14-37):  Red

Los Angeles Clippers (35-18):  “City Edition” Black

 

TV:  9 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets vs. Mavericks Post-Game 4/7/21

Rockets Fend-Off Mavs, 102-93, for Elusive Victory

Wall Don’t Lie.    Fitting In.    Eyes Ahead.

For the first time in months, the Houston Rockets won a game from start-to-finish, handing the Mavericks a 102-93 defeat, at the friendly confines of Toyota Center.     John Wall made his token random return from injury, and had one of his best games as Rocket. Wall scored 31 points on efficient shooting, and dished out 7 dimes to lead Houston. The Rockets are eons and eons better with Wall on the court. Too bad, his return to action is rare. Houston’s point guard will miss Friday’s match in L.A. against the Clippers. Granted, it’s the first of a back-to-back, but I can’t recall the last time Wall played in consecutive games for the Rockets. Regardless, as the rest of the roster begins to gel, Houston is slowly becoming more confident. Don’t look at the record. It doesn’t tell the whole story, but these Rockets are slowly coming together and improving.

Speaking of coming together, Kelly Olynyk has been a perfect fit since his arrival in Houston. And his developing chemistry with Christian Wood is a blessing to watch. The two big men are becoming more in sync with each other’s talent with each passing game. Olynyk had 10 points and a monstrous 18 boards for the Rockets in their win over the Mavs. Wood finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds. And Kevin Porter Jr. (aka The Black Joker), scored 14 points as he continues to work on his chemistry with John Wall. Houston outplayed Dallas from the opening tip, in a rare game this season where the Rockets basically controlled the game from start-to-finish.

Only 21 games remain until the finish of this season. Up next, the Rockets endure a very tough back-to-back out West. Houston will be in L.A. on Friday to face the Clippers juggernaut, and then Saturday they’ll face an old rival, in the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers have all but locked in a playoff-spot. Golden State, on the other hand, is trying to lock up one of the last spots. To sum up the situation, Houston’s next two foes have something to play for, as Dallas does. Can the Rockets bring the same chemistry and energy, and possibly upset the Clippers to start the weekend? It won’t be easy without John Wall, but a victory over the Clips would give Houston their first win over a contender in months.

Rockets vs. Mavericks Pre-Game 4/7/21

Rockets Host Mavs, as Texas Rivalry Gets Renewed

Hot Hand Luka.    Inspiring Leadership.    Test Time.

Houston hosts Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. The Rockets are trying to get the rare victory over a Dallas team that’s intent on making a run in the playoffs. The Mavericks boast one of the league’s best young players in Luka Doncic.

Rockets Coach Stephen Silas will be seeing his old team, the staff he was part of last season, and the reason he became a head coach: Luka Doncic. Silas worked closely with Doncic and his guidance and Doncic’s improvement is one of the major reasons Silas got the Head Coaching gig in Houston.

It’s test time for the Rockets. Tonight’s game doesn’t mean anything in the standings. But, against an interstate-rival, can they ruin Dallas’ hopes of climbing up the playoff ladder? Hopefully the Rockets will play inspired, and make this a close contest. One thing’s for sure… expect Luka to put on a show.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Dallas Mavericks (28-21):  Blue

Houston Rockets (13-37):  Red

 

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

Rockets vs. Suns Post-Game 4/5/21

Rockets Shine Brighter, But Still Fall to Suns, 133-130

Same Old Story.    Sunset Season.    CP3 Effect.

The Rockets put up a fight, and honestly played one of their better games of the season, but it wasn’t enough, as the Suns were just a little better, besting Houston, 133-130, on Monday night. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 36 points, and Chris Paul had 19 points and 11 dimes over his former team, as the Rockets had no answers for the Suns’ lethal backcourt. Kevin Porter Jr. had 20 points, 9 boards, and 8 dimes for Houston, and Christian Wood added 23 points, but this was a game the Rockets really could’ve used the John Wall’s services. His veteran leadership in the point guard spot was sorely lacking in the clutch moments of Monday night’s contest.

With only 22 games remaining, the sun has set on this season for Houston. Or it’s been set, if Monday didn’t emphasize that point any further. The Rockets are starting to look towards the offseason and next year, as the squad has a bright future ahead of them after they navigate this difficult campaign.

The CP3 effect was on full-display on Monday night at Toyota Center. Houston failed to beat the guy they never should’ve traded once more. And once more, Chris Paul finds himself as one of the main reasons his team is headed for a playoff berth. The Rockets? Not so much. Houston needs to fight through the rest of this season, and see if they can improve, one game at a time.

Rockets vs. Suns Pre-Game 4/5/21

Rockets Host Upstart Suns in Second Game of Back-to-Back

Earn It.    CP3 Returns.    Tough Stretch Begins.

The Rockets will be wearing their “Earned” black and red jerseys for the first time tonight, as they host the Phoenix Suns. After acquiring Chris Paul in the offseason, the Suns are one of the most improved teams in the league this season, with a ranking of second in the West. The former Rocket returns to Toyota Center to try and deal his former team another defeat on Monday night.

Tonight begins a very tough stretch of games for Houston against mainly playoff competition. If they want to win any of these games, starting tonight… like their jerseys, they’re going to have to earn the victory.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Phoenix Suns (34-14):  White

Rockets: (13-36):  “Earned Edition” Black

 

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

Rockets vs. Pelicans Post-Game 4/4/21

Rockets Fail to Fly with the Birds, Lose to Pelicans, 122-115

Same Old Story.    Waiting for Wall.    Up Next.

It was the same old story for the Rockets on Sunday night, as they were downed by the Pelicans, 122-115, in a fashion similar to the way they’ve lost most of this season’s games. Houston hung around, but eventually couldn’t execute late, as New Orleans took over in the fourth quarter.

John Wall has been out for a few games now, and while this season is out of hands in terms of the team making the playoffs, the squad is much better when Wall plays. It will be interesting to see what the organization decides to do with Wall’s situation.

Up next, the Rockets take on the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. The Suns are one of the surprise teams in the NBA, with the second-best record in the Western Conference. A lot of that has to do with Chris Paul. We’ll see if the Rockets can play in CP3-fashion when the teams square-off on Sunday night.

Rockets vs. Pelicans Pre-Game 4/4/21

Rockets Attempt to Fend-Off Pelicans for Rare Victory

Not So Big Easy.    First Set.    In For a Show.

Houston hosts Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night, as the Rockets are looking to get a rare win in the standings. New Orleans is below .500, at 21-27, but have still shown they’re capable of beating this Houston team. As long as Zion’s on the floor, it won’t be so easy for the Rockets against the team from the Big Easy.

Tonight’s game is the first of a back-to-back, with Houston playing on Monday night against the Suns, who have the second best record in the Conference. That being said, the Rockets best chance to get a victory in this upcoming back-to-back is tonight.

Fans should be in for a show tonight at Toyota Center. Zion Williamson is having  a stellar sophomore season. The Rockets have no answer for him on defense. Houston has to pray he has an off-night. Nonetheless… it should be an entertaining show.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors

New Orleans Pelicans (21-27):  White

Houston Rockets (13-35):  Red

 

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