Category: Uncategorized

Stepping Back:  Harden Notches Triple-Double in Return, as Nets Down Rockets, 132-114, for Houston’s 13th Straight Loss

Still Dreaming.    Recycled Return.    Necessary Break.

“Dreams feel real while we’re in them. It’s only when we wake up that we realize something was actually strange,” Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) mentions in Christopher Nolan’s classic film, Inception. A quote that makes me question if I’m in a dream, considering all the craziness that has been this Houston Rockets season. Well the dream, or nightmare, however you want to analyze this phase of Rockets basketball, continued on Wednesday night in Houston. And the best player not nicknamed “The Dream” to ever sport a Rockets jersey, James Harden, returned to Houston for the first time since his departure to Brooklyn. And in typical Beard-fashion, Harden led Brooklyn, snagging a triple-double, as the Nets cruised past the Rockets 132-114. Number 13 for the Nets made sure Houston lost for the 13th time in a row, showing fans glimpses of past glory, only in different apparel.

Despite season-highs from John Wall and Victor Oladipo, who scored 36 and 33 points respectively, the Rockets didn’t have enough firepower against the NBA’s most dangerous team. Harden’s 29 points and 14 assists, and Kyrie Irving’s 24 points made sure Houston wasn’t ending the streak on Harden’s Homecoming Night. After an initial mixed reception for Harden, a mix of cheers and boos, the Rockets played a tribute video for the Beard, thanking him for everything he did in Houston. When the video ended, boos silenced, and the crowd embraced Harden, as he also acknowledged the fans. It was a goosebump-inducing moment, and regardless of how the Beard left town. He’s left a permanent mark in H-Town, forever. One only the greatest players ever could dream of accomplishing. And as Houston continues to “embrace the tank,” the Beard, the former face of the Rockets for almost a decade, is in the best position of his career to win a title.

Wednesday night was just a recycled return. The same old Harden. And the same old Rockets we’ve seen get blown-out 13 games in a row. Despite the hype entering the match considering Harden’s return to H-Town, Brooklyn ensured this game wouldn’t be competitive, as Brooklyn controlled the tempo from the tip. The Nets are scary, and even without Kevin Durant, Brooklyn looks capable of winning it all. It would’ve been nice for Houston to beat this Nets team that earlier in the season had a few bad losses, but the Rockets simply were the inferior opponent tonight. And will be on most nights, until Christian Wood returns.

Up next is the NBA All-Star break. Houston will have a full week-off to heal, and get stronger. The Rockets have been battered by injuries this entire season. As we near the second half, Houston needs to hope this trend ends. Christian Wood is supposedly close to returning, as the Rockets are immensely more powerful with Wood on the court. But, they’re going to to need more than their big man’s return to get back on track. Hopefully, the squad comes in with an optimistic mindset after the break, and the Rockets can put this ugly losing streak behind them in the next game. But Houston won’t have Christian Wood. And they’re winless since he went down. The Rockets need to dream big if they want to climb back into the playoff picture during the season’s second-half.

Harden’s time in Houston mimicked a real-life dream of sorts. Our dreams are where anything is possible. It’s where people can dream of their late parents and revisit seemingly long-forgotten relationships. We live to forget some things, but similar to Cobb in Inception, we dream to remember. I know it still feels strange to see the Beard in a different jersey. Whether you love him or hate Harden, if you’re a basketball fan, you’ll remember Harden’s time in Houston. What a time it was, comparable to the best of dreams. But unlike the ambiguous ending in Inception, if Harden showed Rockets fans anything on Wednesday night: it’s time to wake up… the dream’s over.

Houston Eager to Spoil Harden’s Return as Rockets Face Nets

Return of the Beard.    Over the Nest.    Thirteen.

“He who marches out of step hears another drum.” A quote from the classic film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, that brings tonight’s showdown between the Rockets and Nets to mind. After eight seasons of drumming of step-back highlights, dominant performances, and leading the squad to the playoffs every year, James Harden is no longer a Rocket. The Beard returns to Houston for the first time since the trade. And he’s still running the show. Say what you want about Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving. KD’s too injury-prone, and Kyrie’s too inconsistent. Harden plays every night. Every. Single. Night. There’s a reason he’s overtaken LeBron James as the MVP favorite after KD went down, and the Nets record improved drastically. As Harden returns to H-Town tonight, expect a vintage “Unguardable Tour” performance.

Harden got out of the NBA’s version of a Cuckoo’s Nest, and has found the perfect fit. The Beard is nearly averaging a triple-double, and despite his superstar teammates, is undoubtedly the Nets’ best player. If the season continues its current trend, Harden should be in line for a second MVP award, with a second team, joining a very elite list of players.

It’s going to be an emotional night in H-Town tonight. No one wanted to see Harden go, but the Beard did so much for the Rockets for nearly a decade. Expect an emotional tribute video. Houston already announced they have plans to retire Harden’s #13 jersey. A little quick to that trigger, but the Rockets are one of the league’s classiest organizations. They realize how Harden put Houston, and the Rockets, on the map for a new generation of fans. And tonight, the best player in the world is amped up to get revenge on his former team, a city he still calls “home.” Hopefully Houston plays with fire. They’ve got to be motivated and inspired to have the desire to beat Harden after he basically quit on the squad early this season. But if you think the Rockets are winning tonight’s game, think again. Tonight’s all about James. He has the chance to give Houston their 13th straight loss, the same number as his jersey. It just seems set up perfectly for Harden to put on a show. Expect to see many nostalgic step-backs, unstoppable drives, free-throws, and probably a definitive highlight-slam. Except all those step-backs, they’re not gonna be in Rocket-red (or blue for tonight’s game). The Beard matched out of Houston, took his step-back to Brooklyn, and’s still drumming along per usual. This band of Rocket players better prepare to march to a different tune. Harden’s back in Houston… get ready to dance to his new beat.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Brooklyn Nets (23-13):  Gray

Houston Rockets (11-22):  “City Edition” Blue

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT – ESPN

Dirty Dozen:  Rockets Fall Short Against Cavs, 101-90, as Skid Hits 12 Games

Stuck in Spain.    Hospital Rockets.    The Baker’s Comin’.

Despite a better effort than their embarrassing Saturday showing, the Rockets lost their 12th straight game, falling to the Cavs 101-90, as Houston digs deeper and deeper into the hole of obscurity. John Wall scored a season-high 32 points, and Victor Oladipo had 20 points, but it didn’t matter. Collin Sexton looked like a superstar-in-the-making, scoring a season-high 39 points to lead the Cavs in Houston. As the Rockets mentioned on twitter, they’re in Spain, but without the S. And unfortunately, if you’ve been following this season, that’s right where this team is at the moment. 

Oladipo limped off the floor with a leg injury, hopefully it’s nothing serious, but the injury bug continues to hamper the squad. The Rockets are running out of capable bodies. Besides the failed-comeback against Philly, every loss in Houston’s current skid has been by double-figures. Basically, the Rockets have had their rear kicked every night. And if they don’t figure out some way to change this. Expect Houston to finish near the end of the standings, with at least a chance to get a top-4 draft pick. Who knows, after everything this city’s been through concerning their professional teams, a #1 pick to the Rockets only seems fair in my opinion. Call me biased, and I won’t touch on it in detail. But the last year in Houston professional sports has been the worst I can think of. Not just in Houston. In any city in the country. H-Town’s been through a lot with the Rockets, Astros, and Texans, pretty much since the ‘Stros won the World Series in 2017.

Some ideas you can’t imagine in life. Well up next for the Rockets, as they try to avoid their 13th consecutive loss, some guy named James Harden who wears number 13 for the Brooklyn Nets come to town. And Brooklyn’s red-hot, winners of nine of their last ten games. Their’s nothing more Chef Harden wants to do than return to Houston and torch the Rockets, baking up another victory for his Nets. Forget about effort… in their next game, the Rockets are gonna need luck.

Rockets Hoping to End the Misery, Invite Cavs to Town

Wall-In.    No Cavaliers.    3/4.

It’s been weeks of scary hours for the Rockets lately, and the NBA’s dumpster-fire that is the current situation in Houston, continues on Monday night, as the Rockets host the Cavs at Toyota Center. John Wall and co. will be looking to put an end to their 11-game losing streak tonight. Wall, who was questionable, considering tonight’s the second of a back-to-back, will give it a go. And if Wall’s in, Houston needs everyone to be all-in to break the skid tonight. Despite beating the Rockets in Cleveland last Wednesday, the Cavs aren’t world-beaters. Houston is more than capable of winning Monday night’s tilt and allowing their skid to rest in peace.

All it takes is effort. The Rockets were way too cavalier in the previous matchup between these teams. As long as Houston plays hard, brings the defensive intensity, and ferocious energy, they should win tonight. That is, if, and only if, the Rockets rediscover the art of making a three-pointer. After being a solid three-point shooting team to start the season, Houston is now the worst long-range shooting team in the NBA, and if the squad can start to knock down their open threes, it’ll be tough imagining the Rockets beating anyone anytime soon. Tonight’s their chance though. Something else entirely waits in their next matchup after tonight.

Monday night’s tussle with the Cavs is Houston’s third game in four nights, and the second of a back-to-back. Tired legs are expected, but the Rockets have to fight through, and play with some pride. These are grown, professional athletes. Even the most laissez-faire of players can’t put up with continuous losing. Hopefully, the squad’s as sick and tired of this sicking skid, and ready to put this nightmare behind them. They better be ready. Because on Wednesday, March 4th, Houston’s worst nightmare comes true. James Harden comes into town with the red-hot Nets, looking for revenge… and those just might be the scariest hours yet in Houston.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Cleveland Cavaliers (13-21):  White

Houston Rockets (11-21):  Red

 

TV:  8 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Joke City:  Losing Streak Hits 11 Games, as Grizzlies Embarrass Rockets, 133-84

Rocket Bottom.    Noladipo.    Looking Ahead.

If you thought matters couldn’t get much worse for the Houston Rockets, Sunday night showed a glimpse of what Rocket-Bottom feels like. Even if the squad continues to lose games, Sunday night’s embarrassing bow-down to Memphis feels different. In a game where Ja Morant scored only 6 points, the Griuzz gave the Rockets their worst loss since 1986, eating Houston alive, 133-84, extending the Rockets skid to 11 games. John Wall scored 14 points on torrid shooting. At one point Houston missed 25 consecutive threes. If this wasn’t the worst loss in franchise history, it’s certainly on the short list of contenders. A 49-point loss to a team with a then-losing record, throw in the fact Houston was at home, and it’s tough to throw this game aside. This one stings. As they say the truth hurts, and it appears the Rockets are headed for full-tank mode.

Victor Oladipo declined a 2-year, $45.2 million dollar extension from Houston, signaling he wants out of H-Town. Whether he gets dealt before the trade deadline, or the Rockets hold on to him for the rest of this season remains to be seen. Expect Oladipo, along with Tucker, to be dealt as the trade deadline approaches on March 25th. That leaves Houston with John Wall, Christian Wood (whenever he returns, hopefully after the All-Star break), Eric Gordon, and a young new core of supporting role players to try and rebuild a new era of Rockets basketball.

Despite the 11th straight loss, and the vibe surrounding the squad at the moment. All isn’t lost. Houston still has a chance to make the playoffs with more than half of the season still remaining. Obviously, they’ll have to improve their play on the court, but in a season with a lot of parity throughout the league, the Rockets still have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs if they can get back to the way they were playing before the skid. And hopefully, in terms of last night, Houston was just looking ahead. And they might be doing the same on Monday night, the second of a back-to-back, as on Wednesday, the game everyone’s been waiting for hits the bright lights. James Harden returns to Houston with his new team, the hot Brooklyn Nets, in what should be an emotional game to say the least. The Rockets still have one more game before they matchup against Harden for the first time since 2012. It would be great to get a win on Monday, otherwise #13 will be looking to give Houston their 13th consecutive loss. And knowing Harden, he’s also had Wednesday’s game circled on his calendar. And there’s nothing more the Beard would love to do than to put the dagger in the Rockets’ season, and really show them what rock-bottom feels like. But first, Houston hosts the Cavs on Monday night in hopes of avenging last Wednesday’s loss in Cleveland. A loss to the Cavs again, and the Rockets enter Wednesday’s Harden showdown with little confidence, and at the risk of officially hitting Rocket-Bottom.

Rockets Return Home Seeking to End Skid, Host Grizzlies

Hopeful Homestand.    Stopping Morant and Slow-Mo.    Another One.

The Rockets return to Houston, hoping a return to the friendly confines of Toyota Center will bring an end to their skid. Tonight, the Rockets face Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that’s just outside playoff contention in the West, and a threat to sneak into the postseason this year. Houston won the first meeting between these squads, 115-103, back on February 4th. The Rockets had Christian Wood in that game. The problem with tonight is Houston hasn’t been able to win since Wood sprained his ankle for the second time this season. And Wood will remain out until at least through the All-Star break. If the Rockets are going to grind out a gritty win over a team that plays its home games in “The Grindhouse”, they need contributions from everyone, and more effort on the defensive end. After being stellar defensively during their six-game win streak that came right before their current skid, Houston’s defense hasn’t been as sharp, and they’ll need a tough outing on that end off the floor to beat a promising Memphis team tonight.

Ja Morant is the Grizzlies best player, and one of the game’s best young point guards. The Rockets need to contain Ja, and keep him from having a monster performance. Houston also needs to slow down Kyle “Slow-Mo” Andersen, who’s quietly having the season of his career. And the Rockets will need to stop the force inside that is Jonas Valanciunas if they want any chance of ending the losing streak on Sunday night.

Tonight’s matchup is the first of yet another back-to-back for the Rockets. Meaning, probably either Victor Oladipo or John Wall won’t be playing tonight. And vice versa for tomorrow’s game against Cleveland. Houston has struggled on their back-to-backs, and need to start this one off with a bang. Get that bad taste of losing out of their mouths with a victory over a solid Grizzlies team. It’s not impossible, but if the Rockets don’t end their trend of falling behind  by double-figures… a return to the friendly confines of Toyota Center might not be so friendly after all.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Memphis Grizzlies (14-15):  Blue

Houston Rockets (11-20):  Black

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Sinking Ship:  Rockets Drop 10th Straight, Lose to Raptors, 122-111, in Tampa Bay

Groundhog Day.    Youth Movement.    Selling Mode.

Just like the previous nine games, Houston failed to claim a victory on Friday night, falling to the Raptors in Tampa Bay, 122-111, as the skid reaches ten games. The longest losing streak in franchise history in 20 years. And just like many of the games during this streak, Houston fell behind early, tried to mount a comeback, but came up on the short end of the stick. John Wall had 21 points and 12 dimes for the Rockets, and Victor Oladipo was solid with 27 points, but Houston didn’t have enough firepower to match Toronto’s arsenal. Normal Powell had one of his best games of the season, leading the Raptors with 30 points. Fred VanVleet added 25 points, and Kyle Lowry had  20-point triple double. Toronto’s triple-headed backcourt monster simply outplayed Houston’s (Wall, Oladipo, Gordon). The Rockets will have to be better next game against a weaker Grizzlies team.

The youth movement has officially arrived in Houston. It was announced that Kevin Porter Jr. and K.J. Martin and both expected to rejoin the squad after they finish up their time in the G-League. Both have looked spectacular, especially Porter, for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, but they have a ways to go before making a major impact on the NBA-level. Hopefully they can mature sooner than possible. Right now, the Rockets need all the help they can muster.

Friday’s loss drops Houston to 11-20, 14th in the Western Conference, and despite being only 5 games out of a playoff spot, the Rockets are approaching selling mode. Waiving DeMarcus Cousins was the latest sign, and more could come sooner than expected. The P.J. Tucker and Victor Oladipo trade rumors are getting hotter and trendier with each passing day. It’ll be sad to see P.J. go, especially after all he’s done the last 3 and half seasons for the Rockets. Hopefully, they find a way to keep him, but that’s wishful thinking. Tucker’s time in Houston is likely nearing its end. And despite their record, the season’s not over yet for the Rockets. However, all it takes is a few more losses piled onto this streak, and Houston will end their season themselves.

Rockets Travel to Tampa Bay, Aim to Hunt Upstart Raptors

Dinosaur Relocation.    Avoiding the Dreaded Ten.    Backcourt Firepower.

Houston tries to put an end to their dead-streak, a season-high nine straight losses, as they travel to Tampa Bay to face the Toronto Raptors. Due to coronavirus, Toronto was forced to play their home games in Tampa Bay this season, as Canadian officials wouldn’t allow the team to stay up north, keeping the NBA, and the risk of spreading the virus that comes with the league, out of the country. The Raptors have lost two straight, but before that were rolling after a slow start to the season. Toronto now finds themselves in the thick of the playoff race out East.

The Rockets are still without Christian Wood, but hopefully Victor Oladipo’s improved play in the previous game will carry over, and give John Wall and Eric Gordon, the mainstays who have carried the offensive load for Houston, some help. This game won’t be much different from the previous nine. The Rockets can win if they play hard enough and smart enough. They can also get blown out, as we’ve witnessed almost nine times in a row.

Tonight’s game comes down to a battle of backcourts, as Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, and Norman Powell form the Raptors’ triple threat on the perimeter. Powell and VanVleet are having breakout seasons, and Lowry is still playing at an All-Star caliber level. Wall, Gordon, and Oladipo will have to be the better trio if Houston wants to escape the Bay with a victory on Friday night. The squad’s not quite dead yet. However, another loss, and pushing the skid to double figures, would almost seemingly kill the spirit of a team… especially one fighting to stay alive for playoff contention.

 

Amalie Arena:  Tampa Bay, Florida

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-19):  White

Toronto Raptors (16-17):  Red

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Way Too Cavalier:  Rockets Self-Destruct in Third Quarter, Fall to Cavs, 112-96, for 9th Straight Loss

Sized Up.    9 Lives.    Rewriting the Script.

In their first game since parting ways with center DeMarcus Cousins, the Rockets immediately felt sized-up. Cleveland’s Jarret Allen dominated with 26 points and 18 boards, as the Rockets had no answer for the Cavs’ big man of the future. John Wall scored 20 points to lead Houston, and Eric Gordon and Victor Oladipo each chipped in 17 a pair, but the Rockets were dominated in the paint, in a game they could’ve won. Houston led at the half, but a disastrous third quarter let the game get out of reach, as the Cavs cruised to a 112-96 victory in the final period. The loss is the Rockets’ ninth in a row, a league-high. Houston can only hope Christian Wood returns as soon as possible, or it may be time to seriously embrace the tank, as getting a top-4 pick in this year’s draft seems more and more possible with each loss.

Comparable to the losses during this skid, the Rockets started this game down double-figures, trailing by 10 points after the first quarter. But, the squad regrouped, and entered the half with a 2-point lead. Too bad they couldn’t come out with the same energy, as a miserable third quarter put this game in the losing column for Houston. If they had nine lives, the Rockets have used all of them. Any more losses, and this season will evolve into a preparatory session for next season. 

It continues to appear that the Rockets have hit rock bottom, but as the skid grows longer, we’ll never really know when they’ve hit their low point, until this squad can string four quarters together for a win. This latest loss to the Cavs could, and should, be rock bottom, but the schedule gets tougher, with games coming up against teams intent on making the playoffs, the Raptors and the Grizzlies. Hopefully, the squad can end the misery and secure a victory for some pride. Losing streaks are embarrassing. Double-digit losing streaks are historically embarrassing. Houston looks to get off the wrong side of history as they continue their road trip to a place they usually don’t part ways for during the season: Tampa Bay, the Raptors home for this season.

Rockets Hit Cleveland to Fight Cavaliers, Praying to End Skid

A Tale of Two Cities.    No Time to Lose.    Last Chance.

“The world is arming faster than we can respond,” M says in Daniel Craig’s final bow as 007 in this fall’s upcoming masterpiece, No Time to Die. And as the Rockets take on a Cavaliers team that’s been one of the worst since LeBron James left, Hosuton’s last chance to save their season is tonight. A loss to the lowly Cavs, and at 11-19 through 30 games, the Rockets may as well go for tanking with 42 games left. If Christian Wood, John Wall, and Victor Oladipo are never going to see the court together, Houston’s chances this season are already dead. Ironically when the WOW Factor all play together (Wood, Oladipo, and Wall), the Rockets are undefeated, at 3-0. Sure, a small sample size, but it’s just a taste of what the squad’s potential could be if they could only assemble a full roster on the court. But in today’s day and age of resting on back-to-backs, and the coronavirus still hanging over the season, this year is the hardest in NBA history for any team to keep its full roster in tact. Houston with more injuries than the average team this season (like usual), is feeling the worst of this oddest of NBA seasons. The Rockets will try and snap their 8-game losing streak tonight in Cleveland, a game they’re more than capable of winning.

And Houston needs a victory tonight. A loss to Cleveland sports in general is embarrassing. Houston used to be a competitive sports team. And seemingly overnight, they’ve gone into full-rebuild mode with their pro sports teams. Especially, these Rockets, and everyone in the sports world has heard about the burning building set on fire by a preacher, the location known as the Houston Texans headquarters. The Rockets, fortunately, are in a better position than the Texans, but if they want any chance at sneaking into a playoff spot, they have to win tonight. It’s the 30th game of the season. Against another bad team. Although Cleveland getting better with their upstart backcourt, nicknamed “Sexland”, with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland leading the charge for the Cavs as one of the best young backcourts in the league.

The Rockets are going to need a bug game from John Wall if Houston wants to finally get a win on the board. Hopefully Wall’s driven enough to take these youngsters to school, and have a dominant performance, but if he doesn’t get help from teammates, particularly knocking down shots, and hustle, Houston will be in trouble. In Cleveland of all places. I didn’t think I’d say that for a long time. But time passes quicker with each day. And the NBA is armed up, loaded with teams primed with potential for bright futures. Most teams in the league are revving up, and getting better. Even the Knicks. There’s no more time to lose. The season’s on the line tonight… it’s time for the Rockets to respond.

 

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse:  Cleveland, Ohio

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (11-18):  White

Cleveland Cavaliers (11-21):  Maroon

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW