Category: Uncategorized

Rockets Survive Late to Hold Off Pistons, 103-102, Snap Skid

Seven Samurai.    Sterling Survivors.    Boogie Frights.    

“Consider who we’re dealing with here. Give a wolf a taste of your leg and he’ll ask for your hand.” One of the best quotes from the legendary film, Seven Samurai. And a message that reminded me of Houston narrows escape from the Motor City with a 103-102 win over the Pistons on Friday night. The Rockets burst out of the gates in Detroit, grabbing a 34-21 lead after the first quarter, and even built a 20-point lead on then worst team in the NBA. But, that familiar bad-habit from Houston teams of past showed up. These hard-playing, gritty, new-look Rockets slowly let the Pistons back in the game. By halftime, Houston’s lead was cut to 8 points. And Detroit would eventually grab a 6-point lead late in the fourth-quarter, when it looked like the Pistons would pull-off the rally. Luckily for the Rockets, this was an all-out team effort tonight, and the squad was determined to end their losing streak Houston had a balanced scoring attack, with seven players scoring in double-figures.

Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 20 points, despite going 1-for-6 from distance. P.J. Tucker found his rhythm, scoring 15 points, and connecting on 5 of his 8 shots from deep. P.J.’s shooting has taken a huge dip this season. Houston needs more showings from Tucker where he strokes the ball with efficiency. Victor Oladipo, Jae’Sean Tate, and David Nwaba all chipped in with 13 points for the offense. But the Rockets do NOT win this game without Sterling Brown. This season’s new arrival from Milwaukee showed once again what Brown can do for Houston. And that’s hit clutch, and be ready for big moments. Brown scored 8 of his 14 points in the final frame, including nailing a few huge threes. Sterling was stellar from beyond the arc, knocking down 4 of his 6 shots from long range. Brown also grabbed 5 of his 8 rebounds (including 3 offensive) in the fourth. His play’s evidence Brown deserves spot in the rotation when, or if, this team ever gets fully-healthy.

DeMarcus Cousins spot in the rotation is necessary due to his size, but his caliber-of-play recently could suggest otherwise. Prayers up that Christian Wood heals as quickly as possible, and can resume action soon. Boogie, quite simply, has been terrible over the last few games. The former All-Star’s definitely lost more than just a step. Granted, he’s coming off injury problems, but Boogie’s seemed to age two years in this early season alone. He looked great to start the season. But since Harden left, Cousins has been hard to watch. He’s seemed to lost the ability to finish around the rim. Boogie has struggled mightily to make a shot around the basket. Cousins did grab 15 boards and dish out 7 dimes, but shot a horrendous 2-for-16 from the floor. Absolutely disgusting. Unless he’s wide open for a dunk, Boogie needs to transfer his mindset from scoring, and focus on passing the ball and being the best rebounder Houston can suit up at the moment. Cousins has always been a great passer, and his size allows him to bang with the biggest of NBA bodies. But his days of putting up big scoring numbers are over. And his lack fo ability to finish even the closest layups almost cost Houston a game they should have won easily. The contest ended on an officials review after it was deemed a foul called on P.J. Tucker occurred after the game ended. Had it been another story, the Rockets would’ve sent Detroit’s leading scorer Jerami Grant to the line for a chance to win the game. Thankfully, the refs got the right call, and Houston escaped with the narrow victory. After building a comfortable lead, the Rockets gave the Pistons a taste of what a comeback victory would feel like, with Detroit almost taking that dance. Thankfully, Houston never truly offered their hand. Up next is a dance the Rockets have no choice but to accept: Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Get ready for a Saturday Night Dance… Texas-style.

Short-Handed Rockets Aim to Snap Skid, Visit Pistons in Detroit

Double-Dip.    The Lucas Effect.    Same Approach, New Look.

The Rockets hit the road again for a back-to-back this weekend in Detroit and Dallas. It all begins tonight, as Houston visits the Motor City to take on the Pistons, the team with the NBA’s worst record. After suffering an ankle sprain in their last game, Christian Wood will miss at least this weekend, and probably more time. So, once again, the squad will be short-handed, with a new group of starters yet to be revealed this season. Houston has to play hard, and realize even with all the injuries, the Rockets are still better than the Detroit Pistons. But the team with the worst record is no joke. They still boast Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose, and sea of players who could have the game of their life against Houston. Looking at the bigger picture, the Rockets have to win this game tonight, as tomorrow night’s task in Dallas will be exponentially harder.

Houston signed troubled, young guard Kevin Porter Jr. on Thursday. The Rockets waived Chris Clemons to clear a roster sport for Porter Jr., who is coming from the Cleveland Cavaliers, after he was kicked off their team following an outburst in the locker room. Porter Jr.’s blithe attitude has obviously not worked well in Cleveland. Houston plans to make the best out of this talented youngster. The Rockets idea is to have assistant coach John Lucas work closely with the newcomer. Lucas has a history of helping players in the NBA and NFL get their careers back on track. More importantly, Lucas has been the steady, even-keeled master who keeps his apprentice, the NBA’s most lethal sixth man, Eric Gordon, in a clear mental state. Gordy doesn’t say much, as P.J. Tucker discussed recently, but it’s clear all the time spent working with Lucas during warm-ups and practice has kept Gordon from going insane. Along with Tucker, Gordon is the only other Rocket who’s been here to see Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook’s brief reigns in Houston. They also witnessed the best and worst of the Harden era. An era during which it must have been tough on Gordon, given the inconsistent amount of touches EG would get on a nightly basis. Now, as he said after Harden was traded, he, and the team, can finally move forward.

Well, the Rockets have been moving backwards as of late. Skidding their way into the Motor City on a three-game losing streak, Houston hopes a meeting with the league’s worst will help right the ship a bit before they visit their I-10 Rivals in Dallas tomorrow. The game-plan is simple: play hard. Like your life depends on it. The team that plays harder wins tonight’s battle in Detroit. And without John Wall, and now Christian Wood, Houston is going to have to play harder than ever. Hopefully Victor Oladipo can lead the way, and have a sensational game like he did in his debut. The Rockets are going to lean on Oladipo like they used to lean on James Harden. Maybe, Vic can have a special night tonight, and carry the team. Houston needs him to play like a star if they want to get a victory this weekend.

 

Little Caesars Arena:  Detroit, Michigan

 

Jersey Colors:

Detroit Pistons (3-11):  Blue

Houston Rockets (4-9):  White

 

TV:  6 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW       

Rockets Get Burned By Suns, 109-103, Drop Third Straight

Another One Bites the Dust.    Patiently Waiting.    Digging Out.

Houston returned home, and lost not only their third straight, but also their upstart star center, Christian Wood, who went down with an ankle sprain in the loss. The Rockets were outplayed for nearly the entire game, made the exercise somewhat interesting down the stretch, but ran out of gas, dropping their third game in a row, at the hands of the Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker scored 24 points, but it was DeAndre Ayton, who’s 26 points and 17 boards really helped Phoenix maintain control of the match. Along with 5 other Suns players in a balanced Phoenix attack. Houston especially had no answer for Ayton, who dominated on both ends of the floor, and feasted once Wood left the game. Unfortunately, Wood could miss several weeks, although nothing is officially confirmed at this time. DeMarcus Cousins will have to step up in Wood’s absence. Boogie has struggled mightily the last few games. Maybe more minutes and a starting role with get the former All-Star back in his groove.

For now, the Rockets will have to wait patiently. John Wall is expected to return after the weekend’s back-to-back. A trip on which Wood won’t be traveling, leaving Houston once again shorthanded, and looking at another new starting lineup. If this team can ever get Wall, Wood, and Victor Oladipo on the court at the same time, the Rockets can truly show their potential. Until then, we’ll truly never know how good this group can be. We’ll just have to wait patiently. Hopefully not too long.

The Rockets have spent too many games this season taking way too long digging themselves out of early holes. This was once again the case against the Suns. Houston trailed by as many as 20, only to make it a game in the final minutes by cutting the deficit to two points. Oladipo and co. couldn’t climb over the Suns, and came up short. Houston next plays the team with the worst record in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons, before taking on a much better Dallas Mavericks group the next day. Despite being once again direly short-handed, the Rockets have to go at least 1-1 over this upcoming back-to-back. Houston’s starting to dig themselves a hole they might not be able to escape. The Rockets are 4-9. They can’t afford to fall to 4-11. 6-9 would be great, but that’s asking a lot out of this shorthanded young group on the second night of a back-to-back. Houston needs to win the game in Detroit, even shorthanded, if they play hard enough, the Rockets have the ability to beat the Pistons. It’s the closest thing to a must-win this early in the season. This team can’t afford to lose many more games. Otherwise… they may not have a chance at returning to the playoffs this year.

Rockets in Desperate Need of a Win as Suns Stop in H-Town

Homecoming.    Revenge Games.    Cast Away.   

“I know what I have to do now, I’ve got to keep breathing because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?” A quote from the film Cast Away, as the Rockets try and prevent the Suns from rising to victory in Houston on Wednesday night. The Rockets are in the midst of playing 14 of 18 games on the road, so this homecoming is a brief bit stop for the squad in Houston. And they’ve fared much better at home, compared to the road. These new-look Rockets are an even 3-3 at home, opposed to a torrid 1-5 away from the Toyota Center. Houston will get a chance to get their fourth victory at home tonight, but it won’t be easy. Former-Rocket Chris Paul, along with his new team, the upstart Phoenix Suns, battle the Rockets in a pivotal game for Houston on Wednesday night.

The Rockets desperately need a win over the Suns tonight. Only the Minnesota Timberwolves have a worse record (3-9) in the West than Houston. Despite their position, the Rockets are still only a few games out of a playoff-spot. It’s still early in the season, and the squad has plenty of games left (60) to get their act together. They really need John Wall. But Houston’s newest point guard will be out for a fourth-straight game with an injury relating to his knee. He’s listed as day-to-day, and boy today’s a day the Rockets could use Wall. Not only will they be trying to stop one of Chris Paul’s “Revenge Games,” the team will be tasked at trying to stop Devin Booker, one of the most underrated All-Stars in the game today. They’ll also have to contend with DeAndre Ayton, the young big who’s finally rounding into form for Phoenix. Ayton’s off to his best start to a season in his young career, registering 18 points and 16 boards in the Suns’ loss on Monday in Memphis. Christian Wood will have his hands full defensively. P.J. Tucker and Jae’Sean Tate will need all the help, as they help out on the defensive end. It’s a nightmare matchup for the Rockets tonight. They’re going to have to play so much harder, and hope they make more than the usual percentage of shots, to beat this Suns team. A squad fueled by Chris Paul, who probably loves winning in Houston more than any other city. A John Wall-less Rockets will have to be ready for everyone to bring something to the court. Houston needs more emphasis on rebounding and transition defense. Secondly, and this will come with more time and chemistry, the Rockets need to lower their turnover rate. Stop giving the ball away.

There’s no reason to panic, but at 4-8, Houston can’t afford to keep losing, despite not being at full-strength. Eventually, they’ll dig themselves too deep a hole. And they’ll never be able to climb out. That’s if the losses continue to pile up. The Rockets are playing a young, talented Suns team led by a vindictive Chris Paul. All signs point to a victory in Phoenix’s favor tonight. But Houston has to find a way to muster the effort and resilience to pull-out the win, in their brief pit-stop back home. The Rockets have to creep closer to .500, and improve to 5-8 by beating the Suns. A loss, and 4-9 begins to look mountainous. It isn’t just the start to the season. We’re well into this campaign, this is the first chapter. And Houston returns home, intent on saving its season. Phoenix will be amped and psyched to beat up on a less-talented Rockets team. Can Victor Oladipo have a repeat performance? And maybe get assistance from his teammates? Or will the Rockets be cast away, as the sun sets on their season? We’ll find out tonight, as the tide that is CP3 surges in with revenge, hell-bent on getting another win in H-Town. The Rockets better hope the shots falls, or there won’t be anything sunny about this game for Houston.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Phoenix Suns (7-5):  Black “City Edition”

Houston Rockets (4-8):  Blue “City Edition”

 

TV:  8:30 PM CT  –  ESPN,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Oladipo Dazzles in Debut, But Bulls Out-Run Rockets, 125-120

Special Start.    Where’s Johnny?    Awaiting Full Artillery.

Victor Oladipo, the Rockets newest star, and possibly their best player, said he’s happy with the squad, and believes “special days” are ahead. For now, those days will have to wait. Despite a dazzling debut for the Rockets by Victor Oladipo, Houston fell short in Chicago, 125-120, and dropped to 4-8 on the season. After a torrid first quarter, which saw the Rockets score only 16 points and dig themselves a 12-point hole, Houston got back in the game. The combination of too much Zach LaVine and Lauri Maurkkenen for the Bulls, along with terrible rebounding and consistent turnover frequency for the Rockets kept Houston from capping their road trip with a win. LaVine led Chicago with 33 points, and Maurkkanen played Robin, chipping in with 18 points. If there’s a silver lining to be found in this loss, it’s Oladipo’s performance. In his first game with his new team, Victor scored 32 points on an efficient 13-for-23 shooting performance. Houston’s newest star also dished out 9 dimes, and grabbed 5 boards in his Rockets debut. Vic’s showing is a good sign for the future in Houston, at least for this season, but the Rockets really need to be at full-strength to have any shot at making noise in the playoffs. And that starts with John Wall.

Where’s John Wall. We know he’s been out with a mysterious knee injury. A wound that’s considered day-to-day, only until the weeks unravel, and a month goes by. Hopefully, Wall is on the verge of a return. The Rockets need a playmaker with Harden long gone to Brooklyn. John Wall showed signs earlier this season he can still handle the rock with the best in the world. However, Wall’s had a history with injuries. And the fact he’s missed this much time is a slightly concerning. Hopefully, it’s just a result of seeing too much action after being sidelined over two years due to injury, and his body needing time to adjust back to the “playing days” of the NBA regular season. Whatever it is, Houston needs their Wall, or this squad will have trouble even making the playoffs.

Along with their star point guard, the mischievous Danuel House has now missed the team’s last 8 games, who is self-isolating. It’s unknown whether his absence is related to the virus, or just to a man who’s slowly seemed to unravel in Houston. On social media, House has been promoting working on his rap album. Not a good sign for an NBA player in the midst of a season. Especially the only guy who was kicked out of Orlando’s bubble last season. His departure definitely made the Rockets worse on the court, and who knows, could’ve been the beginnings of Harden’s inkling to leave Houston. Regardless, the Rockets need to be at full-strength, desperately needing Wall back. With a roster 12-deep at the minimum, they can potentially do some unexpected damage this season. But, if they keep having multiple guys missing every game, it’s going to be hard making the playoffs in a loaded Western Conference, where the Rockets have already struggled, with a 4-8 record overall to start this season. Hopefully Houston gets back to full-strength quickly, or those special days Oladipo mentioned… could be further away than he thought.

Rockets Visit Chicago, Prepped to Run with the Bulls

Ola-Debut.    Musical Chairs.    The WOW Factor.

“It’s a new energy, a positive energy. It’s great to be a part of,” the newest Rocket, Victor Oladipo, said during his introductory press conference. And finally, tonight, Oladipo will make his debut for Houston, as the Rockets try and outrun the Bulls in Chicago. Victor is by far the most valuable piece Houston acquired in the James Harden trade. Although rumors persist about Oladipo’s desire to play in Miami, Victor’s in Houston, at least for this season. And he’s a free agent this summer, so he may depart elsewhere, after a short stint. However, Oladipo is one of the most like-able players in the league, and I could see him being a perfect fit with the Rockets. On Monday night, he gets his first chance to show Houston what he can do on the court.

The Rockets were shorthanded during their two-game trip in San Antonio. Houston only had nine available players for the first game, and even less, with only eight in the second. Oladipo’s debut will give the Rockets some needed firepower. As will the returning DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Gordon. Both didn’t play in San Antonio, and their presence allows Houston to creep closer to full strength. The squad is still without John Wall and Danuel House Jr.

It’s been a season of musical chairs for Houston’s roster. The Rockets have seemingly had a different starting lineup every game, but hopefully consistency will arise once the injury bug is ridden. And once they get those Wall and House return, this team has the potential to do more damage than most people think. The Rockets are a much deeper squad than the pundits imagine, especially is Oladipo fully buys in, and plays well alongside Wall. Vic won’t get a chance to play with John tonight, but he will get his first taste of pick and roll action with the other part of Houston’s WOW factor, Christian Wood. Houston takes on a young Bulls team led by Zach LaVine. Their point guard, Coby White is having a breakout year, and they also boast one of the best rookies in the league, in Patrick Williams. Nonetheless, the Rockets have the talent to beat to Bulls. It’s a matter of Oladipo gelling with his teammates, and truly becoming a part of that new energy.

Despite the departure of Harden, the Rockets have a big-three of their own. They may not be as potent as another big three in the league, but these three players have yet to play a game together. And they are: John Wall, Victor Oladipo, and Christian Wood. The WOW Factor. Also Houston’s best chance of winning lies in the hands of these three players. If these guys can stay healthy all season, and play up to their potential, the Rockets will be the West’s dark horse. We’ll have to wait a few days to see the trio in action. And the squad needs to avoid falling any any further in the standings. At 4-7, Houston will have twice as many losses as wins with a loss tonight. If they can pull off the victory, they’ll still only be two games under .500. It may not be the shiniest matchup, but tonight’s game is huge for the Rockets in determining the direction the squad will be taking, and potentially some of their players, this season. And tonight, after a bit of waiting time, we get our first look at Victor Oladipo, who, for this energetic Rockets team, could end up being the most important part.

 

United Center:  Chicago, Illinois

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (4-7):  White

Chicago Bulls (5-8):  Black “City Edition”

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Run Out of Steam Late, Crumble to Spurs, 103-91

Eight Isn’t Enough.    The Jones Show.    Empty Tank.

Same teams, same place… different outcome. Houston split their Texas Two-Step in San Antonio, falling to the Spurs 103-91 on Saturday afternoon. Registering only 8 available players, the Rockets put up a reasonable fight, and even led for most of the game. Houston just ran out of steam in the fourth quarter. Mason Jones, in his first career-NBA start, was a pleasant surprise for the Rockets. Jones, who’s expected to head to the Orlando Bubble for the G-League in February, made the most of his opportunity on Saturday evening. Jones led the team in scoring, notching 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting. The youngster showed he’s capable of providing Houston with another decent playmaker, given that Jones stays on the squad, and avoids a drop down to the G-League. Christian Wood was spectacular again for the Rockets. Wood snagged a career-high 18 boards, and scored 24 points, but Houston just ran out of steam against a fully-healthy Spurs squad.

Ben McLemore got the offense rolling early for Houston, scoring 16 of his 21 points in the first quarter. Jae’Sean Tate got into early foul trouble, which didn’t help matters for the Rockets, and P.J. Tucker couldn’t hit the rim, shooting 1-for-9 from the floor. Still, Houston led for most of the first half, and stuck with San Antonio, until tired legs eventually buried the Rockets in the fourth quarter. Had the squad had another body or two, Houston could’ve definitely won this game, and swept their Alamo Two-Step. San Antonio just had more armory in this one. Jakob Poeltl was the player of the game for the Spurs, notching 30 minutes off the bench en route to 13 points and 11 boards. His size was a problem for this undermanned, out-sized Rockets team.

Houston will be getting more bodies back as they head to Chicago to finish their three-game road trip. Victor Oladipo is expected to make his Rockets debut, and Eric Gordon and DeMarcus Cousins will be returning from their respective injuries. As for their stop in San Antonio, having a combined 17 players for 2 games, the Rockets can’t be all that upset about splitting the pair under these difficult circumstances. If P.J. Tucker makes a few more shots, and Tate stays out of foul trouble, this outcome in the Alamo City could’ve been different.

Rockets Battle Spurs Again in the Alamo City

Rematch Time.    Oladip-out?    Rinse, Wash, Repeat.

Everyone loves a good rematch. Well this afternoon in San Antonio, the new-look Rockets will square-off against the Spurs once again. Houston took the first game of this two-game set on Thursday, 109-105, and they’ll try and make it 2-0 on their Alamo trip with a victory on Saturday afternoon. Wall is still questionable, as is Gordon, and Danuel House Jr. remains out as well. But the biggest question, as James Harden likely makes his debut for the Brooklyn Nets tonight, why is it taking so long for Victor Oladipo to arrive in Houston?

It’s well known in basketball circles, that Oladipo’s preferred destination is the Miami Heat. Oladipo will be a free-agent after this season, so hopefully he plays his rear off in Houston, knowing the better he looks, the more his value will rise this summer. Worst case scenario is Oladipo hols out, and refuses to play, which would put the Rockets in a tough situation. We’ll know soon enough what the deal is with Victor Oladipo, but for now, these Rockets just need to keep playing hard with the available guys on the roster.

And playing hard is pretty much the ingredient for their second win in a row on Saturday. The Rockets and Spurs, as they stand with their current available rosters, aren’t heavy on talent. No one will be dropping 40 points this afternoon in the Alamo City. The harder team is going to win this one. Whoever comes out with more energy, and passion, takes Saturday’s matinee matchup. The Rockets came out with great energy, following Jae’Sean Tate’s lead on Thursday. They’ll look to do the same on Saturday afternoon… get ready for a great rematch.

 

AT&T Center:  San Antonio, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (4-6):  Blue

San Antonio Spurs (6-6):  White

 

TV:  4 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Wood Leads Rockets to First Road Win, 109-105, Over Spurs in First Game Without Harden

An Era Has Begun.    What Can Brown Do For You?    Do It Again.

With immense changes to the franchise’s future, the Rockets finally played their first game without James Harden, and it went better for the squad than many predicted. Houston came out energized, and freed, as if the constraints of Harden’s presence really was holding the team back from achieving its potential. Without nearly three starters (John Wall, Victor Oladipo, and Eric Gordon), the Rockets held on to beat the Spurs in a tight match, 109-105, Thursday night in San Antonio. Wood showed that’s Harden’s departure won’t effect his own efficiency. The Rockets big man led the way for Houston, scoring 27 points, grabbing 15, and blocking 3 shots.

With Houston being very undermanned, Sterling Brown played a career-high 37 minutes, and didn’t disappoint. Brown scored a season high 23 points, and shot over 50% from the field. Sterling has been stellar in any minutes he’s seen this season. Look for his minutes to increase after Thursday’s performance.

Without any true facilitators on the floor, Jae’Sean Tate stepped into the role with ease, dishing out 10 assists to lead Houston, and chipping in 13 points to go with his usual energy. P.J. Tucker had 10 points and 6 boards in the first game he’s played without Harden on the roster in Houston. He gave coach Stephen Silas an emphatic chest-bump after the impressive road-win. After all this team has been through with Harden’s drama to start the season, the squad looks like they’re playing with the weight of the world off their shoulders. They’re finally free.

We’ll see if the Rockets can carry this over to another game, against the same team, in the same building. Houston and San Antonio will do battle again on Saturday in the Alamo City. It’s unknown at this time if Wall, Oladipo, or Gordon will be back, but Thursday’s showing was certainly a promising sign for the future if this Rockets franchise.

Rockets Visit Spurs as a New Era in Houston Basketball Begins

New Age.    Battered Rockets.    Redemption Season.

A new age in Houston Rockets basketball gets under way as the Rockets visit their in-state rival San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. This is Houston’s first game after the Harden era.

John Wall and Eric Gordon are out with injuries. Houston will rely heavily on Christian Wood tonight if they want to beat the Spurs, and snap their losing streak.

Changing times start Thursday night in San Antonio. Hopefully, the Rockets can find new life in their youth and fresh faces, and prove they’re better off without Harden. Tonight’s their first chance to prove to everyone who thinks Houston is down and out, that they’re wrong. Buckle up… redemption season gets under way in the Alamo City on Thursday night. 

 

AT&T Center:  San Antonio, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (3-6):  White

San Antonio Spurs (6-5):  Black

 

TV:  6:30 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW