Category: Uncategorized

Hardened Loss:  Rockets Collapse to Lakers, 117-100, as an Era Ends in Houston

Facelift.    Candid Cousins.    Gone… Like the Wind.

The truth hurts. It’s part of life. And the iconic movie quote, “frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” from the classic film Gone With the Wind implies Rockets fans need to accept the painful truth: James Harden has played his last game as a Rocket. We all saw this coming, but… this soon? It was only a few days ago Houston expressed confidence they would be able to retain the Beard for at least the remainder of the season. it was evident from the opening tip, Houston was in trouble against L.A. again. The Rockets dug themselves a 21 point first quarter hole, and never escaped, as the Lakers demoralized the Rockets, 117-100, and officially ended the James Harden Era in Houston. After the game, Harden spoke publicly for the first time about his desire to be traded. When asked about his stance, the Beard merely threw his teammates under the bus, saying they weren’t “good enough”, and this situation “can’t be fixed,” while expressing his frustration about a lack of team chemistry. What’s frustrating, for those of us who’ve been following this saga all along, is that Harden’s at the root of all the chaos. The Beard is the poisonous chemical  that can’t make the chemistry right in Houston. Everyone on this Rockets team bought-in this season to play for the ultimate goal, everyone except Harden. An especially nonchalant turnover early in the second half signaled Harden almost literally giving up on his team. Had the Beard bought in with a fresh, talented roster, the Rockets would be at least 5-4 right now, and headed in a different direction. But, after Harden’s comments, the team had enough.

Coach Stephen Silas said he had difficulty sleeping Tuesday night. Houston even held Harden away from practice on Wednesday, hours before dealing him to the Brooklyn Nets. But the most powerful words out of this entire situation came from DeMarcus Cousins: “The disrespect started way before any interview. The other 14 guys have done nothing to him. We’ve only shown up to work like everybody else. It’s completely unfair to the rest of the guys in the locker room.” When asked (Tuesday night, after the blowout loss) if he thought Harden would play for the Rockets again, Cousins said “I don’t know. Quite honestly, I don’t care. And Boogie’s right. John Wall also took a subtle jab at the way Harden’s presence has plagued the team: “When you have certain guys in the mix that don’t want to buy in as one, it’s gonna be hard to do anything special as a basketball team… it hurts.” It’s sad, coming off career-defining injuries, Cousins and Wall have busted their rears to get back into playing shape, and their partnered with an apathetic James Harden.

Good news for Rockets fans, Houston is receiving an underrated star in Victor Oladipo, from the Indiana Pacers as part of the four-team trade. Oladipo should mesh well with Houston’s group, and is one of the more likable players in the league. I can’t say the same about Mr. Harden. And the Rockets got one of the strongest draft packages in history: a total of eight future first-round picks. The face, err beard, of the franchise may be gone, but it’s time to start a new chapter in Houston Rockets basketball. Reports surfaced saying Wall felt Harden was holding him and the squad back from reaching their full potential. Despite the pain in losing a player of Harden’s caliber, Houston had no choice, Harden was holding the Rockets hostage with each passing day.

Even with all his antics and quitting, after eight years of dominant offensive prowess on the court.. losing a generational player isn’t easy. And despite Houston getting an All-Star caliber player in return, Oladipo is no James Harden. Victor won’t have any 60-point triple-doubles. But he won’t sweep the rug up from under a franchise either. Harden may be hated by many, but he wanted what he felt was best. It’s the truth. One that painfully hurts. But, as they say, time heals all wounds. And if you’ve been following Harden and the Rockets this season, it was only a matter of when, not if, Harden would be traded. At this point in the Beard’s career, and the Rockets as a franchise, a break-up is what these two parties needed. Maybe it’s for the best Houston moves on from a superstar, albeit one who’s beginning the climb down from the peak of his career. At age 31, Harden has two to three years left max of superstar-level play. If he can even fit in the circus that is the Brooklyn Nets. The Rockets got Harden at his best, and there’s no better time than now to say goodbye to James. He’s run his course in H-Town.. And frankly, Mr. Beard… I don’t give a damn.

Rockets Seek Different Result, Host Lakers in Rematch

A Night to Boogie.    Backcourt Boost.    Opposite Directions.

“The sky’s the limit for us,” new Rocket sensation Christian Wood said speaking on his team’s potential, as Houston prepares to host the defending Champs for the second straight game. And it’s night’s like tonight that’ll show if the sky really is the limit for this team. Houston is 3-5 in the standings. A win tonight puts them just game below .500 (4-5), while a loss plumes them three games below (3-6). The Rockets got smashed by the Lakers in their first meeting on Sunday night, 120-102, in a blowout that wasn’t close after the first quarter. DeMarcus Cousins was ejected early in the second quarter, with the Rockets trailing only 25-23, but that’s as close as Houston got. Boogie’s ejection swung the momentum entirely in L.A.’s favor, and the Lakers went on to feast on an inferior Rockets squad. If Houston has any chance to win the rematch tonight, they need Cousins to stay in the game. Boogie’s shown promise, despite playing limited minutes. The Rockets need him to help Wood contain Anthony Davis tonight. Cousins also gives Houston another big body to clog the lane, and force the Lakers to take three-pointers, not their specialty.

Boogie can play the entire game for all I care, but if James Harden and John Wall don’t have drastically superior performances than their ugly showing on Sunday night, the Rockets don’t have a chance to beat these Lakers. I know it’s still early in the season, and the team’s still adjusting to new coach Stephen Silas. But Houston’s running out of time. The Lakers are comfortably 8-3. A loss to put them at 8-4 would just be another loss for L.A., not a big deal. The Rockets on the other hand, can’t afford to fall to 3-6. That’s the cusp of a hole Houston has no business venturing down. If Harden and Wall don’t lead the way, and play with a sense of urgency, the Rockets are in trouble tonight. Hopefully, Houston’s backcourt realizes what they need to do on Tuesday night.

After tonight, the Rockets play 14 of their next 18 games on the road, and they still have yet to win outside of Houston this season. Which makes this game even more crucial. A boost by beating the best team in the NBA, and climbing back to within game of .500 is necessary for this Rockets team. Another loss, and Houston is looking at a dark road-trip ahead. After tonight, only 63 games remain. That may sound like a lot, but they go by fast. And if the Rockets dig themselves an early hole, and slip to 3-6, things won’t be looking so bright in Houston. Harden’s future, even though many think he’ll remain with the team for at least season, hangs in the balance. If this Rockets team can be competitive, and play like a contender, an elite team who could win the title, then Harden has a massively better chance of sticking around In Houston instead of sticking to his past trade demands. And as the Rockets battle the Lakers tonight, these are two teams headed in opposite directions. L.A. has won 6 of their past 7 games, and is fresh off a championship, favored to win again this year. Houston is off to a 3-5 start, with a copious amount of fresh faces and new characters. The Rockets have the talent to beat the Champs. Even though the Lakers may be the better team at this point, the Rockets boast 3 former All-Stars, and the breakout-player of the season in Christian Wood. A win tonight, and Wood might be right about this squad, the sky’s the limit for Houston. 4-5 after nine games, dealing with all the teams dealt with, isn’t too shabby. However, 3-6, with twice as many losses as wins, just paints an entirely different narrative. One where the sky may not be the limit in Houston… it just might be falling.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Lakers (8-3):  Yellow

Houston Rockets (3-5):  Blue “City Edition”

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW   

         

Rockets Fail to Launch, Fall to Lakers 120-102

Calming Cousins.    Work in Progress.    Different League.

“You’re just going to have to live with it,” Rockets coach Stephen Silas said on DeMarcus Cousins’ ejection after the Lakers put on a beatdown in Houston, smashing the Rockets, 120-102. Cousins’ stood up for teammate Jae’Sean Tate, who was thrown to the ground by L.A.’s Markieff Morris after putting LeBron James in the spin-cycle on the other end of the floor with a brilliant offensive move. Cousins shoved Morris back, standing up for Tate. Morris immediately charged towards Cousins, and started barking at him, trying to instigate a fight. Boogie calm walked away and ignored Morris. Nonetheless, despite Morris, getting ejected, the matter resulted in Cousins receiving his first technical. And once Boogie gets one, it always seems to be a matter of time before that second tech, and resulting ejection sweeps in to dismantle the Rockets. And it happened again on Sunday night. Cousins got off to a great start and looked poised to be on the verge of having his breakout game as a Rocket. Boogie had 6 points and 4 boards in only 8 minutes, but a hard foul on LeBron James, the NBA’s crown jewel, sent Cousins to the locker room for the night. The foul happened to be above the shoulder area, and was deemed a flagrant foul, resulting in yet another early ejection for Boogie. the Rockets had cut the lead to two points, trailing only 25-23 after Tate’s impressive offensive move on LeBron. But that’s as close, or as impressive as Houston would look all night.

Once Cousins was ejected the Lakers had a dominant second quarter, outscoring the Rockets by 15 points, putting Houston in a 19-point hole at halftime. A hole in which James Harden and the Rockets never escape. Anthony Davis led L.A. with 27 points, and LeBron chipped in with 18, ensuring the Lakers never let this one get out of hand. Meanwhile, the Beard had 20 points and 9 assists for Houston. Harden’s been noticeably less-aggressive on offense since missing a game due to injury. The Rockets need the Harden who regularly scores over 30 if they want a chance against the Lakers in the rematch on Tuesday night. Sunday night was the third straight game Harden failed to score 30 points, a feat head-scratching only for a player with his lethal offensive prowess. For some rare good news, Christian Wood continues to excel in his first season in Houston. Battling the NBA’s best center head-to-head, Wood topped the 20-point mark once again, scoring 23 to lead the Rockets. Houston’s newest sensation, and frontrunner for the NBA’s Most Improved Player, has scored 20 or more points every game this season. The Rockets have to like the consistency they’re seeing out of Wood. Nonetheless, Houston’s squad as a whole, is a work in progress. John Wall had a poor shooting night, scoring only 14 points on 4-for-15 from the field. Wall did lead the Rockets with 10 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, but Houston’s newest point guard has to finish at the rim. Wall can get to the basket at will. His issue, is finishing the play, whether making the layup or drawing a foul. It’s not a surprise, with the best defensive big-man in the NBA in Anthony Davis manning the paint for L.A., that Wall struggled to finish at the rack. The Rockets need Wall to be more efficient with the ball when these teams face-off again on Tuesday night.

The Lakers thrashing in Houston proved L.A.’s in a different league than the Rockets right now. It also once again showed how important Cousins could potentially be to Houston, if he can only stay in the game. DeMarcus was ejected in the Rockets last loss before Sunday, to Dallas on Wednesday. Just like Sunday, Houston was close until Cousins got ejected, and the Mavs ran away with the game. They didn’t dominate the Rockets like the Lakers did, but they showed how viable an option Cousins is for Houston when he’s available. Boogie already has a bad reputation with NBA refs, the best action Cousins can take is stay as calm as possible. And try to refrain from fouling above the shoulders, as difficult as that is for a big man. Cousins’ reputation is his biggest enemy at this point. He was calm when Morris tried to instigate a double-ejection. But, if Cousins is part of any conflict-inducing situations, he’s bound to get a tech, with the oft-called double-technical, used bye officials when two players begin to get heated. Boogie shouldn’t have received a technical the first time, but when you build a reputation, it sticks with you. These teams battle at the Toyota Center again on Tuesday night. If Houston has any chance of sticking with the Lakers in their rematch on they need DeMarcus to stay in the game. The Rockets can try and change his demeanor, but Cousins has actually behaved civilized since returning to play. Boogie’s tarnished reputation is just something Houston has to live with.

Rockets Battle Lakers in First Meeting Since Elimination

Home Cookin’.    Unchained Thoughts.    Early Test.

 

“You had my curiosity. But now you have my attention,” a quote from the 2012 film, Django Unchained that brings to mind tonight’s epic showdown in Houston. The Rockets and Lakers square off in the first of a two-game set on Sunday night (they’ll suit up again on Tuesday). It’s the first time Houston gets a look at LeBron James and L.A. since the Lakers eliminated them from the playoffs in last season’s bubble. And it’s the first time this Rockets team, fully healthy, gets a shot a true title contender, in the Lakers, favored  by many to win it all again this year. However, Houston wants to make some noise, and climb back above .500 with a couple wins over LeBron and company. It’ll take a team effort, with the defensive intensity we saw from the Rockets in their season-opener, disregarding the result, they lost that game, they played hard and looked like athletes trying to win, competing at the highest level. That’s what Houston will need tonight against the best team in the NBA. Hopefully their allotted and assorted fans dispersed throughout the Toyota Center will give the squad a boost, motivate the Rockets to beat the Lakers, and get back to .500 on the season.

Despite having a limited capacity of fans, Harden and Houston have fared much better at home as opposed to on the road. The Rockets are 3-1 at Toyota center, while remaining winless (0-3) on the road. And Houston has won 14 of the last 18 home games against the Lakers in the regular season. The Beard usually plays well against LeBron James, and the LakeShow in general. If Christian Wood continues his level of play, especially against a player of Anthony Davis’ caliber, arguably the NBA’s best center, it’ll be a great sign for the Rockets. John Wall needs to dominate L.A.’s feisty point guard, Dennis Schroder, and the depth Houston put on display last night will all be available tonight, except for Danuel House Jr., who’s still out with back spasms.

This is by far the biggest game the Rockets have played all year, and they do it all over again on Tuesday night, as this is the first of a two-game series against the Lakers. It’s difficult to beat any pro team twice in a row, let alone the champs. Houston needs to secure this first game, and get back to .500 on the season, while putting any fears of falling to 3-6 on the season to rest. If the Rockets can’t beat this Lakers team, that’s where they’ll sit in the standings after Tuesday. But, Harden and his new partners in crime are more than capable of taking down the Lakers. Maybe even twice. They could also lose both of these games. With both squads expected to contend, the odds are it will be a split, but only time will tell. Houston gets an early test on Sunday night, one that will tell a lot about this team’s future, and where the Rockets stand as a unit eight games into the season. It’s been a start full of new players, adjusting to a new coach and new teammates, injuries, and the hovering coronavirus cloud. Both teams are fairly at full-strength. No excuses tonight. Los Angeles has a lot of new pieces as well. But, Houston has to have a stronger sense of urgency, and at least take this first game from the Lakers. Sunday will answer many questions about Houston’s heart and potential. The first seven games showed us glimpses of what could be, they piqued our curiosity. But this game, on Sunday night, during primetime… will have everyone’s attention.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Lakers (7-3):  White “City Edition”

Houston Rockets (3-4):  Red

 

TV:  6 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Blow Past Magic, 132-90, Snap Brief Skid

Diving Deep.    Return of the Mac.    Calm Before the Storm.

“As long as we continue not find chemistry… we have a chance to do something special,” James Harden said after the Rockets blowout victory over the Magic, 132-90. And Houston had plenty of chances to find chemistry facing a undermanned Orlando squad. This one was never close, as the Rockets took advantage, and obliterated a Magic team that never had much of a chance from the tip. Christian Wood led Houston with 22 points, and snagged a career-high 15 boards. The Beard once again only had 15 points, on 6-of-13 shooting from the field. Harden’s been looking to get teammates involved the last few games, and dropped 13 dimes in the Rockets beatdown of the Magic. John Wall, still adjusting to Houston’s system, particularly playing alongside Harden, chipped in with 14 points. And P.J. Tucker, finally broke out of his shooting slump, knocking down 5-of-7 threes for 15 points. Tuck’s been struggling with his shot all this season. With the Lakers coming up, a scoring boost from P.J. is a good sign for the Rockets.

Ben McLemore, playing in his first game of the season, made his presence felt immediately. McLemore didn’t miss from beyond the arc, going 5-for-5, scoring 15 points in only 16 minutes of action. Houston dove deep into their bench on Friday night, with 13 Rockets seeing court-time. With all the space Harden, Wall, and Eric Gordon create with their dribble penetration, Houston will have an ample amount of open opportunities from deep every night. The Rockets just need their open shooters to knock down shots, and against the Magic, Tucker and McLemore played the role of spot-up shooter perfectly. Hopefully this carries over for Houston during their next couple of games, this easy victory was just the calm before the storm. The next tow battles feature a much tougher opponent, LeBron James and the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

It was nice for the Rockets to finally get a blowout-win, despite the Magic being short-handed, a win’s a win, and Houston needed one going into their upcoming two-game set against the Lakers. Now standing at 3-4, the Rockets will try and beat a Lakers team that got deeper in the offseason. An L.A. squad that many think has the best chance to win the title again this season. These next two games will give Houston a chance to test their potential, and see just how talented they are against the league’s elite team. LeBron and the Lakers are 7-3, tied for first in the West. It’s tough to beat any team twice in a row in the league, let alone the defending champs. But, it’s not impossible. Houston at least needs to win one of the next two matchups to avoid falling to a 3-6 start. A win in the first matchup… and the Rockets set themselves up for a chance to do something special.

Rockets Return Home to Face Orlando, Seek to Reclaim Their Own Magic

Lucky Break.    Knocking on Wood.    3-6 or 4-5.

Houston returns home after a short one-game road trip to face the Orlando Magic. Orlando is off to one of the best starts in the league this season, boasting a 6-2 record, good for second-best in the entire NBA. No one expects the Magic to make playoff noise, they’re simply a young team off to an unexpectedly good start. However, Houston happens to be entering the Magic’s hemisphere during a distraught time for the franchise. Unfortunately for Orlando, bad news came during their last game. Their starting point guard, and former number one overall pick in the NBA Draft, Markell Fultz, suffered a torn ACL, and will miss the remainder of the season. Fultz, after years of progressing and attempting to reach his potential, was off to the best start of his young career, with career highs in points and assists, the former top pick could’ve been on his way to an All Star nod. But, as the Rockets know too well, injuries are a part of the game. Hopefully Fultz’s rehab goes well, and he can make a comeback to being an efficient NBA player.

Luckily for Houston, considering Christian Wood is a game-time decision just like last game, the Magic will be without one of the best front players in Aaron Gordon. Gordon is off to a solid start to the season, and his absence gives the Rockets one less big body to focus on. However, Orlando still boasts one of the best big men in all of basketball, Nikola Vucevic. “Vooch” will be a handful for Wood (if he plays), P.J. Tucker, Demarcus Cousins, or whosever guarding him on the Rockets. They’ll need to help and communicate effectively on defense. Vucevic is a legitimate All-Star in this league, with Superstar skills on some nights. Houston can’t afford to let Vooch beat them.

This game’s hugely important for several reasons. First of all, the Rockets are trying to snap a two-game skid. A win or a loss tonight marks the difference between being 3-4 or 2-5 after the game is over. And Houston’s next two games are against the defending champs, the Lakers. Friday night’s jostle with the Magic is a must-win for the Rockets. Considering it’s highly unlikely they’ll beat the Lakers in back-to-back games, Houston needs to enter its series with L.A. with a 3-4 record, as opposed to a 2-5 mark. The Rockets are slowly trying to get back to the .500 mark, and climb the standings out West. Games like Friday against the Magic are ones Houston needs to put away early, to ensure they’re ready to face the Lakers fresh off a win. Even if it’s just a short winning streak, the Rockets need confidence heading into their upcoming battles agents the Champions. A short, easy victory over an inferior Orlando team is just what Houston needsas they begin to right the ship.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Orlando Magic (6-2):  Black

Houston Rockets (2-4):  White

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Can’t Keep Up with Pacers in Indy, Drop Second Straight Loss, 114-107

Lacking Firewood.    Silver Lining.    Waning Ship.

“He quit,” Rockets broadcaster Calvin Murphy was caught saying about James Harden, thinking his microphone was off as the broadcast headed to commercial. The sad thing is, Murphy’s right. Harden did quit late in the game, as the Rockets couldn’t keep pace in Indiana, falling to the Pacers 114-107. The Beard had another sub-par performance. Despite dishing out 12 assists, Harden scored a meager 15 points, almost twice as less as his average. Simply put, the Beard wasn’t aggressive, and settled for poor shots late when the Rockets mounted a comeback to try and pull off the upset. John Wall was spectacular for the Houston, leading the Rockets with a season-high 28 points. But Houston had no answers for Domantas Sabonis inside. Indy’s star big man had 22 points and grabbed 12 boards, but he was the least of Houston’s problems.

If a silver-lining can be found in the Rockets latest loss, Christian Wood was a late-scratch and didn’t play due to knee soreness. The Rockets sorely missed Wood’s versatility on Wednesday night. Victor Oladipo had 18 points, and Justin Holiday had 20 off the bench for Indy, but the real story of this game was Malcolm Brogdon. Houston had no answers for Brogdon, who had a season-high 35 points, and looked like a perennial All-Star on Wednesday, a night where he was by far the best player on the court. The Rockets held a 10 point lead early in the first quarter, 22-12, but after that, it was all Indiana on Wednesday night, as the Pacers lead from basically start to finish. Houston made it competitive late, even grabbing the lead in the fourth quarter, but they needed more than 15 points from Harden, who really never came to play int he first place. And that signals big problems for Houston.

Since Harden missed the Rockets last win due to injury, he hasn’t been the same player by any means. I don’t know if playing with John Wall isn’t sitting well with Harden, but the Beard needs to show Houston he’s interested in winning, or the Rockets might as well trade him elsewhere. The Rockets can’t win with a fully-invested Harden. And with more losing, comes less potential for Houston’s superstar to stick around. The Rockets have to put these first six games behind them, and focus on their upcoming schedule, which doesn’t get any easier. Houston is 2-4, and has suffered a substantial amount of early-season absences from key players. Still, the Rockets should sitting at 3-3 in the standings at worst this moment. They’re going to have to right the ship, and quickly, before things become disastrous.

Up next for Houston is a matchup with the surprisingly hot Orlando Magic, who are off to a 6-2 start, and sit at 2nd place in the East. And then, the Rockets have two straight games with the defending champs, the Lakers. It’s hard to beat the sane team twice in a row, especially the Champs. The Rockets need to get back on track, and regain some of that magic on the court, and beat an inferior Magic team, before two huge matchups against the LeBron and the Lakers. Someone who never quits. Hopefully, Houston gets Christian Wood back for their game against Nikola Vucevic and the Magic. A loss to Orlando at home, featuring another sub-par performance from Harden, could signal the dreaded foreshadowing of the end of an era. With a new coach and a new system, along with all the injuries, 2-4 after only six games into the season is no time to panic for the Rockets. But with two meetings with the Lakers coming up after Orlando comes to town on Friday, Houston’s matchup with the Magic is a must-win. They can’t enter the bloodbaths with L.A. at a 2-5 record as opposed to sitting 3-4 in the standings. I hope Wednesday’s loss in Indy was just an off-night for the Beard, who was lacking his favorite lob-threat in Wood. It’s still early for the Rockets to right the ship, but Friday’s game, in particular Harden’s performance, will tell you if he’s actually quit on the Rockets, giving Houston a waning ship on their hands. 

Rockets Visit Indy, Face-Off Against Pacers

Beasts Out East.    Eyes on Five.    Prep the Hardwood.        

“I promise you, if you need us… if you need me… I’ll be there” is a quote from Captain America: Civil War that brought tonight’s contest to mind. As the beginnings of the United States of America’s modern civil war gets under way this afternoon, the Houston Rockets take part in another basketball game, this time against the upstart Indiana Pacers. Sure, it’s just a game, but tonight’s match is huge for the Rockets. With a record of 2-3, a win tonight would get Houston back to .500, while a loss pushes them two games below .500. It might just be one game, but there’s a huge difference between starting the season 3-3, or 2-4. Especially with this team, and the level of uncertainty that remains hovering around its superstar. The Pacers are a dark-horse threat to win the East, and they’ve shown what they’re capable of, getting off to a hot 5-2 start.

Indy boasts five players the Rockets will have to focus on. The Pacers have the best backcourt in the Eastern Conference, with Malcolm Brogdon running the show at point, and Victor Oladipo, Indy’s best player, and star swingman at shooting guard. Indy also boasts one of the NBA’s most powerful, and dynamic inside duos: Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis. Christian Wood, DeMarcus Cousins, PJ Tucker, and any Rockets who are plan to bang bodies inside needs to be ready for all-out war in the pain tonight. Turner is one of the best role players in the NBA, and Sabonis is an All-Star, who’s teetering on the verge of superstardom. The son of Hall-of-Famer Arvydas Sabonis is off to the best start of his young career, and is a lethal scoring and rebounding presence inside. Justin Holiday plays the Sixth Man role for Indy, and is the other guy who could go off for a big night, if the Rockets defense is shaky once again. But, this one comes down to Houston’s newest combination: James Harden and Christian Wood, the Hardwood.

If the Beard can have a bounce-back game and reach his usual scoring numbers with efficiency, it should trigger more alley-oops to Wood, and more potential to get Indy’s lethal bigs in foul trouble. If Harden and Wood can be in sync in on the road against one of the best teams in the East, the Rockets have a chance. But they’ll also need John Wall to look like he did in his first two games, as opposed to his Monday night below-average showing. Houston will need to put as much offensive pressure as possible on the Pacers, and really drive to the basket with ferocity. Eric Gordon in particular, needs to finish strong, and not look for the contact (which usually results in embarrassing turnovers). This one should be close in Indy tonight. Expect the best game of this young season for Houston. The Pacers are at home, off to a good start. The Rockets are still adjusting to a new coach, new teammates, and a new system. But Houston still has the Beard on their side. Ready to play like the world needs saving. And on Wednesday night in Indy, when the Rockets need him… he’ll be there.

 

Bankers Life Fieldhouse:  Indianapolis, Indiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets: (2-3):  Red

Indiana Pacers (5-2):  White

 

TV:  6 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Rockets Fall in Frustrating Fashion to Mavs, 113-100

Pondering Toss.    The New Jet.    Not Enough Beard.

“New system. We’re definitely still adjusting. Can’t forget about that,” Eric Gordon said after Houston’s disappointing 113-100 loss at home to Dallas on Monday night. It’s not an excuse, and the team is still adjusting, with John Wall, Christian Wood, DeMarcus Cousins, and plenty of other new Rockets, including a new coach, in Stephen Silas. The coolest cat in the room almost lost his cool, and rightfully so, as DeMarcus Cousins was ejected in arguably the worst call of the entire NBA season. Boogie simply argued a call like every player does after it doesn’t go his way, and was thrown out. Cousins has a reputation for barking at refs, but this is a new and improved DeMarcus, and he had no right being thrown out of Monday’s contest. It’s especially frustrating, considering how well Boogie was playing. He only saw limited action due to the ejection, but Cousins seemed to be on pace for his best game of the early season. We’ll have to wait to witness that. His first technical was a very questionable double-tech, and the ejection was downright based on his reputation. Official John Goble simply didn’t want to deal with officiating Cousins on Monday night, and given the slightest crack of opportunity, he tossed him out game with glee.

Boogie’s ejection is by no means why Houston lost to the Mavs, with Dallas leading basically from start-to-finish. Luka Doncic led the Mavs with a sensational triple-double, scoring 33 points, to go with 15 rebounds and 11 assists. Despite those gaudy numbers, it was Doncic who was the real thorn in the Rockets’ side, the finishing dagger. That role on Dallas belonged to Tim Hardaway Jr., who, when he plays Houston, resembles a form of Ray Allen in his prime. Hardaway is the new Jason Terry, a former Mav who used to always have big games against the Rockets. And it seems now Hardaway Jr. has assumed that role, always having monstrous games offensively against Houston. Don’t believe me? Look it up. The Rockets will have to be more prepared for THJ next time these two Texas rivals meet.

There are very few players for whom you look at the box score, and see 21 points, and it stands out in an odd way. But for James Harden, who’s going for a league record fourth straight scoring title, and averaging before Monday 37 points a game, 21 points does stand out quite a bit. Houston simply didn’t get enough from Harden, who, along with the rest of the squad, just had an off-night offensively. John Wall posted an underwhelming 14 points. Despite trailing nearly the entire game, the Rockets tied it late in the fourth and had a chance to take the lead several times in the quarter, but the Mavs continued to hit big shot after big shot. Most of them being from Hardaway Jr. and Doncic. Houston was without Danuel House, and Ben McLemore is still out, but the Rockets need to start winning and get a comfortable peek above the .500 mark. They can’t afford to fall behind early in the standings this season. Who knows what’s in store this year and how the pandemic will effect the league, now operating outside of what seemed like the perfect bubble in Orlando last year, in the future of this upcoming season. Up next for the Rockets, they face one of the best teams out East to start the season, in the Indiana Pacers. As for Monday’s game, it was a frustrating loss. The Boogie ejection spiraled things out of control in a night that never seemed destined to be in Houston’s control. The Rockets got a painful reminder from Mr. Hardaway Jr. that Dallas boasts more weapons than just Luka Doncic. Houston simply can’t forget about that.

Rockets Greet Mavs in Season’s First Duel

Texas-Sized Showdown.    Imperfect Imitation.    I-45 Revived.    

“From the moment I slapped eyes on this hombre, I smelled trouble,” a line from the 90’s Western film, Maverick. And as the Rockets host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, I smell trouble coming to town. Trouble in the form of Luka Doncic, the Mavs third-year superstar sensation, and preseason pick to win league MVP. Doncic, along with James Harden, both missed their previous games due to injuries. But both will be back on the court tonight, and Luka has flourished against Houston since entering the league. Dallas lost their last game, and sits at a disappointing 2-4 in the standings. Don’t let the record fool you, these Mavs are for real, and with Doncic running the show, can beat anyone on any night. The Rockets have to be prepared for a desperate Dallas team, eagerly seeking to improve their early-season woes. Houston is coming off back-to-back home victories over the Sacramento Kings. Tonight marks only the second time Houston’s Big Three (James Harden, John Wall, and Christian Wood) all suit up for the Rockets. Wall and Wood have been sensational, if Harden joins the party, Houston should handle any problems the Mavs throw their way. But don’t expect tonight’s game to be easy by any means.

Dallas is coming off a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bulls last night. Houston has more rest, home-court advantage, and more talent and depth. The Rockets should win if they can match the Mavs sense of urgency. Dallas has had one of the toughest schedules so far, already falling to the Lakers, Clippers, and Heat earlier this season. The Mavs are still without their second-best player, Kristaps Porzingis, aka “The Unicorn.” Regardless, Luka is deadly enough at controlling the game to be able to will his team to victory by himself. Hopefully, the Tatewagon lineup can give Houston’s second-unit the needed energy to take advantage of the game when the stars aren’t on the floor. Speaking of stars, the guy Luka Doncic has gotten compared to most often is James Harden. Luka boasts a deadly step-back from the perimeter and the poise of a 15-year veteran in only his third season at the age of 21. Still, at least at this moment in time, Harden is the better player, and should roast Doncic on the offensive end. The Rockets will need to communicate on defense and switch effectively to keep Luka from having one of those “Lukamania”nights, where he shows why he’s favored to be the MVP this season.

Despite not even being close to playoff time, tonight’s matchup is a Texas-sized showdown as the I-45 rivalry gets back under way between these long-time enemies. The Beard and Luka will both be looking to put on a show. And don’t think John Wall or Christian Wood are going to shy away from the action, as the new Rockets-duo will attempt to continue their hot start to the season. Houston Coach Stephen Silas was an assistant for Dallas last season, and worked diligently with Doncic. We’ll see if Silas’ knowledge of Luka’s game benefits the Rockets on Monday night. It’s been an odd start to the season in the NBA overall. The highly-touted Denver Nuggets started 1-4, and the Phoenix Suns were atop the West for awhile. The Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks (teams with opposite expectations) have the same record after six games. The offseason was the shortest in NBA history for some, the longest for the teams that didn’t play in the Orlando Bubble last season. So, it’s no surprise it’s been a stranger start to the season than usual. And with all signs pointing to a Houston victory tonight at home, Dallas is due for an inspiring victory. Luka always seems to play great against the Rockets. I hope I’m wrong, and Harden’s return, along with the continued rise of Wall and Wood, push Houston past the Mavs, en route to a third straight Rockets victory. But I have to be honest… I smell trouble. 

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Dallas Mavericks (2-4):  White

Houston Rockets (2-2):  Black

 

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