Category: Uncategorized

Rockets Face Nuggets in First Act of Tough Altitude Back-to-Back

Hardened Pains.    Mountainous Task.    Lesser of Two Evils.

Ever since he held a team-meeting after Houston’s loss to Portland, one of many embarrassing losses during their four-game slide, the Rockets’ vocal leader, Russell Westbrook has dominated on the court. Brodie looks to continue his recent string of strong performances, as Houston heads to Denver to take on the Nuggets for a Sunday afternoon matinee matchup. Russ may be without his running mate, James Harden, who’s dealing with a thigh bruise he suffered in Minnesota. The Rockets faced Denver only four days ago, coming away with a victory over the depleted Nuggets in the previous matchup. Denver has Gary Harris and Michael Porter Jr. back in action, so they won’t be as hobbled compared to the last time these teams met. Jamal Murray, Paul Millsap, and Mason Plumlee remain out with injuries for the Nuggets. Nonetheless, winning in the Mile High city is always a challenge. Denver will be looking for revenge from their loss four days ago. Houston has to be ready to withstand an early avalanche from the Nuggets. Nikola Jokic, Will Barton, and Michael Porter Jr. are most lethal threats for the Rockets to pay attention to on defense. Despite all of Denver’s injuries, Houston recently suffered one that could be more costly for Sunday’s game.

In Friday night’s win in Minnesota, James Harden suffered a thigh bruise, and is listed as questionable for today’s matchup against the Nuggets. If the Beard can’t give it a go, expect Russell Westbrook to do even more of the heavy lifting. Russ has been carrying the squad of late, especially in the two games since the losing streak, both Brodie-led victories. Other Rockets like Eric Gordon, Danuel House Jr., Ben McLemore and Austin Rivers will all have extended minutes if Harden is on the sidelines.

Sunday afternoon begins a back-to-back of challenging proportions for the Rockets. Two games in two days, against playoff teams, in the dreaded altitude. After Sunday, Houston travels to Utah in what’s shaping up to be the season’s most difficult game. Russ won’t be playing on the second night of a back-to-back in Utah, and if Harden is still injured, silencing the Jazz looks like an impossible mission. Which is what makes the game in Denver so important. It’s the lesser of two evils, and the Rockets at least know they will have Westbrook suiting up against the Nuggets. It won’t be easy, Houston’s struggled playing earlier in the day, and it’s and hour earlier in Denver than in Houston, but the Rockets should have enough to beat the Nuggets if they follow Brodie’s lead.

 

Pepsi Center:  Denver, Colorado

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (28-16):  Black

Denver Nuggets (31-14):  White

 

TV:  2:30 PM CT – NBA TV,  AT&T Sportsnet SW

Westbrook Scores 45, Rockets Keep Wolves at Bay, 131-124

Hidden Moment of the Year.    Russell’s Rockets.    Recharged Reserves.

“Just because someone stumbles and loses their path, doesn’t mean they’re lost forever.” Another quote from the film X-Men: Days of Future Past, referenced after the last game. The film’s relevance applies again as the Rockets find themselves these days in the midst of a necessary evolution.. a shift from how they played in the past, to how they must play in the future… if they’re serious about winning a championship this season. The Lakers, Clippers, and Bucks (Houston’s biggest threats to the NBA’s throne) aren’t going anywhere. But, lucky for the Rockets, the same applies for Russell Westbrook. And Brodie had his best game since coming to Houston. Russ scored a season-high 45 points, as the Rockets tamed the Wolves, 131-124, to start their road-trip on an optimistic note. James Harden struggled, shooting only 3-for-13 from the floor, resulting in a season-low 12 points. But this match was deeper than the box score.

Honestly, those stats mean nothing. If the Beard saw what he appeared to recognize on Friday night, Houston’s in for a very bright future. Harden had a key play early in the game that set the tone for how the Rockets beat the Wolves, and hopefully how they’ll play the rest of the season. The play gave Houston its first lead of the game, and was a simple play, yet monumental in meaning for the squad’s mindset n the future. Harden had the ball on the perimeter, with Houston trailing 10-9, midway through the first quarter. The Beard looked ready to settle for a tough step-back, but he also had Westbrook to his right in the corner. Harden chose to dish to Brodie, who caught the ball in momentum for an easy layup that gave the Rockets their first lead, 11-10. A simple play, but watched over-and-over, and given the change in both players’ attitudes since… it could be the hidden moment of the year. Like it or not, believe it or not, Houston has the best chance to win the title with Westbrook, not Harden, as their best player. I’m not saying Russ is a better player than Harden. Im simply stating that Houston’s a better team with Westbrook as option A and Harden as option A1, as opposed to vice-versa, where Harden’s isolation makes it difficult for teammates to find a rhythm with less shots. Brodie’s attacking style suits the Rockets’ pace better than Harden’s frequent step-backs, shots that often detract from Houston’s desire to play fast. The Beard as option A1 is the most potent attack I can think of in NBA history. Hopefully, the Rockets realize this as a necessity for their best shot at long-term success this year, and ultimately.. a ring.

Brodie had twice as many shots as the Beard in Minnesota. Westbrook went 16-for-27, and scored every one of his 45 points without attempting a single three-pointer. Which in today’s NBA, is shocking. Name another player in the league, right now, who can score 45 points without attempting a three… I’ll wait. You won’t see that happen. In a perimeter dominated NBA, where the best scorers use the long ball to get their numbers up, you won’t see anyone drop 45, without at least trying to make a long-range shot. Unless the name sported on that that jersey is Westbrook. Brodie attacks the basket arguably better than anyone in basketball. Houston’s at their best when they shift their offensive focus to Westbrook driving it to the rack, which also creates a multitude of options for teammates to get open shots. A strategy that’s more reliable, and empowering to the entire squad, opposed to relying on the best offensive player in NBA history (Harden) to carry you to a championship.
A resurgence from the Rockets bench took place against the Wolves. Led by Eric Gordon, who continues to play at a Sixth Man of the Year-caliber level, Houston’s reserves combined to score 51 points on Friday, double their average. Austin Rivers, got off to a hot start, missed only one shot, and finished with 16 points on the night. Danuel House chipped in with 8 points, and made great decisions on both ends of the floor. Houston needs these type of bench contributions in the future. Houston’s reserves are more successful when Brodie is a the focal point of the offense. It’s just a fact, backed up by evidence throughout the season. Clint Capela had another strong game. The big man finished the night with 18 points, 9 boards, and an impressive 5 blocks. Houston took advantage of their inexperienced opposition, outscoring the Wolves by 10 points off Minnesota turnovers.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t all good news for the Rockets in Minny. Harden was kneed in the thigh by Karl-Anthony Towns, and is questionable for Houston’s next game in Denver. It’s nothing serious, but the last thing the Rockets want to do is risk the Beard’s health, by playing him if it’s wiser to rest. The Rockets have their toughest back-to-back of the season coming up next. Houston will be fighting the altitude with tough games in Denver and Utah, both teams ahead of the Rockets in the standings. It’s a back-to-back, and this season’s custom continues.. Westbrook will sit the second portion of altitude-hell in Utah. Hopefully, Harden can give it a go in Denver. Houston needs to win at least one of these tough tests to keep pace in the West.

It took a little time, but Brodie is finally finding his perfect fit here in Houston. Russell Westbrook, a superstar who was once the face of the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise. A team that’s seen All-Stars from Kevin Durant, to Paul George, to Houston’s own James Harden depart OKC… even Carmelo Anthony wanted out. Russ had become an afterthought on a mediocre team… a superstar who’s path to an NBA title looked lost. A relentless style of play, but in no place to effectively use his style for winning. And so, after 11 years, and after everyone else left him, Westbrook made the bold move to join his buddy James Harden in Houston. Brodie’s path to a ring may have seemed hopeless after last season’s heartbreaking end at the hands of the Blazers. But Russ has the ultimate chance with the Rockets. And if this Houston team wants to be remembered forever, they need to win the title. We know it. They know it. And their path won’t be easy… but if they follow Westbrook’s lead, I like their chances.

Wolf-Hunt: Rockets Aim to Start Road Trip on Positive Note, Face Wolves in Minny

Best Chance.    Future Rocket?    Houston’s New Batman.

“I’ll just go get them,” Russell Westbrook told Mike D’Antoni, after the Rockets coach told the team they were last in the NBA in rebounds a game. This was after Houston’s last loss, an embarrassing collapse to the Thunder at home, aka Real Rock Bottom (hopefully) for Houston. And Brodie responded, or more accurately continued, his efficient and energetic play, as he snagged 16 boards to go with 28 points to lead the Rockets back to the winning side. And whether you like it or not.. want to admit it or not.. this is Houston’s best chance to win a title.. playing Brodie’s style of basketball. That means James Harden will have to take a step to the side. He’s doesn’t need to become Robin to Westbrook’s Batman. But when Brodie wants to be Batman, Harden needs to let his backcourt mate attack. When Russ is attacking consistently, and a more focal point of the offense, the Rockets are just a better team. It really is that simple. Westbrook need to continue to have more of an offensive role in the Houston’s system. That means cutting down shots for Harden. The Beard’s not going anywhere. Houston’s not getting anywhere near a Championship without Harden. The MVP’s already learning, he was an efficient 6-for-13 in the Rockets’ win over the Nuggets. And he let Brodie be Brodie, and it led to a victory. Despite playing a depleted Denver squad, it’s a step in the right direction for Houston if they want to really win this thing they call the Larry O’Brien trophy in June.

On Friday night, the Rockets begin a tough four-game road trip, facing the Wolves in Minneapolis. The tougher part of this voyage, is this Sunday/Monday’s Deathwalk aka a back-to-back in Denver and the red-hot Utah Jazz. Both teams ahead of Houston in the standings. And the altitude. The Rockets also finish their excursion in Portland, which has always been a tough atmosphere for opposing teams. Houston needs a win over a weaker Wolves team tonight, to carry momentum into their mountainous back-to-back. Minnesota is 15-29, and owners of the league’s longest current slide, losing their past seven games. This is by far the Rockets’ best chance to get a win on this road trip. And if they can start it off on the right foot, they’ll have more confidence heading into the rocky part of the voyage, when they head West after tonight. Houston has been searching for a “3-and-D player” for a while now. A 3-and-D player is a role player who possesses great perimeter defense and shoots the three-ball with accuracy. The Wolves have one of the best on the business, in Robert Covington aka “RoCo”, one of the league’s best 3-and-D players. He could also be future Rocket. Houston is rumored to make a move before the February 8th trade deadline, and talks of Covington potentially becoming a Rocket have surfaced since the offseason. Houston will get a good scouting report on what RoCo brings to the floor when they face his Wolves in Minny.

Houston may have survived the worst. A rough four-game losing streak that seemed like the end of the world is over. They’re coming off a 16-point win over Denver. But… now’s not the time to get comfortable. The Rockets are superior to the Wolves in all aspects, and should win whether it’s in Minnesota or Houston. Unfortunately, we’ve all seen this story before. You know.. the one where the Rockets toy with their inferior competition, allow them to hang around in the game, until it becomes too lates and their antics come back to bite them. Houston needs to dominate this matchup from start-to-finish, and get some rest and preparation. Their upcoming three-game stretch out West is brutally relentless, one of the toughest all season. Have they survived the worst? Tonight’s outcome will be reveal if Wednesday’s victory was just a win over a depleted team, or actually something more. It’s time to take of the easy business first. And despite their record, Minnesota’s a team full of professionals. More than capable of beating Houston if the Rockets resort to their old habits. Hopefully, the sight of Wolves spark a fire and intensity into the squad. If not, don’t fear Houston… look for Westbrook to go get them.

 

Target Center:  Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (27-16):  “Classic” Red

Minnesota Timberwolves (15-29):  Blue

 

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

Rockets Melt Nuggets, 121-105, Finally End Skid

Days of Future Past.    Are They Back?    Changing of the Guards.

“I’ve been trying to control you since the day we met, and look where that’s got us. I have faith in you.” It’s a quote from the overlooked 2014 film, X-Men: Days of Future Past. A quote that was hopefully uttered, in some shape or form, within Houston’s locker room after the Rockets ended their losing streak. The Rockets dominated the Nuggets from start to finish on Wednesday night, winning 121-105, to stop their skid at four games. With the win, Houston found momentum to finish a rough home-stand, as they prepare for a tough four-game road trip coming up. But this win was unlike any we’ve seen all season from Houston. The Nuggets, minus five rotational players,  certainly played a factor in the Rockets’ beatdown. But it’s the way Houston won this game that’s so important. We’re staring at the point where the Rockets must realize the change necessary if they want to lift that elusive Larry O’Brien trophy in June. Although it may require deterring from the days of the Houston basketball we’ve witnessed in the past.

James Harden finally had an efficient game, scoring 27 points on 6-of-13 shooting,  finally breaking out of his inaccuracy slump. The Beard will alway be the best player on the Rockets. But to succeed long-term, Houston needs Russell Westbrook to be the alpha-dog for stretches. Brodie continues to relish in efficient displays of dominance, leading the way in the Rockets victory over Denver. Russ finished with 28 points, 16 boards, and 8 dimes. Brodie finally looks comfortable in a the Houston offense, dominating when he needs to, and making the right decisions with efficiency. Westbrook took almost twice as many shots (25) as Harden (13). It’s a telling stat. The game was a blowout, maybe that’s why Harden sniped less. But I think it’s deeper. The Beard realizes for the Rockets to win, he needs to rely on Russ, and let Brodie be Brodie. A selfless Beard and an aggressive Brodie is the prefect combination for the squad.

Eric Gordon had his best game of the season, scoring 25 points on 8-for-11 shooting, including 6-for-8 from downtown. When Gordon is turning the court into Splashtown, the Rockets are basically unbeatable. If EG is out of his slump, their trio of guards that is Harden, Westbrook, and Gordon, is absolutely lethal against opponents. Clint Capela finished with a double-double, registering 14 points and 11 boards. And Austin Rivers returned from an injury to spark the squad with 11 points off the bench. A back-to-back nears on the upcoming road-trip. That means Russ will sit one of those games, giving Gordon even more time to get back in his groove.

Many looked at this game, and saw the Rockets beating a depleted Nuggets team. Which did happen. Are they back? Or was this simply Houston being victorious in a game they were favored to win? I’ll try and stay optimistic. I think this team learned something after those four straight losses. Gams where Brodie was the squad’s only bright spot. Wednesday’s win over Denver peered into clues for future success in Houston. Let Westbrook be Westbrook. Inspire him to attack the basket. Encourage him to take more shot attempts than Harden. It’s a stretch, but if Harden can somehow manage to limit his inefficient hoists at hope, and give Russ more opportunities to attack, it opens up the floor for the entire squad. A necessary changing of guards has to take place. I’m not saying Westbrook is better than Harden. But if the Rockets want to win a trophy more precious than gold, they need to let Russ have free range. Even if that means taking away some isolation shots from the Beard, the NBA’s leading scorer. Houston has the best backcourt in the world, and the talent to win the title. Yet the first half was a story of Letdown City in H-Town. After beating the Nuggets, and shaking their Black Plague, the Rockets need to make the right decisions in the future. But James Harden’s pretty smart. I have faith he knows what to do.

Rockets, Desperate for a Win, Square Off Against Nuggets to End Home-Stand

Home Finish.    Another Test.    No Margin for Error.

This game was always going to be a tough test. It’s now turned into a tough test of the must-win caliber. The Nuggets come into Toyota Center on Wednesday night, seeking to ensure that Houston’s skid continues. Denver is one of the West’s top teams, tied for second along with the Clippers and Jazz, with a record of 30-13. The Rockets were in the thick of the race with those clubs, but now sit three games back. Houston needs a win on Wednesday to get back on track, and end this miserable losing streak. After tonight, the Rockets head out on a tough four-game West-Coast road-trip. The schedule’s not going to get any easier. At least Houston’s at home tonight, closing out their longest home-stand of the season, also the most dreadful. James Harden has been completely out of sync. The Rockets need him to bounce back if they’re going to be the Nuggets. Russell Westbrook’s emerged as Houston’s best player during this losing streak, and his teammates need to play with the same energy. The Rockets need to start winning games.

The squad has no margin for error. With 40 games remaining, and five competitive teams playing well ahead of them in the West, Houston needs to fix whatever is going on. And they need to fix it by beating the Nuggets to wrap up this painful four-game home-stand. Otherwise home-court advantage in the first round will be out of the picture. P.J. Tucker is playing through a shoulder injury, and the Rockets needs Tucker on the court to win games. But other guys have to step up. The Rockets can’t afford to rest Tucker if he’s not risking getting a serious injury. P.J. is the glue guy on both ends for Houston. Tucker is the Rockets best defender, best screener, and so much more. When P.J.’s not on the court, his absence is glaring.

The Rockets need the energy of Brodie and Tucker to be contagious. Houston has to bring it tonight against Denver. The Nuggets hobble into Houston, playing without four of their top players, in Jamal Murray, Gary Harris Jr, Paul Millsap, and Miles Plumlee. Houston can’t afford to overlook the absence of these key players. If the Rockets play down to a wounded Nuggets team they should beat at home, it will only end their homestead in misery, and result in a fifth straight loss. Michael Porter Jr. has emerged as a potential All-Star caliber player recently. And Denver still has Nikola Jokic. The Joker will pose problems for Clint Capela and the Rockets inside. Look for Houston to bounce back, and finally get on the winning side of the scoreboard tonight. But don’t be look until there’s no time left on the clock. Until the scoreboard reads 00.00… anything’s possible. Especially with this Rockets team. A squad who relishes in making games as tough as possible for themselves. Expect more of the same, tonight. If the Rockets can’t finally close a game, and get a victory on this home-stand, especially against a decimated Denver team, it may signal time for tough changes in Houston.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Denver Nuggets (30-13):  White

Houston Rockets (26-16):  Red

 

TV:  7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

The Slide Continues: Thunder Storm Back to Zap Rockets, 112-107

SOS.    Death from a Distance.    Rock Bottom?

In what’s become the season full of dreadful losses, the Houston Rockets suffered arguably their worst one yet, collapsing against the Thunder on Monday night, in a 112-107 defeat at Toyota Center. Houston held a 17 point lead, and even had a 15 point edge well into the fourth quarter. Holding leads means nothing, when the Rockets can’t seem to put a complete game together. James Harden’s slump continues. The Beard shot a horrid 1-for-17 from distance, killing the team with his inability to connect on shots he usually makes. It’s not even close, but Russell Westbrook has been Houston’s best player during this losing streak, which feels like the Dark Ages, with each collapsing defeat. Brodie finished with a triple-double, securing 32 points, 11 boards, and 12 dimes. Harden scored 29 on 9-for-29 shooting, and Danuel House had a “better” game, as he appeared thirsty ton burst out of his slump, garnering 13 points. Other than that, this was a contest where the Rockets’ sloppy play, inability to hit timely shots, and poor defense all led to their demise. No one’s smiled more after the game than Chris Paul. CP3 led the Thunder with 28 points, and has now won both games in Houston on his “revenge tour.”

Searching for the cause of Houston’s current four-game losing isn’t Rocket-science. Their best player, Harden, is in career-low slump that’s seemed to come out of nowhere. The Beard was in the thick of the MVP chatter before things went awry. Now all that talk’s turned into distant whispering. Any chances for Harden to get the MVP award have slipped away. Hopefully, that will get his focus on winning. It’s not the end of the world, but this current four-game skid feels worse than the 2017/2018 team’s five-game losing streak. And that was the Rockets team that set the franchise record with 65 wins. What’s happening in Houston now, feels like a slow unraveling. As the Rockets have held double-digit leads in three of the games they’ve dropped during this stretch. It’s simple stuff, the little things. Taking care of the basketball. Defensive assignments. For some reason, it’s not clicking for Houston. And it runs deeper than on the court.

Head Coach Mike D’Antoni continues to make questionable rotational moves throughout game. After Isaiah Hartenstein’s best game of the season, where he had 17 points, 15 boards, and 5 blocks, D’Antoni claimed Houston had found their backup center. And they had. Only, for some reason, he has rarely seen the court since. It’s a reason no one can seem to fathom. Harty’s not injured, and he’s not a shooter. Hartenstein brings hustle and energy every night. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be on the floor for at least 15 minutes a game. Hustle and energy are two factors that stay consistent. Unlike a shooter, who may have his off-nights, a player of Hartenstein’s caliber will always bring intensity when he plays. There’s no reason, after what Hustlestein resume’s shown this season, for him to be riding the bench. It’s as if the all-too-known rumor of D’Antoni being axed after this year is affecting the team. The coach doesn’t appear to want to make the right decisions. And from a player’s standpoint, it’s tough to play hard for someone who you know job’s up after the season.

I would say this is rock bottom, but I thought the same thing after the last two games. And with the competitive Denver Nuggets coming into town for the Rockets next matchup, Houston’s skid might not be over. The Rockets need to tighten up, focus on the fundamentals, and just play their brand of basketball. They were fine all season, amid a few letdowns, until this strange spell has plagued the squad. Hopefully, Houston can bounce back against the Nuggets. James Harden returned to the court at Toyota Center only minutes after Monday’s loss, and was seen going through his pre-game shooting routine. Whatever he needs to do, the Beard needs to find his rhythm. Brodie is finally playing well, and making the right decisions. It’s time for Harden to make a return to the court as well, and end this dreadful losing spell.

Rockets Eager to Right the Ship, Host Thunder

Act Two.    Still Time.    Prepping for a Storm. 

The second half of the season begins today, as the Rockets host the Thunder for a Monday holiday special. Houston’s lost three straight, and four of their last five games. This is the last time the Rockets play the Thunder this season. In the last matchup, OKC got the better of Brodie and Houston in Westbrook’s return to the arena he used to call home. Houston looks to snap out of their funk this afternoon, and push a Thunder team that has crept closer up the standings, back down.

There’s still plenty of time for the Rockets to right the ship. Houston’s only two games behind the second seed in the West. But the squad needs bring consistent defensive intensity every game, or their chances of home-court advantage in the playoffs’ first round will be at stake. Things don’t get much easier for the Rockets as the second half begins. The Thunder are right behind Houston in the seventh spot out West. If the Rockets lose today, OKC will inch to within two games of Houston in the loss column.

After today, Houston hosts the Nuggets on Wednesday, the West’s third seed. Hopefully, James Harden can find that MVP-level aggression and efficiency, and the team can start knocking down open shots. A storm’s coming, the Thunder will be ready and Chris Paul wants nothing more than to beat the Rockets twice in Houston, this being the season after they traded him. The Rockets need to close out this season-series with a win, and get back on track. Otherwise, those chances of a special ending to Houston’s journey for a title, will continue to slip away.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Oklahoma City Thunder (24-19):  Blue

Houston Rockets (26-15):  Red

 

TV:  4 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW

Code Red: Lakers Cruise Past Rockets, 124-115

First Half Wrap.    Paying the Price.    Necessary Depths.

Everything was set up perfectly. The Rockets were in control, earning an 11-point lead over the Lakers in the first half at Toyota Center. Fans were rocking, despite the copious amount of L.A. jerseys seen in the crowd. Houston’s reputation, falling to bad teams, but beating good ones, looked to stay intact. At halftime, the Rockets led by six. Everything was lined up for a Houston victory. But it was just a first half wrap, on the game, and the season, on Saturday night. The third-quarter came, where any chances of a Rockets victory were barricaded by a Lakers storm. Houston kept the match contested, until a game-defining block by JaVale McGee on Clint Capela permanently swung momentum L.A.’s way. The Rockets were outscored 32-17 in the third, as the Lakers handed Houston their third straight defeat, 124-115, on Saturday night. And the final score isn’t as close as the numbers indicate. The Lakers, without Anthony Davis, were in complete control once they gained the lead in the second half.

LeBron (who else) led the way for L.A. LeBron scored 31 points and 12 assists. Nothing dominant, but LBJ didn’t need to take over in this one. Houston left too many shooters wide open. The trio of Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Danny Green combined to shoot 28-for-45, and torched the Rockets for 63 points. Russell Westbrook led the way for Houston, scoring 35 points, shooting 15-for-23 from the field. Brodie also had 9 boards and 7 dimes, as he continues to thrive individually despite the team’s woes.

Other Rockets have to pick it up. “Tough times don’t last long,” James Harden said after the game. Hopefully, he’s right. The Beard remains in a slump, and looks bothered by something. Harden lacked his usual aggression, and shot only 2-for-9 from downtown, scoring 34 points against L.A. He’s either frustrated with his teammates’ inability to knock down down open threes when he’s double-teamed and forced to dish. Or he has some strange injury we can’t see, but he doesn’t look physically hurt. It’s always mental with Harden. Whatever it is, the Beard has to figure it out.

Houston is now officially halfway through the season, with a record of 26-15. They’ve fallen to the sixth spot in the West standings, and now are a distant 7 games behind the Lakers for the top seed. The Rockets are paying the price for losing to bad teams in the first half. Houston lost to eight teams with losing records in the season’s first half. Harden and the squad need to pick it up, starting with Monday’s MLK day game against the Thunder. It took Westbrook time to adjust to the Rockets’ system, but now Brodie is the only Rocket playing well. Houston’s problems aren’t rocket-science. Harden has to snap out of his funk, and the team NEEDS to knock down open-threes. Connecting from distance fuels the Rockets’ offense. If guys aren’t hitting their open shots, Houston simply won’t win as many games as many expected.

Sometimes it takes rock-bottom to motivate a person, or team, to bounce back to expectations. It appears Westbrook’s team-meeting after Houston’s previous loss to Portland, was a bit premature. Hopefully, Brodie gave the squad another lecture after Saturday’s loss. The Rockets have now dropped 4 of their last 5 games. Houston failed to play hard against Memphis and Portland, losing both games. They brought more intensity against the Lakers, but you can’t just bring it against the good teams. Because, even when you bring 100% energy, sometimes you’re gonna get beat anyways. It’s pro sports, and the best teams in this league are consistent. The Rockets have to find the consistency in the second half of the season. The kind of consistency the Lakers and Bucks display. Otherwise, this second half will put Houston in the middle of a Western Conference full of hungry teams, all eager to be the first team in 5 years to represent the West in the Finals, after Golden State’s dynasty won the West for the past half-decade. I hope the Harden’s right about tough times. If they last much longer for the Rockets, Houston’s journey will be set up for another disappointing end.

Battle of the James’:  Rockets, Lakers Clash in Space City Showdown

Tread Lightly.    Raising a Brow.    Dreamchasers.

“If you don’t know who I am, then maybe your best course would be to tread lightly.” One of Walter White’s best quotes from AMC’s iconic series, Breaking Bad. An egotistical brash of arrogant confidence. The kind ready to be displayed for a national audience in an epic showdown this Saturday night at Toyota Center. The Rockets and Lakers finally meet for the first time this season. James Harden. LeBron James. Russell Westbrook. Anthony Davis. You know the names, but do you really know the teams? The Rockets have lost three of their last four games. Brodie led a team meeting in the locker room after Houston suffered the second loss in as many nights to a losing team. Hopefully, the Rockets took Westbrook’s words about playing with more intensity to heart. Houston needs to turn it up, as the best in the West, the Lakers, come to town for a prime-time showdown. LeBron James is putting another MVP-caliber season on his resume, as he has the Lakers off to conference-leading 33-8 record at the midway point. The Rockets are well aware of the threat King James brings to the court. P.J. Tucker will guard LeBron as much as possible, but he’ll need obvious help. Houston will need to step up on defense as a unit to hold back the freight train that’s still LeBron James, even at age 35. The Beard is coming off his worst game of the season. Nonetheless, the Lakers bring out the best in Harden. Expect both James to be ready for the bright lights.

Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ newest prized center, is questionable tonight with an injury. The Brow’s had injury history his entire career. He’s never played more than 75 games in a season. Can he make it to the playoffs healthy? Probably? Can he make it through facing top tier Western playoffs teams? Probably not. It’s something the Lakers will have to deal with, but they’ve been fine so far this season. Los Angeles is currently 4 games ahead of Denver for the top spot out West. As the Lakers ponder whether the Brow will play, Houston has their own eyebrows to raise. The Rockets have been their worst enemy this season. Houston has eight losses to teams under .500. Tops in the NBA. At least the Lakers are well-above .500. If Houston loses tonight, they’re clearly (for now) worse than the Lakers. Austin Rivers is out with a thumb injury, meaning the Rockets frail rotation’s already become thinner. However, Coach Mike D’Antoni stressed that he’ll play two bigs against the Lakers. If Mike’s a man of his word, Isaiah Hartenstein should thankfully see more action. Look for Harty to own a thin Lakers front-line on the hustle end, especially if Davis is out. Harty’s been improving almost with each game, it’s just a shame he hasn’t seem more playing time. That should change tonight, or D’Antoni will face brow-raising criticism.

Harden’s Rockets and LeBron’s Lakers. Two teams chasing their ultimate dream this season. For LeBron, it’s to win a title for a third different franchise and restore glory to a historic Lakers franchise. For Harden, winning a championship in Houston, with all the hate the Beard and his squad receives, with would be the stuff of legends. It’s more than likely that one of these teams will achieve their dream, come thin June. While the other will still be chasing fading dreams into next season. At the moment, the teams are trending in opposite directions. Houston’s dropped three of four contests, and gone 5-5 over their last ten games. An average record, which is what they’ve been. Average. Meanwhile, the Lakers, despite losing their last game, have won nine of ten. They’re rolling no matter who takes the court and no matter who they play. LeBron knows what’s at stake. Seeding’s crucial for the West’s top seed this season. Houston can get back in the picture with a monumental victory over LeBron and the Lakers. This matchup’s importance cannot be understated. A win moves the Rockets within five games of the Lakers. A loss puts Houston seven games back, as we reach the season’s half-way point. Everyone knows LeBron… face of the league, the GOAT in the eyes of some. But how well do you know the James Harden? He’s coming off his worst game of the year. After a terrible start last season, it was a home game against LeBron’s Lakers that sparked the Beard’s Ungradable Tour. Harden had 50 points that night, and never looked backed. The Rockets need a similar kind of spark RIGHT NOW this season. Everyone knows LeBron James. Face of the league. Constant Jordan comparisons. Most players think they know Harden, and what he’s got in his bag of tricks. But in case they don’t… their best course would be to tread lightly.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Lakers (33-8):  Yellow

Houston Rockets (26-14):  “Space City” White

 

TV:  7:30 PM CT – ABC

Rocket-Bottom: Portland Trounces Houston, 117-107

Falling Out of Line.    Basketball to be Murdered By.    Follow the Leader.

“It’s just playing hard… it’s as simple as that. Everything else is going to fall into line.” Russell Westbrook spoke up and led a team-meeting after the Rockets 117-107 loss to the Blazers on Wednesday night. Hopefully it worked, because Houston needs more than a team-meeting that makes it sound like this team is taking the regular season seriously. The Rockets need to start acting like it, or everything will continue to fall out of line. Houston’s now lost 3 of their last 4 games. The defeat at the hands of Portland is the Rockets’ second loss in two nights to teams with losing records. And this was one was never really close, with the Blazers in control for the entirety of Wednesday’s contest. With a record of 26-14, Houston’s is now 6 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the top seed. They’re L.A. and the West’s second-seed, the Jazz, recently lost. But the Rockets continue to shoot themselves in the foot falling to clubs they should easily handle. Against Portland, Westbrook had a 31-point triple-double. However, former Rocket, and aging veteran Carmelo Anthony outscored the NBA’s leading scorer, James Harden. The Beard scored a season-low 13 points. Harden took only 12 shots, making 3 of them. Five Rockets attempted more shots than the Beard, something that never happens. It seemed like Harden could’ve been passively-aggressively telling teammates, “you’re sick of me always having the ball, here, you carry the team.” Obviously, that didn’t work. Danuel House Jr. continues to be in an odd mid-season funk. He hasn’t been as effective coming off the bench. House’s confidence may have taken a hit. The Houstonian needs to be inserted back into the starting lineup. And hopefully, it was just a bad night for Houston’s MVP. More nights like that will bury the Rockets into the ground. Expect Harden to have a huge bounce back game on Saturday night as the Lakers come to town.

Houston should be ready for LeBron and co. for this weekend’s showdowns. Harden and company show up against the good teams. It’s a tired record at this point, but the bad teams are ones that give the Rockets the most struggles. Luckily, Houston won’t see any bad teams in the playoffs. However, they’re killing themselves playing this way. Championship teams play the NBA season like a golf course. The Rockets are just focusing on holes. They need to focus on the big picture, and realize how important seeding is this season. Houston still has a chance for the top seed, they can get within 5 games at the halfway mark with a win over L.A. Still, a lot of work has to be in the season’s second half. Saturday’s night game is even more important with all the toying around the Rockets have done with the NBA’s lottery. It’s Basketball to be Murdered By, and the Rockets are the victims. If this trend of not showing up against inferior competition continues, Houston will have fallen so out of line in the standings, their climb to the Finals will be so much harder. If the Rockets can somehow get back on track, and make a push for the top seed. they’ll avoid having to play both L.A. teams, Houston’s best competition for the Western throne.

All it takes is playing harder. The squad has to follow their leader. That may not be James Harden in the locker room, who was tight-lipped during a team meeting sparked and led by Brodie. Regardless, the Rockets need to listen to Westbrook. It all starts on Saturday night. The Lakers come to H-Town for a Saturday Showdown in arguably the most-anticipated home game this regular season. LeBron and the Purple and Gold’s lone visit to Houston. Thank God it’s not a losing team the Rockets are playing. Ironically, looking at last season, it was a home game against the Lakers that sparked the beginning of the Beard’s Unguardable Tour last season. Hopefully, a visit from LeBron does the same this year. Coach Mike D’Antoni had a remark post-game saying: “The focus is not on getting it right. The focus is more looking at the back of the jersey instead of the front of it.” Guys aren’t stepping up. Was this a passive-aggressive jab from D’Antoni at certain players? Who knows. One thing’s sure. Houston needs a spark. Or maybe they just need to play harder. It’s as simple as that. Right?