Rockets Ride Momentum as Battle with Lakers Begins
Ready to Launch. Rhythm vs. Rest. The James Game.
I’ll let you in on a little surprise. As the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers get set to do battle for the first time, the LakeShow’s in trouble. The Rockets are riding a wave of momentum coming off their seven game survival series over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Los Angeles hasn’t played a meaningful game in weeks. Houston has the advantage tonight. As to the rest of the series, that remains to be seen. Tonight’s Game 1 is critically important for the Rockets if they want to upset the Lakers. and prove their squad worthy of being talked about as contenders. The Lakers know they’re in trouble tonight. Rajon Rondo returns for the first time in what seems like months, as the only reliable perimeter defender besides LeBron James. Speaking of James, this series will likely be determined on which James player better: LeBron, or James Harden. The Beard’s dominated the Lakers since LeBron’s been with L.A., and he’s outscored LeBron the last seven times the two have faced off. Houston’s ready to launch, and show everyone that it’s a small world after all. It has to be, the small ball scheme has to work, especially on defense, if the Rockets have any chance at stopping the bigger Lakers.
Tonight’s first game is all about rhythm versus rest. The Rockets come into this series lucky to be playing the Lakers. Houston squeaked by OKC in the first round, and won a decisive Game 7 by two points. If there’s a positive to look at for the Rockets, Russell Westbrook didn’t play in the first four games of that series, and his improved play as he conditions back into basketball shape has been key into keeping Houston alive in the bubble. Houston Coach Mike D’Antoni has stated that Eric Gordon, who was brilliant guarding Chris Paul at the end of Game 7, will start out defensively on LeBron James. LBJ is a completely different animal. EG, and P.J. Tucker, who will be guarding Anthony Davis, will need help stopping L.A.’s focal points on offense.
Look for the Beard to have a big Game 1. All the pressure’s on L.A. to start this series, and Harden, coming off his big block to save Houston’s season, should be locked in to feast on a weaker perimeter defense than what he saw against OKC. LeBron James, always locked in, the deeper into each postseason is obviously L.A.’s biggest threat along with the NBA’s best big man, Anthony Davis. The Lakers won’t be able to stop Harden and Westbrook. And, like it or not, LeBron and AD will get theirs. This is going to come down to the “others” on each team stepping up. The better bench will likely be on the winner of this series. Although, the superstar power is heavy, and if one duo, either Harden and Russ, or LBJ and AD, dominates over the other, this one could be over sooner than later. But expect to see a longer series than most people have predicted. And be prepared to be surprised tonight. Despite being favored going into Game 1, the Rockets are coming in for a little surprise… it’s a small world after all.
AdventHealth Arena: Orlando, Florida
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (0-0): White “Space City” Edition
Los Angeles Lakers (0-0): Purple
TV: 8 PM CT – ESPN