We Meet Again: Rockets Begin Epic Rematch vs. Warriors Out West
Forces Collide. Wounded Warriors. Highest Peak.
“Basketball is at the highest peak when us two teams are on the court.” Kevin Durant exclaimed on his team’s upcoming series with the Rockets. If that’s true, then basketball is about to reach Everest-level heights. The rematch everyone’s been waiting for gets under way on Sunday afternoon in the Bay Area. The Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors begin trading punches in what should be a series for the ages. The Warriors are the Warriors. Or, who we’ve known them to become. Trudging along through the regular season, until they finally meet an opponent in the postseason that makes them “flip the switch.” That switch, might not work against this Houston team.
These Rockets are better than last year’s team. A lot better. Houston is 3-deep at every position on both ends of the floor (minus the center spot). The Rockets have the perfect mix of superstar talent, leadership, chemistry, and toughness. Houston comprises a group of players who define what it means to be a star in your role. The Warriors are favored in this series, and why shouldn’t they be? They’re two-time defending champions. And until they get dethroned, they deserve to be favored in any matchup. The Rockets aim to show the world the underdogs are here to stay with a statement win in Game 1. Houston shouldn’t have a problem focusing or dialing in for Game 1. This is the moment the Rockets have been longing for. Hopefully, their shots will be falling. Houston won’t be lacking any heart or hustle on the floor in Oracle on Sunday.
After playing around with the Clippers, and extending the series longer than necessary, Golden State limps into their second round of the playoffs. They enter Game 1 against Houston with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson both questionable with ankle injuries. Obviously, both stars play huge factors in the Warriors system. If one, or both is unable to go, it certainly will have a major impact on the game. Nonetheless, expect Kevin Durant, coming off a great series against the Clippers, to be ready to score 50 if he need be. The Rockets need P.J. Tucker, and the entire defense to be prepared for one of the most lethal offensive players the game has seen. For Houston, James Harden needs to show his shooting is back up to par, as he struggled from the field in the first round against Utah. Nonetheless, as long as Houston communicates defensively, the Rockets should handle the Warriors easier than most people expect.
This is it. The NBA’s Super Bowl. Whoever wins this series will go on to win the Championship. The Rockets and Warriors are the NBA’s best, and it’s not even close. Houston was built to beat this team. Their obsession will be staring them in the face on Sunday afternoon. The Rockets know the impact Oracle Arena can have on a game. Houston needs to jump on the Warriors early, and keep the crowd out of the matchup, and the series. As Golden State begins its decline, it’s time for Houston to show the world that Rockets are launching their way to the NBA’s peak.
Oracle Arena: Oakland, California
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (4-1): Black
Golden State Warriors (4-2): White
TV: 2:30 PM CT – ABC