Rockets Looking for Déjà vu in Game 2 Against Jazz
Holding Serve. Tougher Test. Learned from Texas.
After dismantling the Jazz to start the series, the Rockets will aim to do the same, as Game 2 gets under way on Wednesday night in Houston. Every playoff game is huge. But they Rockets won Game 1 in similar fashion last season over Utah. They wound up losing Game 2, the only game they lost in the series). Houston’s looking to avoid past mistakes, and circumvent falling into a 1-1 tie heading to Utah for Games 3 and 4. A win tonight will truly prove that the Rockets have learned a lot from their missteps during the Chris Paul era. As the wise future Hall-of-Famer realizes, Game 2 will be a tougher test for the Rockets. The Jazz will certainly come out with more desperation and a sense of urgency. Look for Utah to make adjustments. Joe Ingles was a non-factor in Game 1 of this series. In Game 2 last season, Ingles hit 7 three’s en route to 27 points, and Utah’s sole win in the series. Keeping the Aussie swingman in check on the perimeter is one of the biggest keys to this game. Houston can’t let Ingles get open. The pesky veteran is a streaky shooter and can’t get hot quick and do damage if he finds a rhythm. Donovan Mitchell is also poised for an improved performance in Game 2. Mitchell is Utah’s best offensive player, but he’s struggled shooting against the Rockets in his career. Houston needs to ensure Mitchell remains a side-note for this game, if best. Utah’s sophomore stud is another player who can get hot quickly, and change the outcome of a game. If the Rockets can contain this 1-2 perimeter punch for Utah, Houston should win tonight’s game, and go up 2-0 in the series.
As all teams do after a loss in the playoffs, expect the Jazz to come out swinging. The Rockets need to be prepared to take a few early punches in the game. All Houston needs to do is stay the course, and stick with the similar style of a dominant and versatile game plan that worked in Game 1. The Rockets are healthy. They have James Harden, the best player in basketball. Chris Paul, the Point God. And a group of savagely underrated role-players that make up the collective heart-and-soul of this Houston squad. But, it’s the playoffs. The Rockets are looking to become the lone team out West to win its first two playoff games. The matchups out West are all knotted up at 1-1 apiece. Houston doesn’t have a great playoff history in Game 2’s, and it won’t be easy tonight. Houston won’t win by 32. But with the squad completely healthy, the Rockets are clearly the better team, as they demonstrated so thoroughly in Game 1. For Game 2, it’s about coming out with the same mindset. The Rockets came out with fire and didn’t let up in Game 1. It’s natural for some teams to slightly relax after win. Houston can’t afford to cave to this trend, as they need as much rest as possible. If they can advance past Utah, they’ll be going for their goal: dethroning the Champs. And they’ve got a better chance than ever to accomplish what the teams worked two years towards. For now, the Rockets need to continue to take it one game at a time. Game 1 is in the past. The Jazz will be a completely different team in Game 2. Houston needs to be ready to adjust and adapt to Utah’s adjustments.
The past teaches some of the most valuable lessons in life, and in basketball. Houston’s learned a lot over the past two seasons. Including the playoffs. Especially the playoffs. Sure, the regular season matters, to an extent. You have to finish with a top-8 record to make the playoffs, which really matter. Yea, the Rockets didn’t take this regular season as seriously as last year. Granted, they had tons more injuries, roster turnover, and adversity than last season. But, the Rockets learned a lot on May 28th, 2018 in Houston. Game 7 of last season’s Western Conference Finals. The night they’re dreams of a Championship were crushed by Golden State, as Houston was eliminated. The Rockets truly understand that they didn’t need to blast-off in the regular season. The destination is merely a seeding in the playoffs. Houston had the best seed of all last year, yet wound up empty-handed. Now that we’re officially into this series, look for Houston to continue its domination of the Jazz. Tonight’s game will be closer, and potentially hotly contested. But there won’t be anything on the court hotter than the Rockets. And they’re just warming up for the next round. Taking it one game at a time, as they’re destined to meet their arc enemies in the second round. Ready to avenge for past mistakes.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Utah Jazz (0-1): Navy Blue
Houston Rockets (1-0): “Earned” Crimson Red
TV: 8:30 PM CT – TNT, ATT Sportsnet SW