Rockets Strive to Seize Control of Series, Restrain Thunder’s Incoming Storm
Ready for Resilience. Weathering Charged-Up CP3. Stick to the Plan.
“Don’t try and understand it… feel it,” another quote from this summer’s upcoming Tenet, as time continues to try to slap the Rockets in the face. It didn’t work the first time. Houston was supposed to be helpless against the Thunder without Russell Westbrook. This time, the Rockets shoot for a 2-0 lead in their first round series as they battle the Thunder on Thursday afternoon in Game 2. Houston would be the only team out West to start a series with two victories if they can conquer an infinitely more supercharged OKC team on in round 2. Chris Paul’s getting older, but mentally, CP3’s sharp as ever on the court. After a terrible and lethargic Game 1, expect Paul to energize his Thunder team and have them ready to attack the Rockets from the opening tip in Game 2. Once again, Houston will be without their energetic superstar, in Westbrook, who still has no timetable to return. Look for OKC’s trio of lethal guards, led by Paul, also featuring Shai-Gilegoeus Alexander and Dennis Schroder, to be much better in this second outing. If the Rockets want to gain a 2-0 series edge, the constant movement and help on defense shown by the entire squad needs to be a continuing trend if this group of small-ball hustlers want to reach the ultimate goal.
Many expected the Rockets to lose Game 1 to the Thunder. The same people didn’t predict the Bucks and Lakers would lose their openers convincingly. It’s only the second time in NBA history the number one seed in each conference lost their first playoff game. And no one predicted the Clippers would be getting pressured by Dallas the way they are, as that series knotted 1-1, with the Mavs proving their value as worthy opponents to a team, the Clips, who many “experts” pick to win the championship. In the minds of these pundits, Houston wasn’t supposed to beat OKC without Brodie. Now, as people start to jump on the Rockets bandwagon, hold on a sec. Houston’s in trouble for Game 2. Without Westbrook, the Rockets need to replicate their Game 1 perforce against what should be a motivated Thunder group. But that replication’s easier said than done. Houston’s knack to get “too cool for school” has been a trend throughout the regular season. And with a 1-0 series lead, the Rockets can’t afford to settle for a 1-1 split heading into Game 3. No one knows when Russ will be back, and in the playoffs, all it takes is a little momentum to give a team their edge back. Houston’s defensive intensity as a unit intimated the Thunder, and is the number one reason the Rockets lead this series. The squad needs to follow the lead of Robert Covington, P.J. Tucker, and play their heart out on every possession.
The Thunder were the best closing team in the regular season this year. Granted, Game 1 wasn’t close, but if Game 2 is, without Westbrook, everyone needs to be sharp for the Rockets. Will Houston shoot above 37% again, which they did in Game 1, and able to hold off CP3’s Thunder? Harden and co. is now 26-1 when they top the 37% mark from distance. If Houston can continue to knock down their threes, and get contributions from everyone as a unit, the Rockets should be able to grab a two-game edge in the series. But Houston’s tendency to get too comfortable could bite them on Thursday afternoon. And when the squad isn’t connecting on offense, their not as locked-in on defense. Houston needs to match OKC’s sense of urgency in Game 2. The winner of this game has a he advantage. A Rockets win, and they grab a commanding 2-0 series lead, with both wins coming without Westbrook. If Houston loses, the Thunder are back in this series, with a chance to do damage and prove Game 1 was just an anomaly. I hope I’m wrong, and the Rockets bring the same defensive intensity they displayed in the series opener.
James Harden will be required to carry the load offensively once again for Houston. If Eric Gordon’s rolling, and the Rockets are getting contributions from the likes of Jeff Green, Ben McLemore, and the rest of the squad, Houston should be able to fend off the storm for a Game 2 victory. However, I have a feeling this one’s going to be a true test for the Rockets. I hope I’m wrong, but I’ve seen this team get too comfortable with their own confidence too many times. Hopefully they lock-in, and focus on the win, despite the incoming storm. The Lakers lost, and look like they’re in big trouble. The Bucks, favorites out East, have been a mess since they arrived in Orlando, going 3-6 so far. And the favorite in the eyes of many, the Clippers, are in a bloodbath with the Mavericks. The NBA Playoffs are officially here, as we’ve never seen them before. And despite a 1-0 series lead, Houston’s in trouble heading back into Game 2. Don’t try and understand it… feel it.
AdventHealth Arena: Orlando, Florida
Jersey Colors:
Oklahoma City Thunder (0-1): White
Houston Rockets (1-0): Red
TV: 2:30 PM CT – ESPN, AT&T Sportsnet SW