Rockets Face Toughest Task Yet in Game 2, Try and Even Series with Warriors
Adversity Calls. Rivers Returns. Must Foster a Win.
Back against the wall, scurrying to gather whatever weapons he can in limited time, an incoming onslaught of menace approaches to wipe out what’s left of 007 and his family estate, in the 2012 film, Skyfall. “Some men are coming to kill us, we’re going to kill them first,” James Bond confidently tells the estate’s innkeeper, as he preps for the worst from the enemy. James Harden and the Houston Rockets have their own incoming onslaught of menace to confront, heading into a Game 2 against Golden State in Oracle Arena. And Houston needs to be prepared for the worst.
After getting physically abused by the Warriors in Game 1, as the refs watched Harden get continuously undercut with sadistic glee, in one of the most bizarrely officiated games on NBA record, the Rockets need to strike back. A game in which the officials admitted to four mistakes in the first half, only to make things worse in the second half. Houston didn’t play its best, but to say the Rockets got robbed of a Game 1 win, is a complete understatement. And now, joining tonight’s fracas at Oracle Arena is the Rockets Enemy Number One: Scott Foster. So, if you think officiating is going to be more consistent, fair, or improved from Game 1, you might be in for a surprise.
Scott Foster’s been a thorn in Houston’s side since Chris Paul joined the team at the start of last season. For whatever reason, Foster holds a huge grudge and officiates Rockets games with a bias against Houston. It’s more than blatantly obvious. Since acquiring Paul at the start of last season, the Rockets are 0-6 in playoff games officiated by Scott Foster. James Harden has fouled out only four times over 265 games the past three seasons (including the playoffs). In three of those games, the lead official, was… guess who… Scott Foster. Houston has to focus on basketball, and the game at hand. The Rockets, as hard as it will be, need to ignore the officiating, and stay calm. The Warriors aren’t fans of Scott Foster, either. Houston needs to let Golden State, who is prone to mocking the officials, get festered by the worst officiating the NBA’s seen in a long time. Just allow Draymond to get too Draymond-ish, and the Rockets can gain control of the game.
Austin Rivers returns to the lineup for Houston, after missing Game 1 with a stomach illness. Rivers played a key part in Houston’s victories over Golden State in the regular season. Specifically, his defense kept Stephen Curry in check, and Rivers used his ability to isolate on offense to expose the overrated Curry’s lack of defense. Rivers also brings added grit and toughness in a game where the Rockets will need to play the hardest they’ve played all season, if they want to win. Rivers was sorely missed in Game 1, but he could be the difference-maker in Game 2.
The sky’s not quite falling, but this is a must-win game if Houston wants to beat their nemesis. Only one game into the series, and the Rockets are as backed up to the wall as a team can be, trailing 0-1 heading into a Game 2. Golden State didn’t even play their best game in Game 1. Houston needs to be prepared for more offensive firepower from Golden State, and the Rockets need to attack the basket more frequently than in Game 1. There’s a good chance the winner of tonight’s game will decide this season’s eventual NBA Champion. Houston can’t afford to fall behind 0-2 to the defending Champions. A win on Tuesday night, and the Rockets even the series, escaping Golden State with a tied series, and regained confidence. A Game 2 loss puts Houston down 0-2, heading home for Game 3 with no momentum, and set with impossible task of beating the Warriors four times in five games. Since acquiring Kevin Durant, Golden State has never lost a playoff series four times in seven games. Beating the Warriors four times in fives games is nearly unthinkable. The Rockets desperately need to even the series with a win in Game 2, and keep pace with Golden State.
Hopefully, Scott Foster and the refs won’t deter Houston’s chances, and the Rockets can officially make this a series… instead of a series decided by officiating. By whatever means, Houston needs to be the aggressor tonight. Harden, Paul, and the legacy of the entire squad is on the line in Game 2. The Rockets face a juggernaut, and seemingly the entire NBA, out to deliver a gut-wrenching blow to Houston’s title hopes. The sequel to Game 1 should provide no less suspense. Expect another close matchup, in an even louder Oracle Arena. In a heavyweight battle, where getting to the loose ball could be the difference in the game (and the series), the Rockets have to get there first.
Oracle Arena: Oakland, California
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (0-1): White
Golden State Warriors (1-0): Black
TV: TNT – 9:30 PM CT