Rockets Shoot For Commanding Lead Against Thunder in Game 3
The “If” Game. King’s Disease. Right at Home.
“Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads,” a famous quote from Back to the Future that brings to mind Saturday’s upcoming Game 3, featuring Houston vs. OKC round 3. As the Rockets travel to Oklaho… wait, not this time. The Rockets aren’t going anywhere. Houston will try and blast the last gasps of air from any possible storm the Thunder can throw in Houston’s way. James Harden and the Rockets have won the first two games of this series, comfortably. Too comfortably. Houston’s defensive intensity as a unit has never been better. That visceral fire on defense will be put to the ultimate test as Chris Paul is poised to have a bounce-back game, as he heads back home to Okla… wait, he’s staying in the bubble. CP3 might be representing the “home” team in Game 3, but there’s no road here folks. Just an NBA Playoff Bubble with the focus primarily, and almost entirely, on basketball. And if the Rockets can keep their motivated determination on the floor, especially defensively, Houston should be able to withstand, under what normal circumstances, would be a tough Game 3 in a hostile environment.
After everyone picked the Rockets to basically falter without Russell Westbrook, Houston’s proven they’re a real dark horse threat to the national media’s love affair with L.A. and Milwaukee. That’s not saying Saturday’s tilt is going to be easy. CP3 is well aware no team’s ever come back from a 0-3 deficit. It’s practically win or go home for the Thunder in Game 3, and if they want any chance in this series, CP3 will be prepped to finally inch towards revenge. If the Rockets flip back to their pre-coronavirus complacent ways, Houston’s in trouble for Game 3. Up two games in the series, the squad has to avoid falling prone to King’s Disease, getting too comfortable or complacent with their dominance in this matchup thus far. With two wins in their pocket, and two in their grasp, the Rockets are still only halfway to sending the Thunder out the Bubble. Despite the advantage, this series is far from over. Houston can change that with a powerhouse Game 3 performance. And if looks aren’t deceiving, bubble-bonding time has helped these Rockets more than arguably any team in the league. The squad is playing together, and truly look like they’re playing with a different vibe and intensity. But that can all change in one game. Let’s not jump ahead to the future. Step back with James Harden and these Rockets to the present. Appreciate these moments. Appreciate this ride. It could ultimately result in something very special and memorable.
Going into Round 3 of the series, this entire matchup is a game of “ifs”. Right now, the Rockets look like the best team in the West. Granted, we’re only two games into the playoffs, but if Houston keeps playing like this defensively, they’ll live by the three… all the way to a title. But that’s a big if. Houston still needs Russell Westbrook to return and prove he can erupt for explosive performances like prime Brodie before he suffered the injury. But when should the Rockets bring Brodie back. With a comfortable two-game lead, and already proven they can beat OKC (even on a bad shooting night), Houston might be better off resting Russ for Game 4 if he’s deemed questionable at all. Better to be safe and not risk a lengthy injury that could detriment the Rockets quest later in the playoffs. No one truly knows but Brodie. Currently playing the role of an assistant coach on the bench, Russ is engaged as one can be on the sidelines. You’ve probably seen some highlights, he’s been Houston’s biggest cheerleader. But, if he doesn’t return like the Russ we are all familiar with, the Rockets will have a mountain to climb against the Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, and Raptors (the only real contenders besides Houston).
Word on the street is Russ is doing basketball drills and improving in his rehab, but he’ll be out once again for Game 3. If it were any other season, the Rockets would be hitting the road for a trip to OKC. But it’s a year unlike any other. No one leaves the bubble… until you lose. And Houston plans on calling Orlando home for approximately another two months. They’re bonding just fine in Florida. Usually, road trips are where NBA teams form their deepest bonds during the regular season. However, these playoffs have given every team one long road trip, and plenty of bonding time. And Houston’s just fine with that… these Rockets never needed roads.
HP Field House: Orlando, Florida
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (2-0): “Space City” White
Oklahoma City Thunder (0-2): Orange
TV: 5 PM CT – ESPN, AT&T Sportsnet SW