Close Shave: The Beard Returns, but Rockets Outlast Sixers, 132-123, in Double-OT Thriller
Greener on This Side. Free Dessert. Closing the Show.
Expectations were up in the air entering the Beard’s highly anticipated return to Houston, his first as a member of the Sixers. No one really knew what to expect coming into James Harden’s first trip to Houston with Philly. Entering Monday’s game, it wouldn’t have been surprising to see Harden go off for a token 50-point explosion, what seemed to be the norm, especially during his “Unstoppable Tour” in Houston. On the other hand, it wouldn’t have been shocking to see the Rockets pounce on the Sixers, and deal the Beard another loss in Houston, where he was the face of the franchise for almost a decade. From sports “experts”, to fans of both teams, to anyone with a passing interest in this “rivalry” of sorts, this matchup was a mystery entering tip-off. Jalen Green solved that mystery in a few hours, as Houston’s evolving superstar scored 27 points to lead the Rockets to a thrilling 132-123 victory over the 76ers in double overtime. This was Houston’s most impressive win of the season, and showed why they’re truly growing as players, not just in the “cliche” sense. The Rockets found themselves facing an early deficit for the fourth straight game. Houston trailed 10-0 before finally deciding to lace ‘em up and start playing. The ability to comeback from double-digit deficits is impressive and builds character, but in the long run, it’s draining. The Rockets have to change something about their pregame routine to be prepared from the opening tip. What that is, is up to the coaching staff and squad to solve. Comeback wins are always exciting, but the best teams don’t find themselves in early deficits often. Houston has to somehow figure out their first quarter anomaly, otherwise the Rockets will be playing comeback all season long.
Green finished with 27 points, despite struggling from long range, missing all seven of his threes. More importantly, Green locked up Harden defensively on a key isolation play late in the game, keeping Houston’s chances alive, and sending the game to overtime. The steady hand that’s become this team’s even-keeled leader, Kevin Porter Jr., had another solid effort, scoring 24 points on 50% shooting from three. Jabari Smith Jr. had another double-double, with 16 points and 11 boards, as the rookie’s comfort and talent continue to broaden with each game. Houston’s other rookie, Tari Eason, is showing why he might be steal of the draft. Eason was a defensive beast per usual, and chipped in an impressive 18 points along with 6 boards. The Rockets showed why they’re the best offensive rebounding team in basketball, bullying the bigger Sixers on the glass en route a 61-39 edge on the boards. Houston
Monday night’s matchup was Harden’s first game since missing 14 games due to an injury. The Beard hasn’t been the same player since he left the Rockets, seemingly digressing from Superstar to All-Star. Despite Eric Gordon being the lone player left during Harden’s tenure in Houston, others on the squad know the importance, and history, of Harden and the Rockets. It’s a love/hate affair in certain aspects, but both sides will always want to conquer the other. For Rockets fans, it’s sure nice to see a talented 20-year old blossoming into a superstar in his sophomore season, as opposed to being held hostage by, an aging, graying 33-year old Beard. Harden’s still shows flashes of his brilliance when he was a Rocket, but those moments are few are far between. The Beard score 21 points and had 7 assists. Good numbers for an average player. Subpar stats for a former superstar. Philly still has Joel Embiid as their Alpha Dog, and the Rockets survived his monstrous 39-point, 7 rebound night. Houston also dodged a red-hot Tobias Harris, who made 7 of his 8 threes en route to a 27-point night. This was the first overtime game for Houston, as the Rockets got their first taste of free dessert, and it certainly settled well. In particular the second scoop, or overtime, was delicious, as Jalen Green and co. outscored the 76ers 15-6 to close the game. Houston had plenty of close games early in the season, but they couldn’t close or finish in the clutch. Now, the Rockets are learning on the go how to finish and close NBA games. As they say in life… it’s not how you start, but how you finish that matters most. Houston led 95-86 with a little under 10 minutes in regulation. Despite Philly’s comeback, the Rockets didn’t cave, as Houston went toe-to-toe with the Sixers, out-dueling Philly in two extra periods. Houston didn’t lose their composure and played hard, smart basketball to earn the win. Impressive considering the Rockets of 15 games ago would’ve lost this game. Stephen Silas needs to be given more credit, as he’s steered the team from cooking up a worse season than last year. We’re still not even halfway though the season, but this Rocket team is already showing huge signs of growth and improvement early on this season.
After a rough 3-13 start to the season, Houston is now 4-3 over their past seven games. They sacrificed as team to make the right plays at the right time. Forget about the record, this team is feeling like a real NBA team now. The air just feels different in Toyota Center. It’s like the squad finally escaped a dark cloud that had been hovering over the first quarter of the season. Rockets fans will reminisce, ponder from time to time, about the days when the Beard came so close to taking Houston to a Championship. Monday night’s thriller showed fans why expectations are rising in the air for these Rockets… they may not be too far from the anticipated promised land, the Green-er side.