Rockets vs. Bucks Post-Game 8/2/20

Clamp City:  Rockets Defense Seals Late Comeback Victory Over Bucks, 120-116

Come at Me, Bro.    Relentless RoCo.    Maintaining Focus.

If it’s drama you want, then Houston Rockets bubble basketball is the place for you. The squad narrowly squeaked out another comeback victory, as the Rockets beat the Bucks 120-116 on Sunday night. James Harden said he wished he was 7-foot, and could just run over people to dunk the ball, which takes very little skill. Giannis is blessed with the type of otherworldly athleticism only comparable to LeBron James. Harden, being in superb shape, is still a mere human being, compared to the gifts height God gifted the Freak. Which made me think of this quote: “he’s quite clever you know… for a human being,” said by C-3PO in The Empire Strikes Back. Harden was clever enough to bait the otherworldly athleticism of Giannis Antetokounmpo into flailing and turning the ball over on multiple key possessions, resulting in a Rockets win. The Beard’s defense was stellar late on The Greek Freak. Anyone who says Harden isn’t playing on both ends of the floor isn’t watching (the Beard had six steals on the night). Houston found themselves in a similar situation as the opening bubble game against Dallas: down late, and rallying, this time a 16-4 run with 3 minutes on the clock, to come back for an impressive victory. It’s not a strategy that’s good for the heart, and it won’t work every time, but so far, the Rockets have played their best ball, especially defensively, when it matters most. Houston trailed by eight points with only three minutes remaining, but shutdown the Freak and Milwaukee defensively, allowing them to sneak by for a comeback victory.

Russell Westbrook continues to be quietly amazing. Brodie had 31 points, as he did against the Mavs, and relentlessly attacked the basket. 10 of his 11 shots were lay-ups or short jumpers. Russ only attempted 3 shots from long range, connecting once. This is the Westbrook the Rockets need if they’re going to be legitimate title contenders. Russ playing counter to Houston’s trigger-happy style of play from three-point land. Harden struggled from three, going 3-for-12 from deep, recording 24 points, 7 boards, and 7 dimes. Hopefully the Beard finds his touch from deep soon. A game against Portland awaits, one that presents a contest of aplomb three-point attempts.

Robert Covington continues to be a lethal threat on defense for the Rockets. I didn’t keep track, but RoCo got his hands on so many pass attempts, tipping the ball, forcing many of Milwaukee’s turnovers. I miss Clint Capela, but with Houston’s small-ball style, RoCo is definitely the better fit. The Rockets will need more of RoCo’s exceptional defense in their next matchup against one of the NBA’s best backcourts.

The Rockets have looked as good as any team so far in the early stages of bubble ball. With impressive comeback victories over playoff-bound Dallas and Milwaukee, Houston is proving they can play with anybody, and despite their size, the Rockets know how to win playing this style. Houston got out-rebounded by 29, were held to under 40% shooting, and gave up 116 points… yet still won the game. The Rockets became the first team in NBA history to win a game when giving up +110 points, getting out-rebounded by +25, and being held to under 40% shooting. Against the Bucks, Danuel House was 4-for-8 from long range. Every other Rocket struggled from distance (Jeff Green’s 3-for-8 not being too shabby). Houston needs a better shooting night in their next matchup. The squad now finds themself with the four seed in the West, only a game behind third. Hopefully, Harden and co. maintain focus, keep moving up. Next on the schedule is Damian Lillard and the Blazers, fighting to get into the playoffs. Whenever these two teams meet, the matchups are usually close and contested. With Portland’s playoff lives on the line, and Houston fighting for seeding position… expect the drama to continue in the Rockets’ next game.