Rockets Return Home, Battle Bucks As Lengthy Home-Stand Begins
Home Action Returns. Freak-Y Sunday Funday. Raise One for Coach.
Well, that was almost quicker than the blink of an eye. The Rockets didn’t even have to leave Texas during their one-game road trip to San Antonio, resulting in a 118-109 defeat to the Spurs. Houston and Jalen Green are aiming for a different outcome, as they host Giannis Antentokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night. The Greek Freak is enjoying another MVP-caliber season, and his Bucks are currently within a game of the Boston Celtics for the league’s best record. The Rockets, and their evolving superstar Jalen Green and company, are ready for quite the challenge tonight’s matchup poses against Milwaukee. Houston needs to harness that same active energy that led to their emotional win over the 76ers on Monday. The Rockets need to play with that same passion and ferocity on defense if they want any chance against a true championship contender on Sunday. After a brutal road-heavy start to the season, tonight’s matchup is the first of seven consecutive home games for the Rockets. Coincidentally, Houston has won their last three home games at Toyota Center. If the Rockets can get the crowd behind them, into this game early, then Houston has a better chance than Vegas believes to upset Milwaukee tonight.
The obvious focal point of Houston’s defense will be Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Great Freak is an unstoppable force in transition, and the Rockets need to portent as many transition buckets as possible if they want any chance at upsetting the red-hot Bucks. Milwaukee got off to the best start in the entire NBA this season with a 9-0 record, but they came back to earth of sorts after getting a bored of winning. This Bucks team isn’t apathetic anymore, Giannis doesn’t allow complacency in his locker room. Milwaukee’s won 7 of their last 8 games, giving them a 19-6 record on the season, good for only second best in the league. The Bucks are coming off a thrilling win by one point over the Dallas Mavericks in their previous game, back on Friday night. Houston will attempt to give the Deer fits in this part of Texas on Sunday. Remember, this is the same team Kevin Porter Jr. torched a little over a year ago for the game of his life. Scoot became the youngest player in NBA history to score 50 points and dish out 11 assists in the same game. Ever since that rocket-shot of confidence, back in late April of 2021, which also resulted in a Rockets win, KPJ’s been steadily improving and maturing his skills on the court. Houston would love a deja-vu performance from Scoot tonight against Jrue Holiday, one of the league’s premier defenders, and the straw that stirs Milwaukee’s defensive-minded Bucks. If the Rockets aren’t ready tonight, they could be in trouble early. And the Greek Freak and the Bucks are not an opponent Houston wants to play from behind against, or they be will trying to climb a steep mountain like an actual deer, for the rest of the game. If the Rockets can keep the contest close, they have a chance to pull the major upset.
In some very sad news that was reported earlier today, Paul Silas, the father of Houston’s Head Coach Stephen Silas, has passed away at the age of 79. Silas was an integral figure in the NBA. A long-time coach and former player, Silas was incredibly respected by the entire league, with seemingly everyone, including Michael Jordan, pouring out their sentiments the entire Silas family. They understood how much Paul Silas meant to the game of basket. Due to the circumstances of today’s tragedy, Assistant Coach John Lucas will be stepping in to take on the head coaching reigns for tonight’s tilt against the battle-tested Bucks. Don’t be surprised if the Rockets come out with extra energy tonight and really try and win this game for their coach. It would be great to see Lucas get win in his reserve role tonight as well. Just don’t expect Houston’s task at hand to be easy. Lucas has performed as Houston’s “acting” Head Coach before, and in these situations, with the speedy athletes on display tonight, don’t blink, or you might miss a highlight like a deer in headlights. These running gunners come quick when these squads meet… Buckle up for what should be an entertaining night at Toyota Center.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Milwaukee Bucks (19-6): Purple
Houston Rockets (7-18): “Hardwood Classics” White
Tip-Off: 6:00 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass