Rockets Outgun, Run Bulls Out of The Chi, 117-94
Return of the Swiss. House Steals the Show. Appreciation.
“The world is perfect. Appreciate the details,” observes Dean in the 2019 film The Dead Don’t Die. Something that hasn’t died in the NBA is James Harden’s ability to score. At will. On Saturday night, the Beard dropped 42, and casually drank Chicago’s milkshake. In the process, the Rockets blasted the Bulls for a 117-94 victory at United Center. Harden finished one assist shy of a triple-double, and went a solid 9-for-19 from downtown. It wasn’t his season high, but the Beard put on quite a show with a 42-10-9 performance on Saturday night. Russell Westbrook continues to mesh well with Harden. Brodie finished with 26 points and 7 boards, on 50% shooting. After a dominant performance against Golden State in the previous game, Clint Capela looks like he’s back in All-Star form. The Big Swiss dominated the paint in Chicago. Capela had 16 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 blocks in his best showing of the season. With Eric Gordon still stuck in some sort of Sunken Place, Capela’s resurgence is needed for the Rockets to keep moving up in the West.
Houston now has a season-high 3-game winning streak. Much due to the improved effort on defense. It’s visibly noticeable the squad’s playing harder. Hopefully they got the message. Or, maybe they were out of shape, like Coach D’Antoni had said. Or maybe they just followed House’s lead. Danuel House has thrived as the best role player in the entire league this season. From his defense to his overall efficiency, House is thriving with the Rockets starting unit. In his first full season as a Rocket, House is bringing infectious defensive energy to the floor. Danuel had a career-high six steals, and those weren’t forced errors by the opposition. House forced those steals with his relentless effort. It seems like he’s everywhere on D, and his teammates are starting to follow his lead. During their current 3-game winning streak, Houston is 3rd in defensive efficiency, behind only the Lakers and Nuggets. The Rockets still haven’t played anyone decent since Opening Night. The season story remains a long way from being written, but for now, Houston’s moving in the right direction.
The NBA world’s not perfect. It never will be… it’s not supposed to be. And neither are the Houston Rockets. Although seeing though their imperfections, this year is shaping up to be special. In a league full of parity and new teammates, Houston’s core has been together longer than any contender. And the Rockets added an MVP in the offseason… who has fit seamlessly. The Beard and Brodie have gelled better than most expected. Westbrook has no problem playing Robin to Harden’s Batman. It gives the Rockets two true MVP’s in their primes… fighting towards the same goal that’s eluded them their entire careers: a championship. In their own House, Houston has the league’s best role player, a selfless, gritty hustler who’s efficiency is tops on the team. At 34, P.J. Tucker still plays harder than most 24 year-olds. Clint Capela is set to burst out of his early season funk, and return to All-Star form. Ben McLemore has been a more-than-pleasant surprise addition. And James Harden is 30 years old this season. A generational player in the prime of his prime. Still etching his groundbreaking style of play into NBA lore. Continuing to improve when it seems he’s already touching the sky. Don’t take it for granted. Harden’s durability, despite all the fouls he welcomes. His hatred for load management. Never missing a game. Playing every night for the love of the game. And those step-back threes, with the lull-you-to-sleep footwork… Appreciate the details.