The Beard, Rockets, Tame Bulls 121-105, Get Back to .500
The Rockets closed out the Bulls 121-105 Saturday night from Toyota Center behind a well-rounded team effort. Houston had 7 different players score in double figures, the most they’ve had all season. The Bulls just didn’t have enough talent, although played hard enough to fight back from a 16-point first quarter deficit to make the contest slightly competitive in the 3rd quarter. Zach LaVine led the way with 29 points for Chicago and Jabari Parker contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds. Other than that, the Rockets spoiled Chicago’s sophomore sensation Lauri Markkanen’s season debut. One of the surprise rookies from last year, Markkanen was held to 10 points and 4 rebounds by a tough Rockets defense. Houston is slowly rounding back into form and proving how important health is to the team, and their success. With a record of 11-11, the Rockets hope to remain above .500 for the rest of the season as the squad’s health improves. Nene finally played his first game of the season after being out due to injury, and had an efficient 4 points and 3 boards in a spare 12 minutes on the floor. The Beard had usual Beard numbers: 30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists. Clint Capela had another double-double with 18 points and 15 boards. CP3 led the way in the distribution department, who had 12 points and dished out 13 dimes to lead the squad. Danuel House yet again received the most playing time out of new Rocket players, and the way he gives it his all on every possession, to go along with his hustle and grit, has been a hit with Mike D’Antoni and the coaching staff. They certainly picked the right guy to call up. Gary Clark only saw 3 minutes tonight, and despite his solid rookie campaign, if House keeps up his great play, it could limit Clark’s minutes. A good problem to have for Houston, as their depth is starting to return to form as the team gets fully healthy for the first time all season. “Everyone is much more efficient when we have a full roster” Harden commented after the game, and a full roster also lends the Beard, CP3, and other members of H-Town’s main cast some more much-needed rest in an early season that’s seen Houston’s stars log way too many minutes. The Rockets improved to 10-4 when Harden and Paul are both on the court, and if Houston can somehow stay healthy (which has been an issue this season and in the past), they are still the most dangerous threat to the Warriors’ seat on the throne. Up next, the Rockets hit the road for a 3-game trip against teams battling for playoff spots in the West. First, they travel north to frosty Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves on Monday night. The T-Wolves have improved tremendously since getting rid of disgruntled superstar Jimmy Butler, whom Houston had tried and tried again to get via trades earlier this season as the T-Wolves wouldn’t accept any of Houston’s offers. Butler wound up in Philly and the Wolves have been a better team since. The Rockets need to keep the focus they’ve had since getting CP3 back in order to get their 3rd win in a row, as they aim to end a 3-game road losing streak.