Rockets End Skid, Burn Heat, 117-108
Seeing Double. Second Quarter Blaze. Earning Time.
As one streak ends, another begins. Houston ended their 3-game losing streak on Wednesday night, with a 117-108 victory over the Miami Heat. From the tip, the Rockets were all business, as they built a 24-point halftime lead that allowed them to cruise throughout the second half. James Harden led Houston with 34 points. Teams are beginning to use the same defensive approach against the Beard. Opponents are sending double teams at Harden right after he crosses mid court, a counter not seen on the professional level this frequently over the past 4 games since I can remember. Ever. Harden still managed a line of 34 points, 6 boards, and 5 dimes, and proved no matter the defensive scheme, the Beard won’t be stopped. His co-star, Russell Westbrook, had 27 points, 9 boards, and 7 assists. Danuel House scored a career-high 23 points, on 7-of-11 shooting. The Houstonian continues to be excellent night-in and night-out, and doesn’t miss a beat if he misses a game or two due to injury.
The final score is much closer than this contest played out. Houston used a second-quarter blaze to run past the Heat, and take total control of the game. The Rockets outscored Miami, 39-19, in the second period on Wednesday. Contrary to the first time these squads battled, Houston locked in defensively to even the season series at one game. The Heat scored 46 points in the first quarter in the first matchup that saw Houston get plundered in one of the franchise’s most embarrassing defeats. On Wednesday, Miami scored 42 points in the first half. The Rockets made sure there would be no repeat of the horrors that occurred in Miami earlier this season.
Clint Capela missed Wednesday’s game with an illness, and is listed as day-to-day. Gary Clark, saw the biggest difference in playing time due to Clint’s absence, and didn’t disappoint. Clark saw a season-high 29 minutes of action, and scored 12 points while grabbing 8 boards. The Cincinnati-product has been outstanding every time he’s earned the trust of Coach Mike D’Antoni, and seen playing time. Unfortunately, due to Houston’s extremely deep roster, Clark hasn’t seen as much court action as he’s deserved. His performance on Wednesday night was another indicator, no matter the squad’s depth, that Clark deserves a spot in Houston’s rotation. He’s too efficient and smart, which energy and grit to spare, to be rotting away at the end of the Rockets’ bench. Gary Clark has earned the time, it’s time D’Antoni puts a little more confidence and trust in the young player. Clark has the potential to emerge as a top role player in the NBA, but hasn’t gotten the proper chance to show what he can do outside of a small sample size. Maybe that will change in Houston’s next game.
The Rockets host the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, and will be without Capela and House due to illnesses. Atlanta is one of the league’s worst teams, and Houston should be able to build a big lead to give Clark playing time. He should see time even before the Rockets earn a big lead. Clark’s earned the time to show what he’s got on the court. He rarely makes a mistake, and brings energy and hustle on every possession. If the Rockets want to avoid the mistake of losing to one of the NBA’s barnburners, Clark needs to see ample playing time, and Houston’s new streak will continue.