Rockets Set to Tangle with Fire, Meet Young Heat in South Beach
An Early Shock. Old vs. Young. Time to Heat Up.
Houston, still in “too cool for school” mode, cruises into South Beach for an early Sunday evening matchup with the Miami Heat. The Rockets hope to get avoid falling an even 3-3 in the standings, hoping to improve to 4-2 on the season. Miami has been one of the early surprises of this young season. The Heat stand at 4-1, and boast arguably the biggest surprise this season: Kendrick Nunn. The undrafted rookie has been sensational so far for Miami this year. He leads all rookies, scoring 22 points a game. Nunn has come out of nowhere to make an early run for Rookie-of-the-Year. The Heat also boast prized rookie Tyler Herro, averaging over 16 points so far in his debut campaign.
The Heat managed to lure a player the Rockets were after this past offseason: All-Star Jimmy Butler. Slippin’ Jimmy leads the way for Miami, and surrounded by talented youngsters, the future’s bright in South Beach. But in Houston, the present is bright. The Rockets need to show their true colors and play top to their potential as one of the oldest, wisest teams (Houston) takes on one of the youngest (Miami). Tonight is one of those games you have to win, if you don’t want to suffer an early-season slip in the standings. Houston has been horrendous from downtown to start the season, hopefully things heat up in Miami.
Specifically, it’s time for these Rockets to heat up. Houston travels to Memphis tomorrow for the second of a back-to-back. The squad can’t afford to lose any ground in the merciless Western Conference. Maybe some youthful energy and South Beach vibes will re-energize this Rockets roster. Houston clearly has the better team, but as this season has shown… who knows which team will show up tonight? The Rockets that barely win over inferior competition? Or the Rockets that lose due to their obsessive love for the 3-point shot, and who effervescently make a point to play no defense. We’ll have to watch and find out. Hopefully the only team with some heat tonight isn’t Miami. Houston desperately needs to catch fire. Maybe the Heat’s young, rookies will bring out the best in the Rockets superstars. It’s time Harden and Westbrook took some young ‘uns to school.
American Airlines Arena: Miami, Florida
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (3-2): White
Miami Heat (4-1): Black
TV: 5 PM CT – ATT SportsNet SW