Short-Handed Rockets Visit Red-Hot Jazz, Looking for Luck
Mission Impossible. Face the Music. Tough Times.
Sunday’s news shocked the globe, not just the basketball world, but the entire planet, with the devastating news of NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s death. The sports world is still reeling, and it’s a hard time to play basketball. Kobe meant that much, and as more time passes, and more people share stories, it’s evident just how important Bryant meant to the game. Tuesday’s highly anticipated Lakers/Clippers showdown is being postponed to a later date. What Kobe meant to the NBA is one thing, what he meant to L.A., that’s even deeper. It’s understandable the game’s being postponed. I would have postponed all games for today, but I don’t have the final say on that call. So the Rockets play another game tonight. Only a day after being the first team, along with the Nuggets, to play after hearing the terrible, shocking news. The entire arena was stunned along with the rest of the world. And Houston kept the game close, but by the end, Denver used home momentum, and took advantage of Rocket turnovers to deal Houston the loss.
Tonight, the Rockets travel to Salt Lake City to play their third game in four nights. Like many of us, they’re still trying to process how Kobe Bryant, and his aura of invincibility, were taken in an instant. Monday’s game was always going to be tough… now it seems impossible. Not only is it the second half of a back-to-back against the Jazz, the hottest team in the NBA. The Rockets are severely undermanned at the top. They’re resting Russell Westbrook, who’s been the team’s best player this month by far. Clint Capela’s heel injury has flared up again, and he’s doubtful to play. And to make matters ever more difficult, James Harden’s thigh bruise is bothering him, and he’s listed as questionable. Oh, and the Jazz have won 19 of their last 21 games. Utah is scorching hot, and boasts the best home-court advantage in the NBA (in my opinion). The obnoxious fans in Salt Lake City are known for their rude, line-crossing antics, but they definitely give the Jazz a strong advantage when they play in the Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah is 18-3 at home, best in the West, and currently seeded second behind the Lakers. To make matters even worse, the Jazz will also be out for revenge against Houston. The Rockets have ended Utah’s season the past two years, ousting them in the playoffs. The Jazz want nothing more than to slap every ounce of hope this banged-up Houston team has from the opening tip. I can’t remember a Rockets team facing tougher circumstances in the history of the franchise.
Houston will have to dig deep, and everyone who’s suited up should get playing time tonight. Maybe they’ll be inspired, and want to win this one for Kobe. But the entire league wants to win for Kobe right now. Beating the blazing-hot Jazz, who will be playing at full-strength, in front of their fans, is a lot to ask any NBA team to conquer at this moment in time. Least of all a bunch of people most people in Utah have never heard of. House, Benny Mac, Rivers, P.J., and especially Splash Gordon all need to have huge nights to pull off the upset of the season. Hopefully, these lesser-known Rockets can make a name for themselves with a statement-win tonight. Houston’s chances are slim. This Utah team is for real, and playing the best basketball in the NBA right now. If the Rockets shots are falling, and they band together to focus on all the intangibles, they have a chance. It’s slim. But they’ve do have a shot. It’s just unlikely to happen. But yesterday wasn’t supposed to happen either. Right now, who knows what’s coming next? Maybe the Rockets will continue the trend… and shock the world.
Vivint Smart Home Arena: Salt Lake City, Utah
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (28-17): White
Utah Jazz (32-13): Purple
TV: 8 PM CT – NBA TV, AT&T Sportsnet SW