Rockets Double Up for Second Straight Match with Kings
The Marathon. Status Symbol. Victory Lap.
The NBA season is like a marathon. 82 games. Practices. Constant travel. Playoffs (for some). It doesn’t stop. The marathon continues tonight for the Rockets as they play the Kings (again), this time in Sacramento. It’s the first of a back-to-back, as Houston will travel to Los Angeles after the game to face the Clippers on Wednesday. Only 5 games remain for the Rockets. Houston has the same record as Portland, but the Blazers own the tiebreaker. If the Rockets want the coveted 3-seed, games like tonight are opportunities for victory that Houston can’t afford to miss. The Kings are coming off an impressive road-win over the Spurs on Sunday. And Sacramento managed to stick with the Rockets for most of Saturday’s game. The Kings lead the NBA in fast-break points, and points off turnovers. Houston will need to be keep up the pace on the road, as the Kings play much better at home.
In the grand scheme of life, it’s just a basketball game. Unfortunately, tragic news hit James Harden, the music world, and anyone who’s inspired by someone who truly makes a difference in the world. Harden’s close friend, musical artist and activist, Nipsey Hussle, was senselessly killed outside the clothing shop he owned, “The Marathon Clothing”, on Sunday afternoon. Unlike many in the genre, the hip-hop artist was a true inspiration. Hussle invested his money back into the community where he grew up, Crenshaw. He was killed in the same parking lot where he once sold CD’s out of the trunk of his car. Hussle never wanted to escape the trenches and warfare that is South Central L.A. He wanted to make a difference. Neighborhood Nip wanted to improve life in his community and show people that doing the right thing matters and can make a difference. Nipsey Hussle was a status symbol. The rare rapper, who actually walks the walk, when he says he plans to give back to society. The amount of condolences he’s received has shown Hussle was more than just an underdog in the music industry. He was beloved.
Harden and Hussle had a strong relationship. Both hailed from L.A., but the connection was deeper than two famous people being friendly. They grew up in the same neighborhood and attended Audobon Middle School together in Crenshaw. Their friendship would continue as they achieved fame, each being supportive of the other. Hussle went to all of Harden’s charity events in the L.A. area, and also attended the Beard’s JH-Town Weekend, this past year. Hussle celebrated with Harden, after the Beard won his first MVP. Songs by Nipsey Hussle, requested by Harden himself, could frequently be heard at Toyota Center, before, and during games. These two men loved each other like brothers. Harden was excused from practice on Monday, but Coach Mike D’Antoni has said he will play tonight. James Harden is also a status symbol. For the game of basketball. If Harden can play, he will. It’s incomprehensible what transpired over the weekend. Life’s not fair. Neither are Harden’s abilities to dominate on the court. Hopefully, the Beard will use this anger as fuel to punish his opponents.
For all we know, this season could be Harden and the Rockets’ victory lap. I can’t think of a more fitting end to the NBA season. Especially after the tragic news. Being from L.A., Hussle was a Lakers fan, but also a Harden fan. The Lakers won’t be competing in the playoffs this year. Hussle would’ve been rooting for Harden, and is somewhere. The Beard knows it. Hussle’s debut album is titled Victory Lap, and has been playing during Rockets games since it was released back in February of last year. Hussle’s music and status symbol as a true pioneer will live on. Forever. The Beard can cement his own legacy in the eons of time. Harden, fueled by the incomprehensible loss of a true friend, knows what lies ahead. The Beard’s been playing at an unbelievable level all season. Staring adversity in the face and defeating it, time and time again. People continue to question if he can keep it up. And now, Harden has even more motivation due to the tragic loss of Nipsey Hussle. Just like Hussle’s legacy, Harden and the Rockets’ marathon continues. As for the rest of the league, it’s going to be a little harder to breathe.
Sacramento, California: Golden 1 Center
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (49-28): Black
Sacramento Kings (38-39): White
TV: 9 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet SW