Rockets Torch Knicks, 120-96, Cruise to Easy Victory
Elite Status. Comfortable Position. Two to Go.
Down to their last 3 games, the Rockets kept the winning ways rolling on Friday night, with a 120-96 win over the New York Knicks. It was never close. It was never supposed to be. The Rockets won easily, and in impressive fashion. However, playing the league’s worst, this was expected. James Harden led the way for Houston with 26 points on the night. Seven Rocket players hit double figures, and eleven Rockets saw at least ten minutes of court action. The win was a solid team victory for Houston. One that propelled the Beard into elite company. Harden became the first player in NBA history to average 35 points and 7 assists over an entire season. The Beard continues to cement his incredible season in history, as the playoffs approach.
The season’s gone by faster than a New York-minute, with enough storylines to fill a New York Times newspaper. For now, the Rockets sit in a comfortable position. Denver and Portland play each other on Sunday night. If Denver loses, Houston still has a chance to sneak into the second spot out West. If Denver wins, Houston will clinch the third seed with a victory over Phoenix on Sunday.
Only two games remain for the Rockets in the regular season. They face the Suns at home on Sunday, and then travel to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder on Tuesday night, in the regular season-finale. Houston should beat Phoenix in a smilar fashion that they pounded New York. Depending on if the second seed is still within reach, the Rockets may decide to rest some players for the final game of the season. Time will tell. The Nuggets also have to play at Utah. The Jazz currently own the league’s longest winning-streak and are scorching into the playoffs. Their still is a realistic chance that Houston gets the two seed. Tuesday night’s finale could be the decider as the whether the Rockets finish second or third. All Houston can do is focus on winning these final two games, and putting themselves in the best position possible for the playoffs.