Mavs Steamroll Through Houston, 128-108, Leave Rockets Shaken and Stirred
Houston, we officially have a problem. Many problems. The majority of which were exposed for all to witness in Wednesday night’s 128-108 thumping, courtesy of their interstate rival, the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic was sensational for Dallas, putting on his own highlight show, en route to 20 points to lead the Mavs. It didn’t help that Devin Harris had his best game of the year off the bench for the Mavs with 20 points, many of which came after the Rockets had cut the halftime deficit from 18 to 7 start the 4th quarter. Overall Dallas had 8 players in double figures, and another posted 9 points, highlighting their overall depth. The Rockets had five players in double figures, but mainly all starters, as their bench remains depleted due to recurring injuries that have plagued the team since last season (Nene and Brandon Knight still have yet to play a game this season due to injury. Chris Paul’s yearly hamstring injury has come earlier than expected this year and he remains questionable for games this weekend. James Harden was great. In fact, he was record-setting for the 2nd night in a row as he became the 2nd player in NBA history (joining Magic Johnson) to garner 25+ points, 17+ assists, 11+ rebounds, and 6+ steals in a single game. The previous game The Beard became the 1st player in NBA history with 5 games of recording 50 points and dishing 10 assists in the same contest. But without his backcourt mate, Houston is a completely different team. Harden gets worn down, including other key players who have to do more (Tucker, Gordon) and it shows the most late in games when fatigue is an obvious factor on the team. Still, CP3 or no CP3, the Rockets should be able to beat this young Mavs team at home. Or at least make the game competitive. They didn’t do that. They couldn’t do that. The Rockets have become a team who no longer has championship aspirations, but only hope to make the playoffs. They sit 14th in a Western Conference that takes no prisoners 14 of the teams in the West will be fighting for a playoff spot. The Rockets need to hope Chris Paul can get healthy, but more importantly stay healthy. Looking at his recent history in the past two seasons, that’s wishful thinking. And there’s no time to rest him. Houston’s already behind in a crowded race in the standings no one saw coming. Maybe Daryl Morey can execute some magic and get the Rockets some much-needed defensive presence on the wing. A presence that’s absence has made the most difference in Houston’s baffling struggles through 20 games this season. A presence that vanished when the team lost Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute in Free Agency last season. There’s no time for dwelling on the past. The next game is HUGE. A win puts the Rockets one game within .500, while a loss knocks them 3 games below .500. As the season gets longer, Houston’s playoff hopes will diminish if they don’t start winning as a team. No matter who’s on the court, other guys need to step up. We all know the squad is better than this. Hopefully the Mavs beat-down finally woke up some spirit and sense of urgency in Houston. Otherwise, it’ll just be another game in a season full of painful defeats. The Rockets’ Texas Two-Step continues when Houston visits San Antonio to battle the Spurs (one of many teams in the crowded Western playoff race). Houston looks to break its losing streak and avenge the Dec. 10th loss they already suffered earlier this season in the Alamo City. Hopefully, D’Antoni and The Beard can stir up a winning cocktail while CP3’s status remains in limbo. Otherwise, the season will be in limbo. Big time.