Rockets Fend-Off Mavs, 102-93, for Elusive Victory
Wall Don’t Lie. Fitting In. Eyes Ahead.
For the first time in months, the Houston Rockets won a game from start-to-finish, handing the Mavericks a 102-93 defeat, at the friendly confines of Toyota Center. John Wall made his token random return from injury, and had one of his best games as Rocket. Wall scored 31 points on efficient shooting, and dished out 7 dimes to lead Houston. The Rockets are eons and eons better with Wall on the court. Too bad, his return to action is rare. Houston’s point guard will miss Friday’s match in L.A. against the Clippers. Granted, it’s the first of a back-to-back, but I can’t recall the last time Wall played in consecutive games for the Rockets. Regardless, as the rest of the roster begins to gel, Houston is slowly becoming more confident. Don’t look at the record. It doesn’t tell the whole story, but these Rockets are slowly coming together and improving.
Speaking of coming together, Kelly Olynyk has been a perfect fit since his arrival in Houston. And his developing chemistry with Christian Wood is a blessing to watch. The two big men are becoming more in sync with each other’s talent with each passing game. Olynyk had 10 points and a monstrous 18 boards for the Rockets in their win over the Mavs. Wood finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds. And Kevin Porter Jr. (aka The Black Joker), scored 14 points as he continues to work on his chemistry with John Wall. Houston outplayed Dallas from the opening tip, in a rare game this season where the Rockets basically controlled the game from start-to-finish.
Only 21 games remain until the finish of this season. Up next, the Rockets endure a very tough back-to-back out West. Houston will be in L.A. on Friday to face the Clippers juggernaut, and then Saturday they’ll face an old rival, in the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers have all but locked in a playoff-spot. Golden State, on the other hand, is trying to lock up one of the last spots. To sum up the situation, Houston’s next two foes have something to play for, as Dallas does. Can the Rockets bring the same chemistry and energy, and possibly upset the Clippers to start the weekend? It won’t be easy without John Wall, but a victory over the Clips would give Houston their first win over a contender in months.