Rockets Return Home, Host Mavs in Battle for Texas Supremacy
Homecoming. Trap Night. Mirrored Comparison.
Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and company return home for the first time in what’s seemed like forever. The Rockets just finished a four-game road trip, going 2-2, and return to Houston for a three-game homestand. It starts Friday night, as Dallas comes into town. This will be the first home game for the Rockets since Sunday’s incomprehensibly devastating news. Similar to every NBA team, Houston will honor Kobe before the game. Bryant’s been honored at sporting events across the country, and the entire world. The Black Mamba’s impact cannot be overstated. James Harden’s playing tonight. He’s looked injured. Obviously he’s been impacted by Kobe, like all players. But James seems to have been hit with grief harder than most. Kobe was one of Harden’s idols. And if the Beard doesn’t have an injury, he needs to leave it all the court. In terms of emotion. I hate to say this, but Harden’s performances of late are hurting the squad’s overall play. Westbrook continues to put on MVP performances on a nightly basis. He’s been Houston’s best player for the entire month, as Harden’s slide has turned into more than a slump. If the Beard can’t prove he can get back to playing at an MVP-level, especially at home, then the Rockets will be in trouble. This matchup screams trap game for a team prone for playing with less effort if there aren’t big names of the other side of the court.
What’s the trap? On Friday night, the Mavs will be without their MVP-candidate, Luka Doncic, who suffered an ankle injury in practice on Thursday, and will miss a few games. Doncic is having a stellar sophomore season at only 20 years old. You can already tell Luka is going to be an all-time great. But, the only show he’s capable of putting on tonight is fashion-related, as he’ll be in street clothes. Which, you’d think is a good thing for Houston. However, no Luka means potential problems. This is a huge game. The Rockets have a rare huge advantage with Doncic out tonight. Houston’s playing at Toyota Center for the first time in over a week. The whole squad knows this, they know they have the edge. But if the Rockets don’t go out and play with an edge, they’ll get beat tonight again in embarrassing fashion. Clint Capela is nursing his heel injury, and won’t play in this contest. Which is a good thing, Capela clearly didn’t look right in Portland. Harden has not excuses, as he needs to show up, especially with his mirror image on the bench.
Many are quick to describe Luka Doncic’s game as very similar to James Harden’s. And it is. Luka takes a lot of threes, is a great isolation player. But he’s still only 20 years old. Their styles are similar, but as players, they’re both uniquely great in different aspects. Harden reaches the charity stripe with more efficiency, is stronger, and a better defender. Despite all the false criticism. And these two squads are closer than one would have expected before the season started. With equivalent records of 29-18, tonight’s game is hugely important in the season series, and the current standings. It’s a game the Rockets should win. But who knows what will happen. Tonight will be emotional as Houston pays tribute to Kobe before the game. Once the tip starts, the Rockets need to jump all over Dallas. Harden, we need you to come back. Do it for Kobe.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Dallas Mavericks (29-18): Blue
Houston Rockets (29-18): “Classic” Red
TV: 6:30 PM CT – ESPN, AT&T Sportsnet SW