Rockets Overpower Nuggets, 109-99, Get Their Groove Back
The Melo-drama has ended in Houston, and not that Carmelo Anthony is to blame, but the Rockets look like a much different team since his departure. A lot more like the team from last season. It was also nice to see Jeff Bzdelik back on the bench with the Rockets The defensive genius resides in Denver in the offseason and the Rockets are eager to have him back on the bench for good this season. Bzdelik’s presence was felt on the defensive end tonight as the Rockets brought a collective focus defensively that was the backbone for their 2nd straight victory. Tuesday’s night’s 109-99 win over the Nuggets in Denver was one of Houston’s best wins of the season. More importantly, the team looked like they were having fun again, and everyone seemed to be in sync. James Ennis had his best game of the year, avoiding foul trouble with 16 points in 34 minutes. His attitude was the brightest part of his performance. Ennis seemed more aggressive than he’s been all season, on both ends of the floor. Not sure if this has anything to do with Carmelo Anthony’s absence, but Ennis looks more comfortable without Melo on the roster. They play the same position. This season, the indistinguishable Ennis was starting at the small forward spot, where the heralded Anthony, for all his statistical glory (earlier in his career), was coming off the bench. I sensed tension between the two players. Nothing overtly obvious, but Ennis is more productive without Anthony on the team. Melo’s stardom put pressure on Ennis to perform as a starter, and his hesitancy and over-aggressiveness early on defense put him in foul trouble for most games to start this season. Now he looks like the player the Rockets were expecting when they signed him in the offseason. Houston’s “big 3” of James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela (in particular), all had solid games. However, it was the lead of P.J. Tucker’s hustle and attitude that the rest of the team seemed to finally feed off that led them to an impressive victory in the Mile High City. Tucker once again led the team with 41 minutes played. His importance to this team cannot be overstated. P.J.’s hot shooting to start the season and grit on the floor make him one of the NBA’s most underrated players this season. If the Rockets continue to play with his attitude and focus, they will be in great shape for the rest of the season. Tuesday night’s win was huge for Houston as they try and get back to .500 on the season (6-7). They can achieve that goal in the next game. However, it’s not going to be cakewalk. The defending champion Golden State Warriors come to town Thursday night and the Rockets will need to continue playing with this swagger and defensive focus that has brought them two wins in a row. If they want to get three, they’re going to have to play their best basketball of the year.