Rockets Melt Nuggets, 121-105, Finally End Skid
Days of Future Past. Are They Back? Changing of the Guards.
“I’ve been trying to control you since the day we met, and look where that’s got us. I have faith in you.” It’s a quote from the overlooked 2014 film, X-Men: Days of Future Past. A quote that was hopefully uttered, in some shape or form, within Houston’s locker room after the Rockets ended their losing streak. The Rockets dominated the Nuggets from start to finish on Wednesday night, winning 121-105, to stop their skid at four games. With the win, Houston found momentum to finish a rough home-stand, as they prepare for a tough four-game road trip coming up. But this win was unlike any we’ve seen all season from Houston. The Nuggets, minus five rotational players, certainly played a factor in the Rockets’ beatdown. But it’s the way Houston won this game that’s so important. We’re staring at the point where the Rockets must realize the change necessary if they want to lift that elusive Larry O’Brien trophy in June. Although it may require deterring from the days of the Houston basketball we’ve witnessed in the past.
James Harden finally had an efficient game, scoring 27 points on 6-of-13 shooting, finally breaking out of his inaccuracy slump. The Beard will alway be the best player on the Rockets. But to succeed long-term, Houston needs Russell Westbrook to be the alpha-dog for stretches. Brodie continues to relish in efficient displays of dominance, leading the way in the Rockets victory over Denver. Russ finished with 28 points, 16 boards, and 8 dimes. Brodie finally looks comfortable in a the Houston offense, dominating when he needs to, and making the right decisions with efficiency. Westbrook took almost twice as many shots (25) as Harden (13). It’s a telling stat. The game was a blowout, maybe that’s why Harden sniped less. But I think it’s deeper. The Beard realizes for the Rockets to win, he needs to rely on Russ, and let Brodie be Brodie. A selfless Beard and an aggressive Brodie is the prefect combination for the squad.
Eric Gordon had his best game of the season, scoring 25 points on 8-for-11 shooting, including 6-for-8 from downtown. When Gordon is turning the court into Splashtown, the Rockets are basically unbeatable. If EG is out of his slump, their trio of guards that is Harden, Westbrook, and Gordon, is absolutely lethal against opponents. Clint Capela finished with a double-double, registering 14 points and 11 boards. And Austin Rivers returned from an injury to spark the squad with 11 points off the bench. A back-to-back nears on the upcoming road-trip. That means Russ will sit one of those games, giving Gordon even more time to get back in his groove.
Many looked at this game, and saw the Rockets beating a depleted Nuggets team. Which did happen. Are they back? Or was this simply Houston being victorious in a game they were favored to win? I’ll try and stay optimistic. I think this team learned something after those four straight losses. Gams where Brodie was the squad’s only bright spot. Wednesday’s win over Denver peered into clues for future success in Houston. Let Westbrook be Westbrook. Inspire him to attack the basket. Encourage him to take more shot attempts than Harden. It’s a stretch, but if Harden can somehow manage to limit his inefficient hoists at hope, and give Russ more opportunities to attack, it opens up the floor for the entire squad. A necessary changing of guards has to take place. I’m not saying Westbrook is better than Harden. But if the Rockets want to win a trophy more precious than gold, they need to let Russ have free range. Even if that means taking away some isolation shots from the Beard, the NBA’s leading scorer. Houston has the best backcourt in the world, and the talent to win the title. Yet the first half was a story of Letdown City in H-Town. After beating the Nuggets, and shaking their Black Plague, the Rockets need to make the right decisions in the future. But James Harden’s pretty smart. I have faith he knows what to do.