Rockets vs. Nuggets Post-Game 2/1/19

Rocky Mountain Horror Show: Rockets Streak Against Nuggets Ends in 136-122 Defeat

Ghosts in the Paint.    Streak-Busters.    Help.  

What started out as a hot first-quarter for both teams soon turned into a dunk parade.  One showcased by Denver’s young talent, as they got anything they wanted in a 136-122 victory over the Rockets on Friday night.  The loss for Houston ended their 9-game winning streak over the Nuggets, and exposed holes in the Rockets defense all night.  Houston had a solid first quarter, scoring 43 points, but after that the offense cooled down.  And the defense… what defense?  There was none to be found on Houston’s end as they allowed layup after layup, and dunk after dunk, in what turned into a Rocky Mountain Horror Show for the Rockets.  Houston gave up a staggering 83 points in the first half, including 48 in the 2^nd quarter when they were outscored by 20, and essentially let the game get out of hand.  James Harden had 30 to lead Houston, hitting a late-3 to extend his 30-point game streak, but the Rockets defensively were the worst they’ve been all season.

The Nuggets got whatever they wanted against the Rockets defense, on the perimeter, and especially inside the paint.  Malik Beasley had the game of his career, leading the Nuggets with 35 points.  Nikola Jokic had 31 points, 13 boards, and 9 dimes as the Rockets were ghosts in the paint, allowing the Nuggets to see no defense, thus fear no defense.  Torrey Craig chipped in with 22 to help the balanced Nuggets attack.  Chris Paul had 20 points in a game he should have sat (was doubtful prior to the contest, then upgraded to probable).  Kenneth Faried was about the only bright spot.  The Manimal had another efficient game filled with effort for Houston.  Faried finished with 23 points and 6 boards, but despite all his hustle, the Manimal isn’t tall enough to match up with a true center like Nikola Jokic, and the Joker feasted on him all night.  Clint Capela’s absence was painfully felt in this contest, and shows why his presence is vital to the Rockets success in the future, especially against bigger lineups.  A game after giving up 70 points in the paint to a Pelicans team resembling G-Leaguers, Houston allowed 62 points in the paint in Denver.  Capela’s defensive presence has been sorely lacking, as opposing teams are starting to take advantage of Houston’s thin frontcourt.

The Unguardable Tour continued, barely.  Harden hit a late 3 to get to 30 and keep his streak going, but all other Houston streaks were busted last night in Denver.  Friday marked the first time the Beard wasn’t the game’s overall leading scorer since his 30-point streak began.  The Rockets streak of 9 consecutive wins over the Nuggets also came to an end (they hadn’t lost to Denver since 2015).  For the first time in 15 games, Houston dropped back-to-back games.  Clint Capela is primed to return the first game after the All-Star break, and the Rockets just need to stay afloat until the break.  Only 6 games remain until All-Star break.  Houston needs to grind together and play with more effort until they get their promising big-man back.

For now, the Rockets need some help.  Chris Paul wasn’t even expected to play in Denver, and he is doubtful for Saturday’s tilt in Utah.  Paul looked slower, and his ability to create his own shot has become noticeably downgraded.  Eric Gordon left the game in Denver and didn’t return, his status against the Jazz is also questionable.  Houston can’t afford to lose any more guys, being shorthanded, and James Harden is starting to look visibly gassed.  The Beard barely had 30, but it seemed forced near the end, as his shooting touch was off, and the wear of carrying a team for over half a season might be getting to Harden.  The MVP needs a break more than anyone (even though he’ll be in the ASG). Harden has looked exhausted as we near the All-Star break.  Only 6 games remain before the intermission.  Houston needs to give Harden the help the MVP has warranted after carrying the team through the toughest stretch of the season.  Rivers, Tucker, Green, Ennis, and others need to feed off of the Manimal’s energy in hopes it will boost the squad.  Right now, the Rockets need a lot of help.  The subsequent guys need to step up if Houston wants to have a puncher’s chance of escaping Utah with a victory.