Rockin’ Them Again: Rockets Stabilize Pacers, 111-102
Doing it Again. Unusual Suspects. Bearded Legends.
On a night when Houston brought back the classic ketchup-and-mustard jerseys from their championship years, the viewing public was treated to another classic performance. James Harden dominated again, and the Rockets outpaced Indiana, 111-102, for their sixth straight victory. The Beard scored 44 on 50% shooting, as Houston held off a gritty Pacers team in a close contest. Indiana led by as many as 9 and kept matters interesting, but the Beard was just too much to handle. Harden has now scored 40 or more in half of the Rockets’ first dozen games. That’s insane. The rest of the league has eleven 40-point games combined. He’s doing it again. After a historic one-of-a-kind season last year, Harden’s off to an even better start this season. Injuries hit Houston earlier than usual this year, but Harden’s made sure the Rockets kept soaring. Averaging 38.7 points a game, the Beard’s led Houston to a 9-3 start, a game out of first place in the West. It’s too early for MVP-talk, but Harden’s making a very LOUD statement. And he’s not going anywhere. The Beard, contrary to all other superstars, doesn’t believe in load management. Harden doesn’t take nights off. If number 13 isn’t on the court for the Rockets, it’s because Harden is actually injured. Or for some reason is suspended. Both are rare sightings. The Beard has been arguably the league’s most durable player since he came to Houston. Harden has played in 545 of 574 possible games since becoming a Rocket. The Beard has yet to miss over 10 games in a single season with Houston. In the NBA’s Load Management Era, this is admirably impressive.
On Friday, Harden received impressive help from some unusual suspects, keeping the Rockets winning-streak alive. Ben McLemore had his best game of the season. Benny Mac finished with 21 points. Houston just wins when he’s on the floor. Of players playing at least 17 minutes a game, McLemore has the third highest plus/minus. It’s not a coincidence the Rockets outscore opponents when he’s on the floor. McLemore is tenacious on defense, and has the potential to be a deadly threat from outside. Benny Mac wasn’t the only Rocket who had his best game of the season. Tyson Chandler was tremendous defensively against Domantas Sabonis. Since filling in for Capela’s absence, Chandler has been exceptional. Houston needs the seasoned vet to be ready for their next contest, as the Rockets head to Minnesota to battle the Wolves. Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns is one of the best big men in basketball. Houston will need Chandler to step up on defense again if they want to win seven in a row.
Harden and Chandler, two bearded legends. Harden, the superstar, bound for the Hall-of-Fame. One of the best players of all-time. These accolades won’t be showered on Chander when his his career’s over. However, Tyson’s had one of the most respectable careers. an all-out consummate professional. Works hard every day. Plays for the team, to win. He’s a legend in his own right. Not many guys last 20 years in professional basketball… least of all, remain effective on the court. Chandler finds himself as a key component on a Championship contender this season. Some players battle father time better than others. These two bearded legends surely do. Houston won’t be rocking the classic jerseys on Saturday night in Minnesota. Although, don’t be surprised if another classic performance is in store… from a bearded legend.