Bird Hunters: Rockets Blast Pelicans, 113-90, Clinch Playoff Berth
Clinched. The Big Easy Appetizer. Elite Eight.
A rare sighting, the Houston Rockets finally won a game wire-to-wire. The Rockets beat the Pelicans, 113-90, on Sunday night, and clinched a playoff berth in the process. Houston had few problems in New Orleans, as 6 Rockets reached double-figures in scoring, and the game was never really in doubt. James Harden led the way with 28 points, a ‘below average’ game for the Beard. Eric Gordon had 18 points in only 21 minutes and continues to produce on a nightly basis since the All-Star break. Clint Capela was huge in the paint, grabbing 17 boards. And everyone got to play. 9 different Houston players saw at least 21 minutes on the court, as Coach Mike D’Antoni continues to try and determine who will be apt to fit in the team’s final rotation for the postseason.
The Rockets were able to win big, and win easily, breaking their habit of toying with inferior habits, at least, for now. They should be done losing to bad teams for good. Houston came out with intensity on defense and they shot the ball well, the main two keys (besides rebounding) to the Rockets getting victories. Harden, coming off his 61-point night, didn’t need to erupt in New Orleans. Harden rested in the 4th quarter, with the contest wrapped up. His 28 points were below his scoring average of 36, as this game was merely an appetizer of what’s to come next from the Beard.
Only 8 games remain in the regular season for the Rockets. Houston has 4 matchups against playoff squads, and 4 against teams who are lottery-bound. Up next, are 2 elite contenders in Milwaukee and Denver. Both are at the near the top of their respective conferences, and playing great basketball. Expect James Harden to have unforgettable performance in the next 2 games, in a season that’s been full of them. The hotly contested MVP-debate will get up close and personal, as Houston heads to Milwaukee next for a clash with the Bucks. Many outside of Houston are expecting Giannis to win the MVP, and the Bucks will surely be favored in Tuesday night’s showdown. Milwaukee has the best home record in the league at 30-6. Losses in their building are rare sightings this year in the NBA. But players don’t have seasons like the one James Harden is having. It’s never happened before. In the history of the league, it’s a rare sight.