Rockets Get Embarrassed in Philly, Fall Flat Against Sixers, 121-93
Capela Come Back Soon. Beaten on the Boards. 3/8/19.
They fought hard and admirably, but the shots weren’t falling, as Houston fell in Philly on Monday night to the Sixers, 121-93. The loss marks one of the Rockets worst of the season. Jimmy Butler didn’t play for Philadelphia, but it didn’t matter. This game proved why Clint Capela is crucially important to the Rockets’ system. Sixers Center Joel Embiid made sure that void was felt as he dominated Houston in the paint and on the glass. The All-Star had 24 points at halftime, and made it look easy against smaller, hapless Rockets defenders. Embiid finished with 32 points and 14 boards for Philly, and was the main reason the Sixers pummeled the Rockets. They had no answers for Embiid on defense, and the big man made his presence felt on Rocket drives to the paint. During Capela’s absence, it’s in games like Monday’s against Philly, a team with a dominant big man, where Houston’s weaknesses will be exposed the greatest.
Kenneth Faried had a solid debut for the Rockets. The newest addition to the squad didn’t do anything spectacular for Houston, although he was 3rd on the team in points, scoring 13 in only 23 minutes of action. Faried will be resourced in the best manner as a backup Center/Power Forward to Clint Capela, along with playing alongside him when the time calls for bigger lineups. Embiid, at 7’0, and quite strong, had a huge height advantage over Faried, which resulted in problems for the Rockets. Nevertheless, it was good to see Faried in action. The newest Rocket looks like he’s going to bring a lot of energy and grit to the squad when he’s on the floor.
Despite the final score, the game had its moments of chippiness, especially near the end of the first half. Embiid got away with a few taunting calls on the Beard, and the refs let him mouth off like Draymond Green. The Rockets have to accept the fact that calls will go against their favor, especially on the road. Harden didn’t have his best game, but he still managed 37 points, running his 30-point game streak to 20 games. Although, the Sixers handled the Rockets easily, Chris Paul and Clint Capela didn’t play. On March 8th, when the Rockets and Sixers meet again, Paul and Capela should be back in the lineup. Including Monday’s loss, the Rockets are 7-2 against Philly in their last 9 meetings. Houston just got overpowered and outmanned by a healthier, albeit talented, team. Next time, don’t be surprised if the results turn in the Rockets favor.