House Party: Harden, House lead Rockets over Suns, 108-102
He’s Back. Brick Wall. Post Up in the Shade.
He’s finally back. No, the Beard. Not CP3. Not Clint. I’m talking about Houston’s own Danuel House Jr. After months of contract negotiations, Danuel House Jr. returned to action in for the first time in 25 games. On Friday night, House proved why he deserves to be a in a Rockets uniform. The NBA’s most valuable role player put on another display of defensive dominance and clutch shooting that helped lift the Rockets to a comeback victory over the Suns, 108-102, on Friday night. House finished with 18 points, on stellar shooting, which he’s provided the entire season. House shot 6 of 11 overall, including 4 for 8 from long range. The most valuable asset the man brings is his basketball IQ. Specifically, House knows where to be on every play. His keen sense-of-spacing on the court is uncanny for a player with his amount of experience. House knows when to attack, and he knows when to stand back. Always at the right time. He had two huge blocks and hit several clutch 3’s to propel the Rockets to victory over Phoenix. House changes things for Houston, in the best possible way. Danuel House plays hard on every, single play.
The only person who comes to mind that brings House-level energy and hustle, is P.J. Tucker. Tuck’s one of the best corner 3-point shooters in the league. But, P.J.’s inconsistent from the field. (you CANNOT say that about his effort and energy). House has consistently shot the ball well in almost every game Houston’s let him play in this season. In 13 games as a starter, House is shooting a whopping 48% from beyond the arc. His effort matches Tucker’s, but aspects of each one’s games balance out. Which works for the Rockets. P.J. Tucker is the toughest man you will ever come across on a basketball court. And, the player most comparable to a brick-wall. Danuel House is more consistent than P.J., who can have off shooting-nights, as been witnessed too many times this season. House also plays well in tandem with James Harden. He knows when to help out and when to let the Beard do his thing. It’s like they can read each other’s minds on the court. And, it’s amazing to watch. Just watch they’re spacing the next time they’re on the floor together. You won’t hear this discussed in the media, but Harden is more comfortable around House. Why? I don’t know. But for some reason, House’s presence brings out a more lethal Harden. Maybe, it’s House’s selflessness, or maybe they just click. But go back to the win over Golden State on Jan. 3rd, Houston’s most impressive of the season, and House was the 2nd most valuable perimeter player for the Rockets (Capela had a huge night in the paint), besides the Beard.
Speaking of Harden, he returned to MVP form. The Beard torched the Suns for 41 points, 9 boards, 11 assists, 6 steals, and 3 blocks. A crazy stat-line, that displays Harden’s versatility. He’s not just a scorer. And he plays defense. Believe it or not, but James Harden is the best post-defender in the NBA, period. He’s been irritating and disrupting the league’s top big-men in the post all season. The Beard made the league’s preseason ROY in DeAndre Ayton, look like just another rookie. Harden’s defense in the post, and overall has improved as the season’s moved along. If you’re a big in today’s NBA, posting up on James might not be the best idea. You can try. But, you’ll lose sight of the ball. Harden attacks the ball and uses his strength to bait big men into thinking they have a mismatch. The Beard’s ability to switch gears on defense, another form of his manipulation, is something that has been fooling opposing bigs on offense all season.
Harden’s post-defense has been a marvel to watch. He literally has the keenest of abilities to strip the ball and disrupt whomever he’s guarding in the post. Big men still don’t see it coming. Yet, time, and time again, they try and score on Harden in the paint. With House back, the Rockets are in full-force. Similar to how Harden’s underestimated on defense, the Rockets are discredited as contenders by NBA “experts”. These experts might be wrong. We’re still a long ways from the playoffs, but House’s return makes me comfortable. This team can finally run it back. No, no to the Western Finals. All the way to the Championship. If Houston keeps trust in House, the trophy could finally be coming back.