Rockets Visit Suns Amidst Desert Storm
Toxic Valley. Maintaining Tempo. Seizing the Moment.
The biggest news in the sports world today dropped this afternoon, as Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver was accused of racist and misogynistic behavior, from over 70 former and current Suns employees. Sarver’s owned the Suns for 17 years and has vehemently denied these accusations. And amidst all the chaos, the Houston Rockets visit the valley of the sun on Thursday night. Houston will try to build on their previous game, one they nearly won at the buzzer over the Lakers. The team’s chemistry is improving with each game, and the Rockets hope to thrive in a toxic environment on Thursday night. Who knows how the Suns will be affected on the court by the Sarver news. But, Houston needs to take advantage of a possibly distracted Phoenix team.
The Rockets need to continue to play fast, but they need to maintain that tempo for all four quarters. The Lakers managed to slow Houston’s tempo during last game’s third quarter. The Rockets need to keep the fast pace of play, but take care of the ball, like it’s their child. Houston really needs to clean up their turnovers and free throw shooting, the two areas that’ve plagued the Rockets most to start the season. It starts at the point: if Kevin Porter Jr. can keep his turnovers down at point guard, it should have article down effect on the rest of his teammates. Hopefully, Alperen Sengun, who was sensational in his first start, gets the starting nod again. And expect K.J. Martin to continue to see more playing time as he’s been extremely efficient in every minute this season.
Look for Jalen Green to continue to be aggressive after coming off his second-best game of his young career. Houston has a great chance to pull the upset tonight over Phoenix. The news about Sarver dropped this afternoon, and it’s still fresh in the minds of everyone in the NBA world. The Rockets have a chance to beat this distracted Phoenix team if they just manage to cut down on their turnovers. The Suns are 3-3 to start the season, and still have former Rocket Chris Paul running the show. Tonight’s contest won’t be easy, but if the Rockets clean up their mistakes, and follow the blueprint from their previous game, Houston has a chance to seize their first road win of the young season.
Footprint Center: Phoenix, Arizona
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (1-6): White
Phoenix Suns (3-3): Purple
TV: 9 PM CT – NBA TV, AT&T Sportsnet SW