Thunder Strike Late, Rockets Collapse in Last Game, 112-111
Heartbreak, Again. 2, 3, 4. The Ride Stops… For Now.
Leading by 13 after three quarters, the Rockets had everything lined up for a win on Tuesday night. Houston outplayed Oklahoma City for three quarters. But, the fourth quarter exists for a reason. And the Rockets failed to launch in the final frame. Houston collapsed, as the Thunder stormed back for a 112-111 victory that shook things up in the West. Paul George hit the go-ahead shot, a corner three with 1.6 seconds remaining that sealed the win for OKC. Houston’s James Harden got a great look at a three to win the game, but the ball clanked off the back iron. The Rockets have now gave up double-digit fourth quarter leads to the Thunder in their past two matchups. Houston reverted back to an old bad habit and let a talented team hang around long enough. Eventually, OKC came back to strike and Houston lost. They didn’t only lose the game, they lost their chance to clinch the second seed. Before the contest ended, Denver lost in Utah, meaning a Rockets win would seal the second seed for Houston. Unfortunately, the Rockets couldn’t hold on, and now their playoff seeding is still up in air.
After failing to snag the two seed on Tuesday night, the Rockets can end up in either the second, third, or fourth spot in the Western Conference. If Denver loses on Wednesday night at home to Minnesota, which is unlikely, Houston would get the two seed. If Portland loses on Wednesday night to Sacramento, the Rockets get the three seed. However, if the Blazers win on Wednesday, Houston drops down to the four spot. Which would mean a potential second round matchup with Golden State, instead of Western Conference Finals rematch. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Chris Paul has a greater chance of staying healthy, given he will not has played as many playoff games. And the Rockets know they can beat the Warriors. It doesn’t matter when they play the defending Champs. Houston is ready to take them out. They’ve worked all season towards the goal of dethroning Golden State.
It’s been an incredible year for the Rockets. This regular season wasn’t as victorious as last year’s team that set the record in franchise wins. However, this season had its moments. The Unguardable Tour. A mountain climb from the fourteenth position, up to home-court advantage. Harden’s historic season. Whether he wins MVP or not, real basketball fans realize there shouldn’t even be a debate. James Harden was the most-valuable player in the NBA, all season. Without Harden the Rockets might not even make the playoffs. It’s will be a shame if he doesn’t win, considering of how deserving the Beard is of the award, this year more than any other in his career. Harden and the Rockets have bigger goals in mind. And, as the Beard said after the game, the team’s “ready for something big.” Regardless of seeding, one thing is clear: the Houston Rockets can do something special during the playoffs. This year’s team faced more adversity than last year’s squad. Houston is ready to take on any bumps they will encounter on their playoff road. With number 13 leading the way, if they can stay healthy, Houston will win the Championship this season.