Westbrook Scores 45, Rockets Keep Wolves at Bay, 131-124
Hidden Moment of the Year. Russell’s Rockets. Recharged Reserves.
“Just because someone stumbles and loses their path, doesn’t mean they’re lost forever.” Another quote from the film X-Men: Days of Future Past, referenced after the last game. The film’s relevance applies again as the Rockets find themselves these days in the midst of a necessary evolution.. a shift from how they played in the past, to how they must play in the future… if they’re serious about winning a championship this season. The Lakers, Clippers, and Bucks (Houston’s biggest threats to the NBA’s throne) aren’t going anywhere. But, lucky for the Rockets, the same applies for Russell Westbrook. And Brodie had his best game since coming to Houston. Russ scored a season-high 45 points, as the Rockets tamed the Wolves, 131-124, to start their road-trip on an optimistic note. James Harden struggled, shooting only 3-for-13 from the floor, resulting in a season-low 12 points. But this match was deeper than the box score.
Honestly, those stats mean nothing. If the Beard saw what he appeared to recognize on Friday night, Houston’s in for a very bright future. Harden had a key play early in the game that set the tone for how the Rockets beat the Wolves, and hopefully how they’ll play the rest of the season. The play gave Houston its first lead of the game, and was a simple play, yet monumental in meaning for the squad’s mindset n the future. Harden had the ball on the perimeter, with Houston trailing 10-9, midway through the first quarter. The Beard looked ready to settle for a tough step-back, but he also had Westbrook to his right in the corner. Harden chose to dish to Brodie, who caught the ball in momentum for an easy layup that gave the Rockets their first lead, 11-10. A simple play, but watched over-and-over, and given the change in both players’ attitudes since… it could be the hidden moment of the year. Like it or not, believe it or not, Houston has the best chance to win the title with Westbrook, not Harden, as their best player. I’m not saying Russ is a better player than Harden. Im simply stating that Houston’s a better team with Westbrook as option A and Harden as option A1, as opposed to vice-versa, where Harden’s isolation makes it difficult for teammates to find a rhythm with less shots. Brodie’s attacking style suits the Rockets’ pace better than Harden’s frequent step-backs, shots that often detract from Houston’s desire to play fast. The Beard as option A1 is the most potent attack I can think of in NBA history. Hopefully, the Rockets realize this as a necessity for their best shot at long-term success this year, and ultimately.. a ring.
Brodie had twice as many shots as the Beard in Minnesota. Westbrook went 16-for-27, and scored every one of his 45 points without attempting a single three-pointer. Which in today’s NBA, is shocking. Name another player in the league, right now, who can score 45 points without attempting a three… I’ll wait. You won’t see that happen. In a perimeter dominated NBA, where the best scorers use the long ball to get their numbers up, you won’t see anyone drop 45, without at least trying to make a long-range shot. Unless the name sported on that that jersey is Westbrook. Brodie attacks the basket arguably better than anyone in basketball. Houston’s at their best when they shift their offensive focus to Westbrook driving it to the rack, which also creates a multitude of options for teammates to get open shots. A strategy that’s more reliable, and empowering to the entire squad, opposed to relying on the best offensive player in NBA history (Harden) to carry you to a championship.
A resurgence from the Rockets bench took place against the Wolves. Led by Eric Gordon, who continues to play at a Sixth Man of the Year-caliber level, Houston’s reserves combined to score 51 points on Friday, double their average. Austin Rivers, got off to a hot start, missed only one shot, and finished with 16 points on the night. Danuel House chipped in with 8 points, and made great decisions on both ends of the floor. Houston needs these type of bench contributions in the future. Houston’s reserves are more successful when Brodie is a the focal point of the offense. It’s just a fact, backed up by evidence throughout the season. Clint Capela had another strong game. The big man finished the night with 18 points, 9 boards, and an impressive 5 blocks. Houston took advantage of their inexperienced opposition, outscoring the Wolves by 10 points off Minnesota turnovers.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t all good news for the Rockets in Minny. Harden was kneed in the thigh by Karl-Anthony Towns, and is questionable for Houston’s next game in Denver. It’s nothing serious, but the last thing the Rockets want to do is risk the Beard’s health, by playing him if it’s wiser to rest. The Rockets have their toughest back-to-back of the season coming up next. Houston will be fighting the altitude with tough games in Denver and Utah, both teams ahead of the Rockets in the standings. It’s a back-to-back, and this season’s custom continues.. Westbrook will sit the second portion of altitude-hell in Utah. Hopefully, Harden can give it a go in Denver. Houston needs to win at least one of these tough tests to keep pace in the West.
It took a little time, but Brodie is finally finding his perfect fit here in Houston. Russell Westbrook, a superstar who was once the face of the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise. A team that’s seen All-Stars from Kevin Durant, to Paul George, to Houston’s own James Harden depart OKC… even Carmelo Anthony wanted out. Russ had become an afterthought on a mediocre team… a superstar who’s path to an NBA title looked lost. A relentless style of play, but in no place to effectively use his style for winning. And so, after 11 years, and after everyone else left him, Westbrook made the bold move to join his buddy James Harden in Houston. Brodie’s path to a ring may have seemed hopeless after last season’s heartbreaking end at the hands of the Blazers. But Russ has the ultimate chance with the Rockets. And if this Houston team wants to be remembered forever, they need to win the title. We know it. They know it. And their path won’t be easy… but if they follow Westbrook’s lead, I like their chances.