Harden’s Streak Continues, but Rockets Ambushed by Wolves in 2nd Half, Lose 121-111
Second Half Woes. Death on the Glass. Much-Needed Break.
It was close for much of the contest, but by crunch time the Rockets ran out of gas. Houston fell in Minnesota, 121-111, losing another game to a team they should have beaten. The Rockets second half woes continued as the Wolves outscored Houston by 16 after halftime. James Harden extended his 30-point game streak to 31 games, tying Wilt for 2nd All-Time. The Beard finished with 42, but the more important stat was not extended. Houston failed to close out another inferior opponent, and the losses are piling up for the Rockets. The team’s chances to get the desired 2 or 3 seed get slimmer with each defeat. Houston now finds itself in 5th, 5 games behind OKC for the 3 seed. Hopefully, the return of the big fella, and a healthy roster will pay dividends for the Rockets down the stretch.
Clint Capela’s absence was felt in this game more than any other since his injury. The Rockets lost this game on the boards, and in the hustle department. Karl-Anthony Towns had his way inside, finishing with 25 points, and 9 boards. Overall, the Wolves were the quicker team to the loose ball and outhustled Houston in the grit department. The Manimal finished with another double-double, but Faried was a major defensive liability inside the paint, as Minnesota got whatever they wanted near the rim. Jeff Teague sing-handedly destroyed the Rockets in the game’s final frame. The Wolves point guard got a layup whenever he pleased, finishing with 27 points to lead Minnesota to victory. As a team, the Rockets need to improve this aspect of their team defense. Capela’s return certainly will help, but it won’t solve all of Houston’s defensive problems that have plagued the squad all season long.
All-Star break has finally arrived. A much-needed one for a hobbled, exhausted, Rockets team that looks to rest up and get healthy for the final stretch of the season. James Harden is heading to Charlotte for the festivities, but he’ll be able to rest up his shoulder and knee. The Beard was limping in the 4th quarter after banging knees with Dario Saric. Harden, and P.J. Tucker, who hasn’t missed a game in over 500 contests, and leads the Rockets in minutes, desperately will get some rest. Clint Capela is aiming to return in Houston’s first game after the All-Star break. The Rockes schedule is brutal to start the stretch run. Their first two games are on the road. Against the desperate Lakers, who are fighting for their playoff lives with each, and every game. And then Houston pays a visit back to Oracle, where Harden and the Rockets will face off against DeMarcus Cousins in a Warriors uniform for the first time. Houston will look to stay healthy as the season winds down, and teams makes their playoff pushes for positioning in the crowded Western Conference.