Lillard, Blazers, Light Up Rockets, 125-112
Diminishing Returns. Same Old Rockets. More Days Off.
In another uninspired performance, the Rockets ended their road-trip with a 125-112 defeat at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers. Besides Russell Westbrook, no one on Houston looked inspired or had the energy they displayed in Utah. Brodie continues to be Houston’s lone, relentless, force of late. Westbrook continued attacking the basket, scoring 39 points on an efficient 16-for-29 from the floor. Other Rockets just couldn’t find a rhythm. And James Harden? Well, something’s wrong with the Beard. Harden hasn’t been right since he dropped 41 in Houston’s loss in Atlanta. Since that game, the Beard’s been held under 20 points in four of his past nine games. Harden was nearly averaging 40 a third into the season. Now, the Beard looks like a mere mortal.
Everyone was impacted by Kobe, Harden harder than most. Some players have responded with motivated, inspired performances to honor Kobe. While others are still in shock, and processing the event. The Beard was one of Gianna’s (Kobe’s daughter) five favorite players, along with Brodie, LeBron, Luka, and Giannis. Back in 2011, a legendary summer pickup-game featured Harden playing his future teammate Tyson Chandler, and Kobe Bryant. After the game, Kobe told Chandler (referring to Harden), “he’s going to be the next one after me.” And the Beard has been, at least until recently. I’d say it’s just the Kobe Effect, but Harden’s been struggling for weeks. It’s not even a slump anymore. Either he’s playing hurt, or he needs to figure out how to find himself again. The Rockets need Harden to find his groove soon. If he’s hiding an injury, Harden needs to sit until he’s ready to be the Beard we’re used to seeing on the court.
As evidenced against Portland, Westbrook, despite having a brilliant outing, can’t do all the work himself. Damian Lillard continues to be the hottest player in basketball. Dame finished with his first (hard to believe) career triple-double. Lillard scorched the Rockets for 36 points, 11 dimes, and 10 boards. Dame hit some improbable deep shots from distance that kept Westbrook and Houston at bay.
Maybe the return of Houston’s Big Three changed the bench atmosphere. It appears to be the case. Despite 17 points from Austin Rivers and Ben McLemore, the rest of Houston was very quiet. The second unit got the rare chance to play extended minutes with multiple starters out in the Rockets’ win over the Jazz. After retuning with a full lineup against the Blazers, Houston looked like the same old Rockets. Getting a double-digit lead on an inferior opponent (Houston led by 12 in the first half), only to give up that lead, and lose by double-digits in disappointing fashion. Just the same, old Rockets. At least, that’s been their M.O. this season. After dropping 50 points and having the game of his life in Utah, Eric Gordon scored only 8 points in Portland. EG didn’t get the quantity of looks he got in Utah, but that’s no excuse for shooting 2-for-10 from the field. Clint Capela was non-existent in Portland. Capela looks likes he’s not over that heel injury. Houston’s big man finished with only 2 points, 7 boards, and lacked the usual pep in his step on both ends. Capela usually gets up-and-down the floor with the best of the NBA’s bigs, and his help-defense had been spectacular. This wasn’t the case in Portland, as the Blazers shut down Capela. Maybe the Rockets also need to shut him down, and give their man in the middle some days off until he’s healthy. The same needs to be done for Harden, although, that’s asking a lot. If the Beard wants to play, he’s going to play. Capela, that’s another story. He’s obviously hurt. Harden, it’s not crystal clear, but the Beard appears to be nursing some sort of injury. It’s showing in his movement, or lack thereof, on the court.
Houston finishes the road-trip at 2-2. All isn’t lost. Although, as usual, after the unexpected and undermanned win in Utah, hopes were up for a victory against a worse Portland with a healthy squad (or so we thought) back. The Rockets are tied with Dallas for the 5th spot in the West, with a record of 29-18. The Mavs just happen to come into Houston for Brodie and company’s next game on Friday night. It’s the first home game for the Rockets since Sunday’s devastation that shook the world. Like every team, Houston will be honoring Kobe pregame. It will be an emotional night, especially before tip. Hopefully Harden can find inspiration amongst all the chaos… and return with a signature Beard performance.