Rockets Reload, Blaze into Portland to Close Road Trip
Final Stop. The Gang Returns. 50-Burger Center.
Houston’s craziest road-trip in recent memory comes to an end Wednesday night in Portland. After winning the opener on this voyage, then going 1-1 during the most somber back-to-back imaginable, the Rockets are in position to finish this trip 3-1, if they can secure a victory in Portland. James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Clint Capela are all back in action for Houston after missing the previous game in Utah. This road-trip’s been the most unpredictable in franchise history. No one saw the tragedy over the weekend coming. At the same time, no one expected a Rocket without the name Harden or Westbrook (Eric Gordon aka Gordy Gord) on his back to drop 50 points against the hottest team in the NBA (the Jazz), in their building. Similar to Denver and Utah, Portland has one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA, with a devoted fan-base. The Blazers are the only professional team in Portland, and the city embraces basketball with a passion. Damian Lillard is coming off a 50-point game, and is always a problem for Houston. Tonight… expect the unexpected.
Houston can’t let the return of the chunk of the starters to affect the team-play the Rockets put on display in Utah. Splash Gordon led the way with 50 points, but it was the best team-oriented win of the season for Houston: frequent ball-movement, less isolation. Factors that will likely reverse with the return of Harden and Westbrook. If the surprise win of the season taught the Rockets anything… they need to understand the importance of relying on the “others”, like Gordon, Ben McLemore, Daniel House, Austin Rivers, P.J. Tucker, and the rest of the squad. It’s harder to catch a rhythm for role players, opposed to ball-dominant stars who get the most looks at the rim. But this Houston team isn’t going anywhere without using their depth they displayed against the Jazz. This Rockets team is much deeper than people realize. Hopefully they keep tapping into that depth as the stars return tonight in Portland.
The Blazers are 20-27, and are within reach of the final playoff-spot in the West. Overall, Portland has been arguably the most dissapointing team in the league all season. For a team that reached the Western Conference Finals last year, the Blazers are desperately trying to get back in the playoff mix. They’ve been playing better since they’re last matchup against Houston, the Rockets loss that inspired the Brodie-led team-meeting post-game. Houston’s out for some revenge tonight, after Portland handed the Rockets another disappointing loss, the last time these teams met. Westbrook and Lillard aren’t the best of pals. Expect a heated matchup at the point guard position to be on display this evening.
It’s incredible how players have put on inspirational performances, over the past few days, in honor of Kobe Bryant. There’s been a 50-point game every night since the tragedy. And tonight, Portland will be hosting a 50-Burger Center. Six players in total playing tonight have scored reached the 50-point watermark in their careers. James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Eric Gordon for the Rockets. And Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Carmelo Anthony for the Blazers. They’re all familiar with the sights, smells, and sounds that come with a delicious 50-Burger.. one of basketball’s most delectable entrees. Something Kobe devoured 25 times in his career. Who’s going off tonight? Someone is… I can feel it in the air. The question is who? Harden’s due for a big-night, it’s seemed like ages. Prepare for the Beard to peer out from the shadows, and blaze into Moda Center with an epic performance… he’s crazily overdue.
Moda Center: Portland, Oregon
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (29-17): Black
Portland Trail Blazers (20-27): Red
TV: 9 PM CT – ESPN, AT&T Sportsnet SW