Road to Redemption Begins, Rockets Seek Revenge, As Warriors Come Out To Play
The NBA’s best two teams from last season (and, as the Rockets turn things around, this season as well) meet tonight in Houston at Toyota Center for the first time since the Warriors ended the Rockets title hopes in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals last season. The game couldn’t come at a more pivotal time for Houston. The Rockets sit one game below .500 (6-7) and are beginning to click as a unit and Run As One like Rockets fans expected this season. A victory tonight would give Houston its third straight, and would cement them back into the discussion of teams that are capable of dethroning Golden State. The Warriors, oddly enough, have had their own problems recently of late. The team suspended Draymond Green after Monday’s overtime loss to the Clippers due to a heated argument involving Green and their pampered superstar, the oversensitive Kevin Durant. The altercation escalated into the locker room, and although nothing physical happened, Warriors GM Bob Meyers and Coach Steve Kerr held an in-house discussion on Tuesday to discuss the incident with the team. Meyers and Kerr (usually too cool for school) realized the direness of this situation within their team dynamics. Kevin Durant is a free agent at the end of this season, and you can only have so many superstars on one team before their natural egos will disrupt the group. Durant and Green have been testy for a while now, always able to turn the other cheek. This time it was different. Durant was seen uttering the words, “this is why I’m out” after a pivotal play near the end of the game in which Draymond lost the ball instead of looking to find a wide open Durant for a game breaking shot. So, since Durant is too sensitive for the Warriors to suspend him, and a vastly superior talent to Green, the Warriors decided to suspend Draymond, the man whose capability of being a reliable irritant to every NBA player and team, including his own, never surprises. Not to mention that Stephen Curry is currently out nursing an injury and will be out for at least the next 10 days, the Warriors dynasty has some early season tests. Draymond Green is also listed as questionable for tonight’s match, but I expect him to play, and have a bounce back game. After a smooth 9-1 start, Houston looks to deal the Warriors their 4th loss in their last 6 games. The Rockets meanwhile have their own injury issues in terms of rotational players. The energetic spark off the bench Gerald Green is questionable for tonight’s game after missing the last several games. And Gary Clark, the savvy rookie who’s taken on more of a role with each passing game, is also listed as questionable. This tilt would provide a great opportunity for Clark to get experience against the NBA’s best. Hopefully he will be able to play. The Rockets have had this game circled on their calendar since the schedule was released. Look for Houston to play with the intensity and defensive focus they’ve shown over the last 2 games and the Rockets will have a great chance to win their first battle of the season against Golden State. Harden and Paul should feast on a Curry-less backcourt, but they will need to contain Klay Thompson, Golden State’s most underrated, yet lethal star. When he gets hot he can prove to be more unstoppable than Curry. However, if Tucker and Ennis can get some help on Durant and Thompson on the defensive end, the Rockets should win game number 3 in a row tonight. Clint Capela, who’s looks sharper with each game, should have his way with Golden State’s big men, stat-padders Jonas Jerebko and Jordan Bell. The Warriors are a dynasty, albeit one that’s teetering on the edge of stability, as egos, rumors, and irritants threaten to tear the team apart, which would be great for the basketball world. Let’s hope the Rockets can push them a little closer to the edge.
Toyota Center – Houston, Texas
7 PM CT – TNT