Rockets and Warriors Meet for First Time Under Vastly Different Circumstances
A Tale of Two Teams. Rocket Demons. Golden Opportunity.
They’re finally back. The team Houston was “built” to beat, according to Rockets GM Daryl Morey. Except this time, these guys will be looking completely different on the court. The balance of power has switched. Bullies no more are the Warriors to the NBA. They’ve fallen to bottom of the pile. Which could be a nasty trick against the Rockets. Houston needs to respect this Golden State squad, as if they weren’t injured, and were the semi-dynastic team of the past. “Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope.” A Lion King quote spoken by the wise Mufasa. One the Rockets need to take to heart if they ever want to wear the NBA’s crown. Houston has fallen back into their nasty habit of playing down to their competition. A trait that could eventually prove the Rockets downfall if they cannot start taking each night’s opponent seriously. No matter the talent-level on the other side. James Harden and company had this bad habit last year and it’s carrying over into this season through 7 games. Well, the Rockets have another chance to prove they can turn the page and show improvements on defense and shooting. A foe that used to be a leaping antelope in this league has now been reduced to a crawling ant. One that should be squashed but won’t, if the Rockets enter the game with lazy confusion and disrespect for their opponent. An occurrence that’s happened far too often this season.
A golden opportunity to get on a winning streak awaits Houston as they take on the Golden State Warriors tonight. A statement I never thought I’d say a year ago. How times change so quickly now in the NBA. Golden State’s time as kings of the NBA has ended. The dynasty is over. Last time these two teams met, they were vying for a spot in the Conference Finals. Tonight, will be much different. The new-look Rockets have Russell Westbrook this time around, among other new pieces. And virtually a team full of new faces will be in the lineup for Golden State. Kevin Durant jettisoned to Brooklyn in the offseason. Other core members from the juggernaut that was (Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green) are all out with injuries as well. Thompson’s expected to miss the season. Curry recently broke his hand and will be out for months, and Green will miss at least the next 3 games. Before the season, the Warriors had hopes of making the playoffs. However, these injuries have hampered their expectations for the season. Curry’s broken hand was the final nail in the coffin for Golden State’s playoff hopes.
One would think Houston would enter this game eager to give the Warriors a beatdown, no matter the competition. It’s still the same franchise that ended the Rockets season 4 of the last 5 years. However, Houston’s been dealing with their own “Rocket Demons.” Through 7 games, it’s been a tale of two teams in Houston. The team with the talent to win a championship. Two superstars, hungry veterans, and players who know their role. Fighting against the team that’s too cool for school, and think they can skate through the regular season. It’s a battle the Rockets will deal with all season long, until their performances begs the differ. Houston against their own inner “Rocket Demons.” It’s the most important battle of all for the squad. And one that will ultimately reveal if Houston is up to the task of winning a championship.
Instead of the famous guys, the Warriors starting lineup will consist of a bunch of unknowns in the NBA, in terms of potential. Something along the likes of: Eric Paschall, Jordan Poole, Willie Cauley-Stein, Glenn Robinson III Ky Bowman. The Rockets should beat the brakes off of these guys. But, Golden State still has Steve Kerr, and they’re going to play hard. That’s not a question. The question is will Houston finally respect their competition and play together. Accomplishing this results in a Rockets win by 20. If not, it could be another close win for the Rockets. A loss? That would be downright embarrassing. Houston can’t afford to fall to 4-4, not at the hands of tonight’s opposition. Eric Gordon had his best game of the season on Monday. EG’s still severely struggled on the season, and he’ll be out tonight with a sore hamstring injury. The rest of the Rockets need to find a groove and hope EG can finally look like the Splash Gordon of past when he returns. Danuel House Jr. and Ben McLemore have been exceptional They should see more playing time tonight. And we’ll see if James Harden has a vendetta against the team that’s been the thorn in his side for the past 5 years. The Beard could drop 60 if he wanted. A win, and chemistry is more important. The game shouldn’t even be close enough for Harden to warrant playing enough minutes to score 50. Until Houston proves they can get off to a hot start and hold the lead, Harden will continue to play taxing extra minutes that will wear down his body in the future.
The Rockets need to start respecting their opposition, no matter the talent level of their opposition. This is a game Houston should win, easily. However, the Rockets have had one of the league’s easiest schedules to start the year, and they’ve failed to seize this opportunity. Every win’s been within 7 points. All coming against teams with losing records. And to be painfully honest… all ugly games they could have easily lost. Houston has yet to sit back, relax, and win comfortably. Something all champions manage to do throughout the season, especially on nights like tonight. It’s time the Rockets exacts some revenge and blow the Warriors out of town. Houston needs to take advantage of the moment given to them tonight. If they can’t… in this season of golden opportunities… they’ll never be king.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Golden State Warriors (2-5): Yellow
Houston Rockets (4-3): Red
TV: 6:30 PM CT – ESPN, ATT Sportsnet SW