Rockets Seek Redemption, Battle Warriors in First Game After Break
Back in Action. Stretch Run. Final Pieces.
“You’re really lucky you know that? You didn’t have to wait your whole life to do something special,” Walter White tells Jesse in the Breaking Bad movie, El Camino. And after a special break that featured one of the more memorable All-Star games in recent history, the Rockets make their way to the Bay Area, continuing their journey towards accomplishing something truly special. Houston takes on Golden State as the Rockets try to avenge their Christmas-Day loss, which also took place in San Francisco. The Warriors still have the the worst record in the NBA, but they’ve added a new piece since the last time they faced Houston: Andrew Wiggins. Golden State’s newest star has been stellar since joining the Warriors. The former number one overall pick will be the focus of the Rockets’ defense tonight. Regardless, Wiggins is a player with All-Star potential who hasn’t performed at a high level on consistent basis. Meanwhile, Houston has two superstars, both in their primes, with James Harden and Russell Westbrook. On any given night, either one, or both, of the Rockets All-Stars could catch fire.
The Beard and Brodie both participated in the All-Star game in Chicago, with Harden’s stellar defense late in a hotly-contested fourth quarter helping Team LeBron secure the victory over Team Giannis. Despite this, when asked about strategy after the game, the Greek Freak said he was just trying to pass the ball to whoever Harden was guarding. Turns out, Giannis’ strategy failed. And in the process, over an All-Star break where the league was celebrated, including tributes to Kobe Bryant and David Stern, and where players met for the world’s greatest pickup game… James Harden may have gotten all the motivation he needs.
I don’t know what it is about Harden that provoked Giannis to throw unnecessary shade at the Beard in his comments post All-Star game. The Greek Freak, up until this point, was considered one of the classiest players in the NBA. Harden doesn’t even say much… his game does all the talking. And ignorant people can’t stand it, while players try and mask their fear (Giannis’ strategy to target Harden on defense truly failed) of the Beard. You’re not going to change James. But, you might motivate him, and this diss, in front of a worldwide audience… is about as big as it gets. If you think Harden isn’t motivated by these words, you don’t know The Beard. Expect James and Russ to lead the Rockets past the Warriors on Thursday night as the NBA season resumes action. Both squads will be shaking the rust off, but Houston’s superiorly talented, and should be primed to avenge their loss to Golden State earlier this season, on Christmas in the Bay. The Rockets also added some new pieces to their ship over the break. Houston added two players off the buyout market on Monday: DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Green. Both are 33-year old veterans who are solid defenders with versatile skill-sets. Green’s contract is a 10-day, but expect the Rockets to sign him for the rest of the season once that expires. These seasoned vets should be perfect additions to a Houston team fully-committed to small ball. Both players are 6’8, and will likely be the tallest Rockets on the court when they’re on the floor. Carroll and Green can both hit the three and take pride in their defense, the main reasons Rockets’ GM Daryl Morey signed them. Their availability isn’t clear yet for tonight’s contest, but both guys should be cleared to play in Houston’s next game, a much tougher affair on Saturday night in Utah. These could be the final pieces for the Rockets to reach the Finals in the Harden era. If Houston can stay healthy, these moves increase their chances at a title.
Thursday night’s game is vastly important if the Rockets want to keep ground in the standings. Houston wants to start the starch run towards the playoffs on a positive note. And with a date in the toughest place to play in basketball, Salt Lake City, looming on Saturday night, Houston needs to end their trend of falling to losing teams. There’s no excuses anymore for this Rockets team. Eric Gordon is questionable tonight with a shin bruise, but Houston has more than enough, whether EG plays or not, to batter the Warriors. Mike D’Antoni is still tinkering with his starting lineup, as the coach recently said he’s not sure who’ll get that fifth spot, Eric Gordon or Danuel House Jr. Splash Gordon’s a better fit leading the bench unit, and House is more at home with the starters. EG’s been one of the NBA’s best sixth men for years. And more importantly, House is sneakily having one of the best seasons in the league among role players. The Rockets are 26-11 when House starts, and only 8-9 when he comes off the bench. Therefore, the easy answer for D’Antoni should be Danuel House. Don’t expect to see much defense tonight. Houston will be rusty like all teams, after having 8 days off. The Warriors small-ball lineup will defend the Rockets better than expected, but look for Houston to eventually pull away, and win an easy one in the Bay. It’s time Harden, Russ, and the squad started punishing the league’s inferior teams. The Rockets have no more time to toy around with their opponents. Houston is lucky enough to be one of the few, true contenders for this year’s NBA Championship. But failing to capitalize on matchups like tonight’s will cost the team a shot at the title. It’s a nasty habit the Rockets have failed to kick all season. A victory in convincing fashion would be more than a win. This Houston squad’s innate desire to play down to their opponent’s level is the most frustrating aspect of the Rockets. They’ve had eight days off. Plenty of time to rest and recover, and the squad’s added a pair of new tools to the roster. It’s time for Houston to end their trend of losing to the worst. And bursting out of the All-Star break with a blowout win over the hated-Warriors… would be a step towards something special.
Chase Center: San Francisco, California
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (34-20): Red
Golden State Warriors (12-43): White
TV: 9:30 PM CT – TNT