Rockets, Warriors, Clash in Final Regular Season Matchup
The Champion’s Number. Houston’s House. Statement Game?
“The beauty of the NBA is that on Wednesday night we have an opportunity to send a statement”, Steph Curry said before his team’s embarrassing home loss to the Suns on Sunday night. Golden State’s guard already had Houston on his mind. How could he not? The Rockets have won 5 of the 6 previous matchups between the two teams, including last year’s playoffs. Tonight marks the final regular season tilt between Houston and Golden State, the NBA’s two best teams (despite what the records say). The Rockets know it. And more importantly, so do the Warriors. They won’t admit it, but they know Houston is a legit threat to their title as NBA Champions. A sweep at the hands of the Rockets would send quite the statement back at Curry and his team. Kevin Durant is out tonight with an injury for the Warriors, but Golden State, as always, boasts plenty of firepower.
The Rockets are red hot, riding the NBA’s longest winning streak at 9 games. Houston is looking to become the first team in the Steve Kerr-era to sweep the Golden State Warriors during the regular season. Like it or not, the Houston Rockets have the Champion’s number. Something about playing Golden State brings out the absolute best in the Rockets. They play their hardest, they play together, and they truly “Run As One”, as their slogan claims. Houston also plays hungrier than ever when facing the Champs. The Rockets aren’t over their loss in the Western Conference Finals last season. A series, they know they would have won had Chris Paul not gone down with the injury.
This regular season, Houston has dominated Golden State. The Rockets are 3-0 against the Warriors. But, it’s not just the record. Houston beat Golden State in the last game without James Harden, on the road. In the previous matchup, they beat the Warriors again in Oracle Arena, this time without Chris Paul and Eric Gordon. The Rockets have proven it doesn’t matter who they put out on the floor. They’ve got the Champs’ number. And as of yesterday, they got their House back.
Danuel House Jr. is a officially a Houston Rocket again. The Houstonian reached an agreement with the Rockets and is signed with the team for the remainder of the season. House was sensational in his 25 games with Houston. The Rockets went 16-9, with House in the lineup. Many of those games were during Houston’s most difficult stretch of the season. Chris Paul was injured and the Rockets faced the toughest portion of their schedule. Meanwhile, House moved himself from an unknown bench player to a starter in a matter of games. The grit and energy he plays with made House a fan favorite. Houston realized they needed him if they’re going to achieve their ultimate goal of winning a title. The Rockets sent a statement of their own yesterday by bring back their House.
So, Steph Curry and the Warriors think it’s a statement game? I guess they feel the need to prove they can beat Houston. Considering they’ve done it once in their last 6 tries. And that one time was without Chris Paul against an inferior squad. Don’t let the records fool you. This Rockets team is better than last year’s squad. That group made it to within one game of the NBA Finals. Houston’s record may be worse, but this year’s team is a lot better. It just took a while to work out the kinks. And with Danuel House back in Rockets Red, Houston’s ready to make this year’s playoffs more than just a deep run, but a run to remember. Curry was right when he said Wednesday’s game is a statement game. It’s not a good look to get swept by any team in the regular season. Especially, when you’re the back-to-back defending Champions, with 5 All-Stars in their prime. Or maybe this Warriors team isn’t the best in the NBA this season. No matter who wins tonight’s contest, one thing is clear. Golden State will be the favorite heading into the playoffs, regardless of their record or seeding. They’ve earned that, and they should be the favorite. Although, something else has become clear as well. It’s been a crazy and wild NBA season. And anything is possible when Houston is healthy. Maybe, just maybe, the Rockets will emerge and dethrone the Warriors. How sweet it would be… the beauty of the NBA.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Golden State Warriors (45-21): White
Houston Rockets (42-25): Black
TV: 8:30 PM CT – ESPN, ATT Sportsnet SW