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That wasn’t ideal.
Despite winning four in a row (and five of the last six), the Rockets couldn’t manage to take care of an inferior opponent in the Miami Heat, who, albeit, rattled off a league-best 13 game win streak not too long ago. Nonetheless, with fresh legs and eyes ahead to a week off for NBA All-Star, Houston should have been able to send the Heat back to South Beach with a loss.
Miami lived up to its team name early, completely lighting the Rockets ablaze with 73.7% shooting from the field – including hitting three of four from beyond the arc, much more effective than Houston’s two of seven from range. Houston’s defense was porous, but they managed to keep the game close (34-28).
Houston seemed to tighten things up defensively to start the second period, but Miami fired back to build a double-digit lead. In fact, the Heat managed to build a 15-point lead and basically maintain it for the last six minutes of the quarter. Despite the Heat holding this lead, Miami’s shooting percentage plummeted to just 33.3% from the field. Houston, however, could not capitalize, shooting 36.8% from the field and converting only one of seven attempts from three (they were just 3/14 in the first half). Houston went into halftime with a 13-point deficit (58-45).
The third period did absolutely no favors for the Rockets, despite James Harden and Clint Capela combining for 18 points on a combined 56% shooting. No other Rocket had more than three points in the quarter, which allowed Miami to maintain its 15-point lead at quarter’s end. Miami had actually built its lead up to 20, but a quick flurry of scoring from Harden, Sam Dekker, and Eric Gordon made the game more manageable.
Ryan Anderson, who is ailing from a lacerated thumb after taking out the trash (yes, I’m serious), really found his mojo and scored 14 points – including four threes in the final period. His scoring flurry was good enough to cut Houston’s deficit to single digits momentarily, but Miami staved off any real attempt at a comeback. Houston’s momentum essentially ended when Anderson picked up a technical foul for expressing his frustrations on a play that saw Hassan Whiteside block away two of his shots at the rim; Ryno thought both were goaltends.
Whiteside, Dion Waiters, and former Rocket Goran Dragic were major problems for the Rockets in this game, combining for 65 points. Waiters, who has been on an absolute tear lately, nearly recorded a triple-double with 23 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Whiteside also scored 23 points, and he hauled in 14 rebounds and blocked five shots.
Houston had a late barrage of threes to bring the Rockets within six points with about 26 seconds left in the game, but it was too little, too late. Despite Anderson’s 14 points and Harden contributing 12 of his own, the rest of the team only scored 10 points. That was kind of the story for this entire game. Harden had a monster game, and he had flashes of help from teammates at different points. However, the lack of defense and lack of scoring help when it mattered is really what sank the Rockets in this game.
The Rockets will have a week off thanks to the All-Star Break in New Orleans, which will see James Harden start in the All-Star Game and Eric Gordon compete in the 3-Point Contest. The Rockets won’t have to travel very far (Harden and Gordon specifically) as Houston returns to action on Thursday, February 23rd (the date of the NBA trade deadline) in New Orleans against Anthony Davis and the Pelicans.
Game Ball
This is a segment of the game recaps that will give the proverbial game ball to a player that proved to be most valuable to the Rockets on a given night. This award won’t necessarily go to the player that puts up the best numbers, but to the player that made the greatest impact on the team – tangible or intangible.
Wednesday’s game ball goes to James Harden.
It’s only fitting that Harden put up an All-Star performance just days before he makes his very first start in the NBA All-Star game. On Wednesday, he put up another ridiculous stat line (38 points on 47.6% shooting, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists with only four turnovers), Harden couldn’t quite send his team into the All-Star break with smiling faces – but it wasn’t for lack of trying.
Let’s just hope this game was a result of the Rockets looking ahead to a much-needed week off, and a hot Miami team taking advantage of that.
Showing posts with label Goran Dragic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goran Dragic. Show all posts
Game Preview: Houston Rockets vs Miami Heat
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Houston, now holding a record of 40-17 after dismantling the shorthanded Suns on Saturday, have won six of their last eight games (including four in a row). The Rockets are led in scoring, assists, and rebounds by MVP candidate James Harden, at 29.1 points, 11.3 assists, and 8.2 rebounds a game. The Rockets have moved up in every rating stat after their last game, now ranking 2nd in offensive rating, 12th in defensive rating, and 3rd in net rating.
The Heat have found themselves in the 11th seed out East - sitting at 24-32 on the season - after holding a record of 11-30 just 15 games ago. Although the Heat have dropped their last two games, they have played well as of late as those two games are the only thing separating them from a blistering 13 game win streak. The Heat are led in scoring and assists by Goran Dragic, at 20.3 points and 6.3 assists, and in rebounds by Hassan Whiteside at 14.1 per game. The Heat rank 26th in offensive rating, 6th in defensive rating, and 16th in net rating.
Starting Lineups
Eric Gordon, who missed the last two games with back tightness, and Ryan Anderson, who cut his thumb, are questionable for Wednesday's game but are both probable to play. The Rockets will likely start James Harden at point guard, Patrick Beverley at shooting guard, Trevor Ariza at small forward, Ryan Anderson (or Sam Dekker if Ryan can't play) at power forward, and Clint Capela at center, with Eric Gordon getting starter’s minutes as the sixth man (again, if he is able to play).
The Heat have been without Chris Bosh, Josh McRoberts and Justice Winslow for most of the year, and that will continue for Wednesday's game while Josh Richardson is doubtful having suffered a sprained ankle. The Heat will likely start with Goran Dragic at point guard, Dion Waiters at shooting guard, Rodney McGruder at small forward, Luke Babbit at power forward, and Hassan Whiteside at center.
Three Things to Watch
Prediction and Tip-Off
This Rockets are going to go for five in a row and I say they get there. A team like the Heat likely won't beat a good team twice, and the Rockets are well rested. The only way the Rockets lose is if they begin to look ahead to the break.
Tip-off will be at 7:00 P.M. Central Time in Houston on Wednesday, February 15th. The game will be televised on ROOT SPORTS, with the radio broadcast on Sports Talk 790-AM.
Houston, now holding a record of 40-17 after dismantling the shorthanded Suns on Saturday, have won six of their last eight games (including four in a row). The Rockets are led in scoring, assists, and rebounds by MVP candidate James Harden, at 29.1 points, 11.3 assists, and 8.2 rebounds a game. The Rockets have moved up in every rating stat after their last game, now ranking 2nd in offensive rating, 12th in defensive rating, and 3rd in net rating.
The Heat have found themselves in the 11th seed out East - sitting at 24-32 on the season - after holding a record of 11-30 just 15 games ago. Although the Heat have dropped their last two games, they have played well as of late as those two games are the only thing separating them from a blistering 13 game win streak. The Heat are led in scoring and assists by Goran Dragic, at 20.3 points and 6.3 assists, and in rebounds by Hassan Whiteside at 14.1 per game. The Heat rank 26th in offensive rating, 6th in defensive rating, and 16th in net rating.
Starting Lineups
Eric Gordon, who missed the last two games with back tightness, and Ryan Anderson, who cut his thumb, are questionable for Wednesday's game but are both probable to play. The Rockets will likely start James Harden at point guard, Patrick Beverley at shooting guard, Trevor Ariza at small forward, Ryan Anderson (or Sam Dekker if Ryan can't play) at power forward, and Clint Capela at center, with Eric Gordon getting starter’s minutes as the sixth man (again, if he is able to play).
The Heat have been without Chris Bosh, Josh McRoberts and Justice Winslow for most of the year, and that will continue for Wednesday's game while Josh Richardson is doubtful having suffered a sprained ankle. The Heat will likely start with Goran Dragic at point guard, Dion Waiters at shooting guard, Rodney McGruder at small forward, Luke Babbit at power forward, and Hassan Whiteside at center.
Three Things to Watch
- Last One Before The Break – Wednesday's game will be the Rockets' last before they get a rest for All-Star Weekend, and the Rockets will be looking for win number 41 - their season total from last season. Watch to see if the Rockets end the first part of the season on a high note and take care of business, instead of looking forward to a long rest.
- Try Again – The Heat started their 13 game win streak against the Rockets when these teams matched up on January 17th, right in the middle of the Rockets worst month of the season. The main contributor in Houston's six point loss was poor three-point shooting as the Rockets made fewer than 25% of their threes in Miami. Watch to see if the Rockets are able to hit their threes and put the Heat away early, like they should against an undermanned team.
- Defend the Rim – The Rockets allow the highest FG% in the league on attempts between 0-3 feet, which means that the Rockets are struggling to defend shots at the rim. Rim protection is a must against a team with a big like Hassan Whiteside and a quick, slashing guard like Dragic. Watch to see if the Rockets bigs, who are on a few days' rest, are able to do a better job at contesting opposing layups.
Prediction and Tip-Off
This Rockets are going to go for five in a row and I say they get there. A team like the Heat likely won't beat a good team twice, and the Rockets are well rested. The only way the Rockets lose is if they begin to look ahead to the break.
Tip-off will be at 7:00 P.M. Central Time in Houston on Wednesday, February 15th. The game will be televised on ROOT SPORTS, with the radio broadcast on Sports Talk 790-AM.
Game Preview: Houston Rockets vs Miami Heat
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After winning big against the Brooklyn Nets, the Rockets head to Miami to play the broken down Miami Heat. The Rockets are led in scoring, assists and rebounds by MVP candidate James Harden, at 28.4 points, 11.7 assists, and 8.3 rebounds a game. The Rockets are ranked 3rd in offensive rating, 19th in defensive rating, and 4th in net rating.
The Heat head into the game with the 2nd best worst record in the league, dropping even further than many thought they would, after losing Chris Bosh due to blood clots. The Heat are led in scoring and assists by Goran Dragic, at 19 points and 6.4 assists, and in rebounding by Hassan Whiteside, at 14.3 rebounds per game. The Heat rank 29th in offensive rating, 13th in defensive rating, and 24th in net rating
Starting Lineups
As Clint Capela is set to return to action on Tuesday, the Rockets will likely start James Harden at point guard, Patrick Beverley at shooting guard, Trevor Ariza at small forward, Ryan Anderson at power forward, and Clint Capela at center, with Eric Gordon getting starter’s minutes.
In addition to missing Bosh for the entire season, the Heat are short Josh McRoberts, Justice Winslow, and Josh Richardson, who all started games for the Heat this year, ad may also miss bench big, Willie Reed. The Heat will probably start the game with Goran Dragic at point guard, Rodney McGruder at shooting guard, Dion Waiters at small forward, Luke Babbit at power forward, and Hassan Whiteside at center.
Three Things to Watch
Prediction and Tip-Off
The Rockets are head and shoulders above the Heat in talent level, and it will likely show on Tuesday. I expect a big win for the Rockets, allowing Harden and the starters to be rested for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee.
Tip-off will be at 6:30 P.M. Central Time in Miami on Tuesday, January 17th. The game will be televised on NBAtv and ROOT Sports, with the radio broadcast on Sports Talk 790-AM.
After winning big against the Brooklyn Nets, the Rockets head to Miami to play the broken down Miami Heat. The Rockets are led in scoring, assists and rebounds by MVP candidate James Harden, at 28.4 points, 11.7 assists, and 8.3 rebounds a game. The Rockets are ranked 3rd in offensive rating, 19th in defensive rating, and 4th in net rating.
The Heat head into the game with the 2nd best worst record in the league, dropping even further than many thought they would, after losing Chris Bosh due to blood clots. The Heat are led in scoring and assists by Goran Dragic, at 19 points and 6.4 assists, and in rebounding by Hassan Whiteside, at 14.3 rebounds per game. The Heat rank 29th in offensive rating, 13th in defensive rating, and 24th in net rating
Starting Lineups
As Clint Capela is set to return to action on Tuesday, the Rockets will likely start James Harden at point guard, Patrick Beverley at shooting guard, Trevor Ariza at small forward, Ryan Anderson at power forward, and Clint Capela at center, with Eric Gordon getting starter’s minutes.
In addition to missing Bosh for the entire season, the Heat are short Josh McRoberts, Justice Winslow, and Josh Richardson, who all started games for the Heat this year, ad may also miss bench big, Willie Reed. The Heat will probably start the game with Goran Dragic at point guard, Rodney McGruder at shooting guard, Dion Waiters at small forward, Luke Babbit at power forward, and Hassan Whiteside at center.
Three Things to Watch
- Capela Comes Back – After missing about 4 weeks with a broken leg, center Clint Capela is scheduled to return to action on Tuesday. Watch to see if Clint is able to pick up where he left off, and help to turn around the recent defensive skid.
- Trap Game – Coming off of a big win against another bad team, the Rockets might fall victim to a trap game, overlooking the Heat to prepare for the Bucks the day after. Watch to see if the Rockets are able to maintain their concentration and make Tuesdays game a blow out.
- Tired Legs – After just finishing a 5 game in 7 nights stretch on Wednesday, the Rockets are about to head into a stretch of 4 games in 5 nights. Watch to see if Coach D'Antoni changes his rotations, or if the Rockets look to put the game away early, in order to maintain fresh legs for this tough week of basketball.
Prediction and Tip-Off
The Rockets are head and shoulders above the Heat in talent level, and it will likely show on Tuesday. I expect a big win for the Rockets, allowing Harden and the starters to be rested for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee.
Tip-off will be at 6:30 P.M. Central Time in Miami on Tuesday, January 17th. The game will be televised on NBAtv and ROOT Sports, with the radio broadcast on Sports Talk 790-AM.
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