James Harden is Slow

NBAtv stat. Slowest players on court so far this season

James is Tied for 3rd

This has to change once healthy right?

Lamarcus Aldridge?

I think this guy may be exactly what the Rockets need. What would you give up?

Steve Blake Wins Game, Is this real life?

Steve Blake, my white whale, well, something like that, I’m not hunting basketball players. Since his days in Portland I have not been to keen of this man. You’d think that I would be a fan as a fellow caucasian baller, but no, not at all. Anyway….


Lew and I were late to the game, arriving at tip off. We grabbed some food and on our way to the seats we got stopped by our season ticket representative. He had an upgrade for us and we moved down to the 14th row behind the Rockets bench, so, that was pretty sweet.



I was distracted the first half listening to the Baylor OU game on my headphones and I never got to upset during the awful start to the game. It seems like they do this all the time anyway, get down by double digits. I saw the score and purposely didn’t get to in to the 1st half, I tend to get worked up and was high on my Baylor Bears, I decided to take “caring” off that half. It ended 50-64, was hoping for at least a 10 point game but, well, you’ve seen the Harden defense gifs by now.


1st half stats:
Nash 10 points and 4 assists

Blake 9 points and 2 assists

Lakers 24/48 fg and 11/14 from 3, ridiculous



Harden 20 points and 3 rebounds

Howard 10 rebounds and 6 points

LIn 8 points and 3 assist and 3 steals and 3 blocks

Rockets 15/43 fg and 2/13 from 3

The second half was fun, until the end. Obviously in hindsight there are a ton of issues with the Rockets. We can’t judge the situation this early but we can be concerned. Their perimeter defense is SO, BAD. Everyone in the NBA can shoot, it is a matter of comfort, can you get comfortable? And the answer is, against the Rockets yes you can. Until that changes they are going to make it tough on themselves. As many problems as they had in this game they had a very good chance to win. Dwight was not the only one missing free throws, it felt like everyone missed one, and they did, except for the 2-2 Caspi. James ignored some play calls, Howard missed some free throws, Steve Blake hits a 3. Rockets lose 98-99, at home.


Final Stats

Omer -11

Howard 15 points and 14 rebounds and too many missed free throws making 5/16

Harden 35 points 5 assists and 4 steals and 9 rebounds (maybe he should have had the ball)


notes:

Don’t overreact to this loss, but by all means, react. Harden’s attitude is awful, he needs to get it together. Dwight needs to practice free throws, more. Kevin needs to get Dwight out of the game on offense at the end if it’s close. A lot of young, big egos on one team, BUT they all actually have a lot of talent, get it together. I am not ready to question Kevin McHale, but I am close. Jeremy needs to play better D more often, he is capable. This was a freak show, weird game, weird end, weird feel. Harden’s “no defense” only works if he gets to control the ball on the other end, like he is handicapping his game to get the ball…if that makes sense...


It’s my fault guys:
I want to take full responsibility for this loss, I can’t stand Steve Blake and all that bad voodoo came back to bite us. I spent 65% of this game making fun of him even though he continued to drain 3s and what do you know, he makes one about 30 yards in front of me to win the game, might as well have been in MY face. My bad guys…

JJ WATT

Post Clippers/Pre Blazers organized chaos

Reaction to LA: 118 - 137
I left my dang game notes at the office, but you don't care about my problems so I'll stick to what I know. Last night was all sorts of Crazy. If you missed it, Asik and Howard got early fouls and the Clippers got nice and cozy shooting the basketball. It was unreal, Reddick, Crawford, Paul, everyone got hot and looking good in Rivers' system. You see JJ flying off screens just like Ray Allen would and Paul running a smooth offense similar to Rondo(but with a jump shot)

The Rockets didn't play any defense and Kevin McHale was mad at the world, he had good reason, the refs wouldn't give his team calls(early) and his players wouldn't bend their knees on D. It was ugly. The Clippers tied a record for their franchise(while in LA) for points in a half with 78(1st half). The Rockets didn't get shut down by any means, they just couldn't keep up. At the end of the 3rd quarter Harden took a poor 3(on a full shot clock) and missed it with 19 seconds left in the quarter, leading to an easy Clippers breakaway to end it. I was irate and can't imagine McHale's attitude was much different. James didn't see much time after that. Every time the Rockets got close to coming back they would miss an easy lay up or dunk.

This sentence is me sparing you 100 more sentences on officiating and the NBA, not going to waste my time today. If you watched the game, you know what you saw.

5 games in 7 days is tough. It looked like the Rockets went to LA to go to the beach and get ready for the Blazers. Harden doesn't look 100%. Caspi is awesome. I can't imagine the Rockets(or refs) playing anything like that in the playoffs, I'm using the excuse of "needed growth" in every loss this year, and I believe that's fair.

Greg Smith leads the NBA in player efficiency rating. http://basketball.realgm.com/

Notes on Blazers:

2-1 record
5th in points per game 106.3
5th in assists per game 24.3

Leaders
Points LaMarcus Aldridge 25.7

Rebounds N. Batum 10.0
Assists N. Batum 6.0
Steals L. Aldridge 0.7
Blocks R. Lopez 2.0

I love Damian Lillard, he is fun to watch, smart, handles, shot, quicks, check him out. 

prediction: I don't know. If the Blazers shoot well or anything like the Clippers did last night then the Rockets lose to be 3-2. If the Rockets shoot decently, I think they'll win, going out on a limb, I know... 9 pm. Go Rockets. 

A couple pregame thoughts and Notes, Rocks @ Clip Show

9:30 is so. far. away.

Clippers: 2-1, 1-0 at home

Chris Paul is averaging 27.7 points and 12 assists after 3 games, against Lin and Brooks tonight he'll go off. 

What to watch for: Everyone has jumped on the Clippers wagon because of the addition of Mr Rivers and the impressive names on their roster, they are impressive. All I’m looking at tonight is there 4(pf) and 5(c) position, Blake and Jordan. I know Jordan a little, a few of my friends went to Episcopal HS with him and we’ve been out on the town a couple times, super nice guy; but there may not be 2 less-intimidating people in the league. Physical ability aside I have no faith in either of their attitudes to truly dominate the NBA. I may be proven wrong and that’s ok, I love seeing kids grow and mature, but I don’t see them ever getting past a 3/4/5 seed in the West without a true Center. Watch them play tonight against Dwight and Asik, it should be a great matchup, Houston will be challenged to keep up with the C’s and may go small. Or, the Clippers may get shut down, stuck in the mud, Asik and Howard need to do a much better job of getting back and communicating in the paint for that to happen.


Prediction: The Rockets are still learning to play together but the win in Utah was impressive. Fresh off of that I game I don’t expect them to get down by much at any point, however a late start in LA is a tough gig. I’d like to think they win by 10 and it’s never really a game, they are capable of doing that in every game. I am going to respect the process though, Rocks still meshing and Cp3 + friends at home = Rockets Loss 116-113. The one thing they have going(besides their awesome team) is that the Clippers are still learning from their new coach, so we’ll see.

Notes: Late start, it is on NBAtv for you non Houstonians. LIn needs to play D, Chris could kill us tonight with Pat out. James should own, maybe 40 pts. Howard and Jordan blocks over/under 6.5? I know I said to look for the “bigs” match ups, but Kevin will probably go small most of the night, this should be a really fun game to watch, high scoring, dunks, blocks, 3s, flops, everything, so stay up for this one. Go Rockets.


Rematch this Saturday in Houston.

Rockets get tired in Utah but beat Jazz...

Rockets Game 3/82,


opponent: 0-2 Utah Jazz


Headline: 19 point comeback to get to 3-0


Game Grade: B, considering 2nd of back to back and on the road (really 1st half: F, 2nd half: A)



Watching the first half play by the Rockets was rough, and even rougher when your city doesn't have a major cable deal with it's basketball team and you have to watch an online feed with Matt Harpring as the color commentator. It was brutal. At one point saying something along the lines of "it looks like Howard has brought the Holywood to Houston" after the Rockets got caught a few times catching their breath and playing sloppy D, I can't stand the guy, at least when the Rockets are getting their butt kicked, I didn't mind as much later in the game, funny...


1st quarter: Ugly

The jazz went on a 10-0 run early taking a 10-3 lead, it was clear that they wanted to slow down the pace any way that they could. The Rockets fought a little and at the 6:08 mark the Jazz took a timeout 12-9 Utah. Howard was pretty terrible in the first half, coming into the game he averaged 27 rebounds but was no where close to that pace. The red team looked tired and the Asik/Howard combo was slow, they are still figuring each other out, that is to be expected, but it’s just awful to watch. 24-16 Jazz after 1.


2nd quarter: Jeremy Lin sucks on defense

That is why he goes for so many steals, there was a stretch in the 2nd quarter though where he was responsible for 7 jazz points in a row. The entire team looked dead but it really exposed Lin on the hustle side. Parsons makes his 1st 3 pointer of the season and ends the half with 20 points, obviously carrying the team(or dragging, which ever). James struggled to do anything and the Utah bigs Kanter and Favors dominated the glass, the Jazz out rebounding Rockets 27 to 12. As Houston struggled, guys like Alec Burks, Enes Kanter(fellow Turkey teammate to Asik), Richard Jefferson, and Bellaire High School grad Houston's own John Lucas III where having great games, the Jazz were looking good and I was foreseeing sportscenter "Howard and Asik Slowing Down Rockets". 56-40 Jazz.





3rd quarter: YAY Points!

After the first half Kevin mcHale called it the worst half they have ever played, and I can 2nd that motion. 1st play of the half James Harden gets a foul and 2 free throws. Soon after that we get a scare as he seems to have either twisted or rolled his ankle, seeing that he kept playing(and well) I am assuming it was just a rolled ankle. The Rockets shot a lot of free throws to get going, Parsons hitting 2 with 7:50 left to make it a 50-58 game. Basically Harden went off and Garcia started hitting 3’s. The Rockets were playing fun basketball, Dwight got going, the Hustle from everyone on D was better and the Half finished tied 73-73.


4th quarter: The Rockets play basketball

The jazz had done a great job of slowing down the game and getting points from everyone in the first half but the Rockets “decided to show up” and the pace was right back how they like it. Houston went on a tear of fast breaks and 3’s(It IS what they do) finishing the game with 21 fast break points to Utah’s 8 and 9/22 from 3 to Utah’s 4/22. The dagger play happened when the Rockets tipped the ball into the jazz backcourt, John Lucas recovered it and shot up a long heave only to have it rebounded and launched to a snow birding Garcia for a layup, 99-90 Houston Lead. Howard and Harden made a couple free throws in the final minutes and the Rockets get out of Utah with a win playing 2 completely different halves.







Notes:

The Rockets get their 10th biggest come back in their History, 1st largest against the Jazz. Listening to Matt Harpring lightened up in the second half, to their credit the half time analyst was “real”. No Caspi. This was a fun one to watch, to see a team look so bad that I consider re thinking my expectations, to blowing the roof off the Jazz and getting a tough road win on the end of a back to back. This was impressive, I have a feeling we are going to have a lot of comebacks this season, so lets remind ourselves to chill out after the 1st half(I’m talking to myself). Great win, Go Rockets.



Next Game: Monday the 4th 9:30 pm vs The LA CLippers

Box Score

Rockets Vs Mavericks, Dirk leaves again and we found Mark Cuban.

The sun was shining and the city of Houston was feeling good after being blasted by mother nature the day before. The Rockets were coming off of a solid W vs the Bobcats(although not impressive) and the Mavericks were in town. After sitting in traffic and getting some good advice from Matt Schaub we stopped by this awful establishment for a pre  game refreshment. You may know it, it is catty corner from the Toyota Center on the southwest side. Lewis and I spent most of the time wondering how much the land costs and if we could come up with a business plan to buy it, because ANY positive change would make more money than it is now.

Getting into Toyota Center took longer this time, due to it being Friday(and not Wednesday) and an instate rival being  in town(some would argue it's really south Oklahoma though). Houston Crowds are always nice to wait in, everyone generally keeps to themselves and you can usually find an intelligent perspective to chat with.

As soon as the lights went on we did what any smart anti dallas heckler does, find Mark Cuban. It didn't take long, he is the lil stocky guy sitting on the edge of his seat in the middle of the picture, wearing a grey shirt and looking shredded, even from the upper deck. He was in my shouting range but if you've ever been to an NBA game, finding 5 seconds of silence in between music and "everybody clap your hands"(which is dieing) can be tough, but I was up to the challenge. You never force your banter, if you need to say something, a long sarcastic voicing of their name will do just fine as filler. "Maaaaaarrrrrk" "MaaaAAAArrrkk" "YOU MAD BRO?!". Of course we got no response but there is no doubt in my mind that we helped provide some fun to his first Dwight Howard, James Harden,  Toyota Center experience.

This game moved sooo slow at times, The Rockets shot 51 free throws! Part of that due to Dallas going into "hack a Dwight" mode with 6 MINUTES LEFT IN THE 3rd. I was laughing my sox off, what a pathetic attempt to bring down the beast, the ultimate compliment and a sure sign that the Rocks are really hard to beat(I say that because Dwight missed most of those shots going 5/12). I am excited and in awe of what I’m seeing, …..not going to make any bold predictions yet but the Rockets could be really, really, good. Really.

So to wrap up, James had 34 pts, 4 rebs, 3 asts, 4 stls, Dirk fouled out early(so did Asik), and we had Greg Smith, Terrence Jones, Aaron Brooks, Donatas, and Ronnie Brewer on the court with 3 minutes left in a 10 point game. I was boggled by this to be honest, that we could be good enough to not even have to finish the game. 10 points, in 3 minutes? We have all seen T Mac do it in 35 seconds and know that it is accomplishable, so to have our "scrubs" in the game at that time was balls. Kevin was saying(with his lineup) "hey we are going to win, I am going to rest my players, don't make me put them back in, Rick."

At the end of the day beating Dallas in anything is fun for a Houstonian. Cuban is a punk and a baby. Dwight made the OBVIOUS right choice. Harden is the Truth. Houston fans are always late. Dmorey is a genius. Dallas fans left early and had basic, non creative trash talk. I did enjoy watching Dirk and M onta. Go Rockets.

"Lewda" Lewis G

Dirk Done

Dirk comes to town! ...and Mark Cuban is a sore loser

Rockets Basketball pregame

opponent: Dallas Mavericks

record: 1-0

players to watch: Monta Ellis, Dirk Nowitzki

Wes will be: at the game throwing bottles from the rafters

game time/place: Toyota Center 7pm

Dallas comes to town tonight and if you are a Houstonian, well you know, we don’t like them. Let’s backtrack a bit first. This summer Houston was the clear winner of the off season NBA show signing Dwight Howard away from the Lakers, Hawks, Warriors and your North Texas Mavs. Dwight chose the best choice by many opinions, not just those in Houston. It seemed that staying in LA, going to Houston, or moving up the coast to Oak Town were the best options. Not to this guy, after reading this and getting worked up, I remembered that this guy has a huge ego, always at the front of his product and you shouldn’t expect him to believe/say anything less. He thinks Dallas is THE best city in the NBA just I like I believe Houston is THE best city in the NBA, so I can’t hate too much, but obviously I’m right(am I right? am I right?) boo mavericks.

Monta Ellis is a monster, a little(still over 6’) vampire looking, streak scoring, trash talkin monster. I love me some Monta, which is a reason I am bummed about hating the Mavs this season. With 3 Tar Heels Wright, Ellington, and Carter, the ACL-less freak Dejuan Blair, the German Bomber, and some other characters that I love but won’t bother you with the Mavericks will be fun to watch and hard to hate. I am confident though that they aren’t winning anything(conference), unless they get or develop better PG play and get Dalembert real help down low.

I think the Rockets are going to break their foot off in Dallas’ you know what tonight, but after seeing that game we played in the sand wednesday night I don’t feel certain. Dallas has a Dirk that I expect to have a monster season, I don’t know how that projects for his team. Playing with Monta(Dirk) that offense could get sticky and boring when they aren’t making their 19 foot jumpers(and even when they are), but I am discounting younger players stepping up, so if that happens I will be re evaluating their squad after the game.

The Rockets got off to a slow start against the bobcats, really never got going until 4 minutes left in the whole dang game, so I say they turn on the burners tonight and blow Dallas up, maybe 112-93. However, I am preparing myself to see Kevin run post up game the whole time on Dallas’ “bigs”, which will lead to a lower and closer score. I’m sticking with my prediction.

112-93 Go Rockets!

Dallas Roster

Rockets Game 1/82 Dwight gets Big!

Rockets Game 1/82

opponent: Charlotte Bobcats, soon to be Charlotte Hornets, record 0-0

Headline: Dwight Howard demands 26 rebounds in Rockets debut

Wesley was: at the game

The Toyota Center Crowd was: Late

The Game Grade: B-

Sloppy Sloppy game from both teams, of course it is to be expect from the Bobcats with guys like Kidd-Gilchrist and McRoberts going head on with Asik and Howard. James didn’t play much in the second half but passed Garcia(19 pts) in the final minutes of the game to be the Rockets scoring leader at 21 pts, his knee still looks slightly bothersome. Asik and Howard dominated on the Boards bringing down 40 of the Rockets 54 rebounds, 3 more than the Bobcats 37. All though the final box shows the Rocks shooting 47% they hovered in the low 40’s most of the game. Beverly and Lin totalled 40 minutes with Aaron Brooks making an unexpected early season appearance(16pts 2ast). Patrick had 2 early turnovers, got banged up a bit and sat most of the game, he tweeted later that he will play Friday against the Mavericks at the Toyota Center.

Thoughts(as a “we” man): It is nice to win these games where we don’t come close to our potential but end with a double digit deficit. The whole first half looked like we were just messing around, trying things out, after all, it is Charlotte. Kemba Walker comes back to Houston after playing here in the NCAA Finals. He may be a great 6th man somewhere someday. Let’s hope he doesn't get stuck in the deep unknown abyss that is Charlotte for his entire career. Jordan needs to just let go. I love me some Al Jefferson, it was fun watching him hustle hard the last 4 minutes, denying Dwight of a new personal rebounding record, C’mon AJ, the first 26 were probably just as important. Casspi “The Jew! For Two!” this guy is going to be nails, so versatile with a great shot. I like LIn off the Bench. Garcia is Money. We have the depth to adapt to any team, to have off nights and still win. The Rockets are for real.

Result: W 96-83

Box Score

Halloween Fun: 2 solid match ups Knicks @ Bulls, Warriors @ Clippers

What to watch for Tonight:

Happy Halloween, it is that time of the year again, personalities are coming out in the form of alter egos and movie characters, and basketball is in the air. Halloween night provides two good match ups on TNT with Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, and Shaq doing the down time entertaining.

7pm Knicks at Bulls
Derrick Rose sat out practice today with some bumps and bruises, and Carmelo Anthony wants to play for another team. There is a lot to talk about tonight sitting around watching this one.

 After beating up on the Bulls at home, the Heat went and got beat by the 76ers on the road, what does that say about the bulls? Well nothing really, but I am going to over analyze it. At a glance this says a lot, D rose isn't back, the bulls aren't contenders, the Heat are beatable. But I also assume that D rose will get better, the bulls will get better, the Heat will not play without D wade all season, and the 76ers may not be THE worst team in the league.

'Melo couldn't have made much of a more distracting statement a couple weeks ago saying that he couldn't wait to be a free agent. Now I am in the few who understand that maybe he just meant that being in that position and being a good player is fun because you get to do whatever you want, but saying it out loud was just, so, dumb. I don't know what to expect from the Knicks, the talent is there and the Owner Expects to Win so we shall see, yes, we shall see...

Bulls win. Steve Kerr and Marv Albert on the Call...

9:30pm Warriors at Clippers
What at tasty match up here, outside of the Rockets last season the Warriors were the run and gun team of the west. They have 2 of the best, and I mean the best, shooters in the league in Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, both NBA second generation players. These 2 put on a clinic night in and night out, when I am teaching someone to shoot, their(Klay and Steph) tape is all I need. The Warriors won their first game smoking the Lakers in their house, the Lakers were on the second night of a back to back coming off an emotional opening night win over new rival Clippers. So tonight should provide a much better test for them.



I feel like I am becoming a Clipper hater, I don't hate the Clippers, I just think with their Roster and experience the expectations are unrealistic. The size is just not there. I don't like Chris Paul, good player, his flopping makes me want to throw a brick through my tv though, ala Manu Ginobli. So there is some extra hate for LA, but it aint the Lake Show. Rivers is a great coach and I wouldn't be surprised if HE could turn this team around, after all he got it(championship) done in Boston without a dominant 5.

Rooting for Warriors, so Warriors Win. Probably Reggie Miller and insert TNT play by play guy

Baskeblog Picks Against the Spread

49ers5-2 @ Jaguars0-7 +15.5 The 49ers travel to the east coast for an early game, typically this is a difficult thing to do for west coast teams. I am not going to pick the Jags to win, however I am picking them to cover the spread at home. MJD has a decent day and the Jacksonville defense slows down Kaepernick enough to stay with in reach of their dignity.
Jags +15.5 

Cowboys4-3 @ Lions4-3 -3 The Cowboys offense is always capable of going off for 30 or 40 points, but so is Detroit's. Detroit has a stout D line and good defensive backs, meanwhile D Ware is out for Dallas; their best defensive player(DE). I expect Tony to have a good day though and cover the points on the road.
Cowboys +3

Giants1-6 @ Eagles3-4 -5 Looks like Mike Vick is coming back and I don't think the Giants O line got much better this week. I'm not spending much time here.
Eagles -5

Browns3-4 @ Chiefs7-0 -7.5 This game is a mystery to me, I don't think either team is great at QB, Alex smith being a better option though than whatever Cleveland puts out there. I don't want to count the Browns out because of how they have competed in previous weeks but having just witnessed this environment I don't think they can possibly win this game. Kansas City would have to lose the turn over battle big time.
Chiefs -7.5

Bills3-4 @ Saints5-1 -11.5 Drew Brees and Sean Peyton are at home, against the Bills.
Saints -11.5

Dolphins3-3 @ Patriots5-2 -6.5 The Pats have been struggling this year to put up the type of points and performances we are used to out of Tom Brady and the Hoodie. On the flip side the Dolphins led by 2 Aggies at the helm(Tannehill and Sherman) seem to be making a step forward. I think the Pats win by a field goal.
Dolphins +6.5

Jets4-3 @ Bengals5-2 -6 Geno Smith is due for his normal "off week" against the Cincy defense. The Jets are not bad this season but I don't think they get this one. Matter of fact I think it gets ugly.
Bengals -6

Steelers2-4 @ Raiders2-4 +2.5 Pittsburg has yet to play an impressive game, some players have had good games bu they haven't put it all together. Oakland has some life this season with young Terrelle Pryor and a few other scattered offensive weapons. The Steelers haven't played super and they don't start this weekend.
Raiders +2.5

Washington2-4 @ Broncos6-1 -11.5 RG3 is getting comfortable with his knee and it is showing. Washington had a great offensive game last week and will have one this week too. Unfortunately they are playing in Denver against Peyton Manning.
Broncos -11.5

Falcons2-4 @ Cardinals3-4 -2 I am slightly surprised to see Arizona favored, they have not played well much at all this season. Atlanta has played well on offense but hasn't been able to get the W's. Atlanta is a better team and I expect them to take care of budness...
Falcons +2 

Packers4-2 @ Vikings1-5 +9 Adrian Peterson better get the ball 30 freaking times or I'm going to flip out. He will take this into his hands, he may even win it for them. "Vike Me"
Vikings +9

Seahawks6-1 @ Rams3-4 +12 I have been impressed with Seattle's ability to win this year but not overly impressed with the offense. This is a weird game for me. I like Zach Stacey running for St. Louis, but that is all that they have so whoever is throwing for them is in trouble. Assuming the Seahawk's D shows up big I don't see how the Rams get points outside of defensive TD's.
Seahawks-12