Houston Rockets Weekly: Inconsistency Strikes Again
By Emily Gruver
Just when you thought the Houston Rockets were finally clicking on all cylinders, inconsistency has struck again for the Rockets, losing two of three this week.
Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz L 109-103
On Monday night, the Houston Rockets tipped off against the Utah Jazz. An easily winnable team for this dominant Rocket’s offense right? Wrong.
The Rockets fell behind immediately in the first quarter, struggling to keep up. At the end of one, the Jazz led by 13, 36-23. In the second quarter, the Rockets cut their deficit to three, outscoring Utah 27-17. In the third though, the Jazz regained momentum, making the lead 82-74. The fourth was a quarter in which both teams continually exchanged baskets, but in the final few minutes, the Jazz pulled away by hitting a few free throws.
James Harden finished with 37 points and eight assists on 12-of-22 shooting from the field. He also chipped in three 3s. Dwight Howard added 15 points and grabbed nine boards. Omri Casspi, Francisco Garcia and Aaron Brooks all posted 13 points.
Dec 2, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) dribbles up the court during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
This was a disappointing loss. The fact that they lost to the worst team in the league is real sad.
Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns L 97-88
The Houston Rockets welcomed the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night inside the Toyota Center, hoping to bounce back from their previous, frustrating loss.
The first quarter was a close one, but by the end of one, the Suns led 25-20. In the second, the Suns went on a huge run, leading 51-40 at the half. In the third, the Rockets cut the lead down to three at one point, but the Suns stretched their lead back to 73-61. The fourth quarter was the same story for Houston. They had opportunities, but let Phoenix continue to keep building their lead.
Brooks finished with 16 points, seven assists and four boards. Howard posted 15 points and grabbed 18 boards. Harden and Casspi chipped in 14 points and Patrick Beverley added in 12.
Dec 4, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks (0) drives the ball during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center. The Suns defeated the Rockets 97-88. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Rockets shot just 35.2 percent from the field and 29 percent from the 3-point line.
Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors
On Friday night, the Rockets took on the Golden State Warriors inside the Toyota Center.
Right from the start, the Rockets had complete control, leading 31-12 at the end of one, and at halftime, Houston built their lead to 61-37. For the rest of the game, the Rockets just keep building their lead and the Warriors struggled to shoot efficiently.
Harden finished with 34 points, four assists and seven rebounds. Howard scored 22 points and had 18 rebounds. Terrence Jones added 16 points and 10 boards.
Dec 6, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a basket during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Warriors 105-83. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors shot just 35.5 percent from the field and made just 2-of-16 shots from beyond the 3-point line.
The Rockets dominated with points in the paint, outscoring the Warriors 54-36.
Next Up
The Rockets have some more tough opponents to face in the next coming week. Houston will face the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors, all three teams that should give the Rockets some trouble.