They normally are consistent with the theme that everything “is bigger in Texas” which often can be an accurate statement. However, like anything in life, there are exceptions to the rule. The biggest NBA franchise and most successful one since the inception of all three teams in the state of Texas consisting of the Mavericks, the Spurs, and the Rockets has clearly been the San Antonio Spurs.
They haven’t always been the most exciting team to watch or even been on endless highlights of amazing plays, but win it comes to winning, Greg Popovich sure does know what he’s doing. The Houston Rockets have by far (especially after last year’s 2016/2017 season)been a more exciting team to watch with their fast pace and up tempo style of play that only Mike D’Antoni is famous for delivering. All of that flair and speed didn’t amount to much as the Rockets were beaten easily in the second round of the NBA Playoffs in 2017 by the San Antonio Spurs 4-1.
Despite having an MVP type of season and playing on another level (on most nights), James Harden was nowhere to be found in game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals last year. Perhaps fatigue could have been an issue or did Harden just simply quit? I don’t believe he threw in the towel, but it’s been known that team ball and a proven system will win every time over one man isolation and a roadrunner paced style that the Rockets employed.
General manager Daryl Morey has made several key moves over the last few months, particularly the one bringing Chris Paul in from the Clippers to play alongside the mega talented James Harden. The Rockets in the process did lose the passionate and fiery ball stopper and premier defender in Patrick Beverly. Beverly is one of my favorite defensive players to watch, and he will give the Clippers some much needed defensive intensity despite missing most of the 2018 season due to injury.
However, Beverly will clearly be missed down in Houston. The addition of CP3 is an obvious attempt by the Rockets to shorten the gap between them and the virtually unstoppable Golden State Warriors. I have to admit that as great as Harden, Paul, Nene, Eric Gordon and Trevor Ariza have been in Houston, they still won’t have enough horses or fire power to knock off the Golden State Warriors, particularly in a seven game series.
I do feel that the Rockets are in a better position to upset the Warriors this year with their personnel, but unless Golden State suffers a major injury, I see them repeating as NBA Champs. The Rockets moves have certainly brought them closer in terms of narrowing the margin, but the Warriors are a whole different beast to deal with, particularly with all the great outside shooting that they have. Despite many skeptics, James Harden who is a ball dominant scorer has already proven to us that he can coexist with CP3.
We all know that Chris Paul needs the rock in his hands to run the offense and make key plays. Unfortunately in the game of hoops, there’s only one ball and five players need to share it on offense typically speaking. This has been a match made in hoops heaven as the two great players in Chris Paul and James Harden have thrived together.
They’re benefiting from each other and allowing one another to elevate to new heights. Only time will tell as I stare at the second hand on my Guess watch (yeah I’m known to be old school), it seems I’ll have to wait a few more weeks to see how it all unfolds as the NBA playoffs approach. Based on previous games I’ve watched, CP3 has a very fiery demeanor and is known to get in the faces of teammates if things aren’t clicking on all cylinders or there’s a level of instability.
We’ve already recognized this in Houston that James Harden can be mature enough to coexist with Paul. We shall see in time, oh yes we will boys and girls how this playoff picture will turn out. In terms of handling the ball, both players rank towards the top of the league when it comes to time of possession and holding the rock.
On the flip side of things, Chris Paul has helped D’Antoni mix up the offense occasionally with different looks and styles, which has worked to Houston’s advantage. Many don’t realize that even last year with the Clippers, when Paul was left alone unguarded on the wing, he shot 57% from the field. He’s gotten a few more open looks, especially when Harden is running the point at times.
The Rockets also have several key players such as Trevor Ariza who is a great two way player, Eric Gordon, Nene Hilario, Ryan Anderson, and Clint Capela. With the Rockets owner Les Alexander recently announcing the sale of the team, (strange timing I must say) let’s hope the Rockets new ownership can help them blast off into the NBA championship orbits and galaxy! There are a few rumors swirling around that pop star and diva Beyonce, who is a Houston native, may have an interest in buying a stake of the team.
That move would definitely put the Rockets even more into the NBA spotlight with someone like her who is box office and such a high profile figure. Everything in Houston has yet to be figured out, but I think the Rockets will be ready to elevate and continue an exciting brand of basketball to watch and enjoy. I expect Houston to contend for a spot in the Western Conference finals unless they face that Warriors team in earlier rounds.
Either way, Golden State has the rest of the league on pins and needles, scrambling around and trying to find another “super team” that can compete with them. Good luck Houston, I’ve officially landed!