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The fourth seeded Houston Rockets began their 2019 postseason campaign Sunday night against the fifth seeded Utah Jazz just slightly before the entire planet had wrapped up watching the Game of Thrones season premiere. Houston dominated early and often throughout the contest, with the only real threat coming as Utah had driven the lead down to 8 points in the second. The Rockets would regroup however and cruise to a 122-90 blowout. Houston leads the best of seven series, 1-0
Not tired yet
James Harden has been the subject of ridicule in the past few seasons for fading in the playoffs due to his regular season usage. That narrative held little weight Sunday night as Harden erupted for 29 points 10 assists and 8 rebounds. Harden was able to get any shot he wanted, which then forced Jazz players to leave their assignments to try and help out. When that happened, Harden would kick the ball out to the resulting open teammate for a wide open look.
Help from all over
Throughout the majority of the 2019 campaign, Harden has been the lone scoring threat which has lead to some lopsided box scores in terms of point distribution. Sunday night was a trend in a different direction, as seven Rockets posted double digit scoring performances. Eric Gordon was second behind Harden with 17, followed by Clint Capela with 16, Chris Paul with 14, and PJ Tucker, Kenneth Faried, and Danuel House Jr. each with 11.
Ice Cold
While the Rockets fired fired off a cool 15-41 from beyond the arc, The Utah Jazz simply couldn't buy a bucket out there Sunday night. Though a top ten team in three-point shooting percentage throughout the regular season, Utah was anything but in game one as the went 7-27 from three. Having an off night from deep is something Houston fans can relate to as being a momentum killer, and when facing a Rockets team that is knocking their shots down with the volume they maintain it becomes very hard to keep up.
Rockets Player of the Game
James Harden: 29 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds, 1 block
Jazz Player of the Game
Rudy Gobert: 22 points, 1 assist, 12 rebounds, 1 block
Next up
The Rockets play game two against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, 4/17 at 8:30 pm central.
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Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud joins First Take on Tuesday and shares his outlook for the season with Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith.
One of the biggest factors that could swing the Texans season has to be the rebuilt offensive line. Stroud was the second-most sacked quarterback last season, and Houston knew that had to change.
Smith asked Stroud about the revamped unit, and CJ had really good things to say about the tackle play with rookie Aireontae Ersery and Tytus Howard.
Stroud also credits the new scheme, believing the changes they're making will prevent some of the issues from last year from happening again. Specially, they're looking to get the ball out quicker and move the pocket to give the linemen more help.
Finally, Stroud discussed the new-look receiving corps, and how the Texans will replace Joe Mixon early in the season.
Don't miss the video below for the full conversation!
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