EVERY-THING SPORTS

Why all signs point to a turning of the tide for the Houston Rockets

Why all signs point to a turning of the tide for the Houston Rockets
This young Rockets team has become really fun to watch. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.

As of this writing, the Rockets have a two-game win streak going. To most, that statement would seem like a joke. A two-game winning streak isn’t much of a streak per se. However, when you’re talking about a team that hasn’t sniffed a playoff series in a few years and has drafted in the lottery lately, two games are two games. A streak is a streak. I’m choosing positivity. Winning four of their last six games and beating playoff teams in those four wins has me feeling good about where this team is headed.

The best part in all of this? The guys the team is picking to build around are stepping up. Jalen Green is starting to come into his own. He’s been feeling more and more comfortable on both ends of the floor. Hearing him talk about taking on the other team’s best perimeter players, but still upping his scoring, is music to my ears. His shooting percentages are down by a hair, but he’s averaging four more points this season over last season. Four more points on three more shots per game isn’t ideal, but I can see him putting things together. No sophomore slump over here.

Jabari Smith Jr is also becoming a guy this team can rely upon. His outside shooting has gotten better. I think it has more to do with him knowing his role and building chemistry with his teammates. Smith Jr is going to be the stretch four, the previous general manager never could get his hands on to pair with the dude with the beard. His defense and rebounding need to improve, but that’ll come with time. He’s a rookie, so we’re hoping he doesn’t have a sophomore slump either.

Kevin Porter Jr is doing his best to be a point guard. He’s naturally a shooting guard, so being a table setter and playmaker isn’t his forte. That said, he’s still got work to do. The organization obviously thinks highly of him by giving him an extension. They see what they want in him and think he’s one of the building blocks. Personally, I think he’s better suited to be a scorer, but they must like the potential in him as a point. Having a second guy that can get his own shot in a pinch is crucial, and KPJ provides them with just that.

Head coach Stephen Silas was in some rough waters not too long ago. Fans were calling for his head. Despite his seat being hot, he’s managed to steady the ship. They were 5-16 and going nowhere fast. Winning four of their last six games and beating playoff teams has changed the tune. Now people are seeing what I’ve always seen: Silas is the man for this job. He’s a proven young player developer. The phrase “let him cook” has never been more appropriate when it comes to what Silas is doing. Not only is he manning the ship of this turnaround (this season and overall), but he’s doing so in the midst of losing his Hall of Fame father, Paul Silas. He’s continuing his dad’s legacy by being a standup guy, and a coach his players believe in and play hard for.

Coach Silas has taken all the criticism in stride and so have his players. This team has gone from a laughingstock to a fun team to watch. No longer do I dread watching and turn games off. Now, I watch more intently. They’re more entertaining because they’re cleaning up mistakes and can be competitive in more of the games instead of being blown out the water. I’ve even seen them make comebacks, win or lose, in games they would’ve never had a chance in because of the way they play. They’re turning the corner. Add a couple more pieces, vets and draft picks, and this team will be contending for a playoff spot next season. If they aren’t in the conversation for at least a play-in spot next season, I’ll wear a Cowboys jersey and post a pic online. Book it!

Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM
The injuries keep piling up for Houston.Composite Getty Image.

The Astros didn’t leave Seattle with a series win, but they may have gained something just as important: a reminder that resilience still runs deep in this group.

After a grueling extra-inning loss on Saturday, one that included the loss of Isaac Paredes to a hamstring injury, Houston regrouped on Sunday and hammered the Mariners 11-3. Christian Walker provided the turning point with a much-needed go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, while Taylor Trammell added a two-run double and a solo shot of his own. With Chas McCormick back from the injured list but still finding his footing, Trammell is quickly making his case as the best option in center field moving forward.

Manager Joe Espada continues to juggle a lineup that’s been in constant flux. Rookie Cam Smith, who had a clutch two-run double in Sunday’s win, has struggled as of late, going just 2-for his last 24. While his ability to get hits in clutch situations has been extremely valuable, the lack of a consistent spot in the batting order may be taking its toll. Giving Smith a stable home in the cleanup spot, even temporarily, might be a helpful reset.

Then again, the cleanup role hasn’t been kind to everyone.

 

Walker has been markedly less effective when hitting fourth this season, a trend that continues despite his strong Sunday performance. Sometimes, the data is clear: the four-hole might not be for him. He's literally been the worst cleanup option in baseball this season. Hit him fifth.

Behind the plate, Victor Caratini continues to impress, while Yainer Diaz is back in a cold stretch. Since the break, Diaz is just 1-for-14, raising questions about his timing and confidence as the summer grind deepens.

On the mound, the biggest developments are happening off the field. Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti both completed three-inning rehab outings with Double-A Corpus Christi, while Luis Garcia threw two innings in a rehab start with Low-A Fayetteville. The trio’s return could mark a major turning point for the Astros, especially as Lance McCullers continues to struggle in his own comeback. McCullers lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Saturday’s loss, allowing four runs and showing little of the form that once made him one of the rotation’s anchors.

There’s been hesitancy to replace McCullers with someone like Arrighetti while he’s still building back arm strength, but the argument grows thinner each time McCullers falters. If healthy, even a three- or four-inning version of Javier or Arrighetti could give Houston more consistency at the back of the rotation.

Despite the weekend loss, the Astros still hold one of the best offenses in baseball, second in batting average, 12th in OPS, and 11th in slugging. The pitching staff remains stout, ranking sixth in ERA and second in WHIP. This team is far from unraveling.

With reinforcements on the way and a lineup that’s still capable of putting up crooked numbers, the Astros aren’t panicking. If anything, Sunday’s blowout win showed they’re ready to weather whatever’s next.

There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!

The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.

___________________________

*ChatGPT assisted.

Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!

https://houston.sportsmap.com/advertise

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome