James Harden led the Rockets to a 4-0 week. Rockets.com
Four games last week, four more wins. The Rockets survived a tough test in Miami, and steamrolled through the other three matchups to extend their most recent winning streak to eight games. In addition, the rich got richer as Houston is expected to sign veteran guard Joe Johnson Monday after clearing waivers.
A recent “slump” by the Golden State Warriors (at least by Golden State’s current standards) has allowed the Rockets to close the gap to with a half game of the League/Conference lead. The Rockets’ division lead is beginning to resemble that of last year’s Astros, as they hold an 8 game lead over the Spurs.
Game 52: Rockets at Brooklyn Nets (W, 123-113)
Tuesday served as part one of back to back games and game three of the Rockets current four-game road trip. Trevor Ariza sat once again as Houston tipped off against the Nets in what looked on paper to be an easy Rockets win. Houston added to their tally as the highest scoring first quarter team in the league with a 38-point effort; however Brooklyn remained close after one quarter with 31 point of their own. Houston would lead throughout the remainder of the half, however - surprisingly enough - Brooklyn’s own three-point barrage would enable them to seize the lead toward the middle of the third.
That was all that James Harden and Chris Paul needed to see.
Behind the two superstars, Houston kicked on the afterburners and left the Nets behind for a double digit victory. In addition to 36 points and 5 assists, Harden also surpassed 15,000 career points that evening. Paul finished with 25 points and 5 assists, while Clint Capela added 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
Game 53: Rockets at Miami Heat (W, 109-101)
It was “Vice night” in Miami, and the pesky team looked all the part in their fluorescent alternate jerseys. It was also game two of back-to-back games, in which the Rockets made it to their hotel at 3:45 a.m. the night before. If there was ever a game to drop, it would be one with an exhausted team against a staunch defensive squad such as the Heat, all while missing Ryan Anderson, Trevor Ariza and Eric Gordon.
Winning games like these, however, make statements.
Houston once again jumped out to a quick lead with a 35-24 first quarter, and went on to dominate the first half while leading by as much as 17 at one point. The third quarter was shades of the night before, however, as the Heat closed the gap and traded leads with the Rockets. It would be Harden, once again, with some late game heroics -- this time in the form of back to back 3-pointers -- to seal the hard fought victory, complete the road sweep, and extend the Rockets’ current winning streak to six. Harden continued his recent streak of unreal performances, this time to the tune of 41 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Paul added 25 points and 7 assists.
Game 54: Rockets vs Denver Nuggets (W, 130-104)
The media tries their best to make every game seem intriguing. As if both teams really do have a chance at winning. Sometimes, however, that’s just not the case. Friday night was one of those times, as the Rockets completely housed the Nuggets behind a career night for Clint Capela.
James Harden produced a quiet team-leading 28 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds, while the entire focus centered (pun intended) on Capela, who finished with 23 points and a career high 25 rebounds in three quarters of basketball. Capela became the second youngest Rocket to record a 23 point, 25 rebound game, and I’m sure you can guess who was the youngest (hint: his last name rhymes with...smolajuwon). The Rockets led by as much as 35 at one point, and the entire fourth quarter was essentially a bench showcase.
Game 55: Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks (W, 104-97)
Sunday’s 6 p.m. tip-off was the epitome of a trap-game: playing a sub-par team (with a terrible, terrible alternate jersey) right after an impressive blowout, but just before an important matchup.
It was a lazy, sloppy affair from the Rockets end, and the lack of respect for the Mavericks was apparent throughout. Lazy and sloppy, it turns out, was more than enough for Houston to power past Dallas, and although the final score suggests a close game, it was far from it. The Rockets essentially toyed with them throughout, and finally KO-ed the Mavericks in the fourth. Harden finished with 27 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds, and Chris Paul was absolutely disrespectful on his way to 25 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. Capela added 16 points, and 11 rebound as well.
Looking ahead:
This week the Rockets get two looks at the Timberwolves, as well as contests against the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets once again.
Houston handled the Timberwolves in their first meeting with surprising ease, however Minnesota remains the fourth best team in the Western Conference for a reason. I can’t imagine winning both games against their squad this week, however the Kings and Nuggets matchups should be cake walks. I expect at worst a 3-1 week.
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There’s a sign outside of McDonald’s that keeps track of the millions and millions of hamburgers they’ve sold.
There could be a sign outside Minute Maid Park that keeps track of the millions and millions of dollars Alex Bregman is losing by having the worst season of his career in his contract year.
Maybe instead of appearing in H-E-B commercials he could sign an endorsement deal with Rice Krispies and be part of Snap, Crackle and Pop Out.
Tuesday night, Bregman went 0-4 against the Yankees and his batting average dropped below .200 into Martin Maldonado territory.
Bregman entered this season claiming to be in the best shape of his life and promising big things for 2024.
“My body feels in incredible shape,” Bregman said at the start of spring training. “Swing feels better than ever. And looking forward to a great, healthy season. And I expect to have the best season I’ve ever had.”
And remember when Astros general manager Dana Brown assured fans, don’t worry, we’re going to offer Bregman a contract to stay with the Astros?
“Look, we love Alex, we’d love to have him here. As far as a timeline, we just don’t have it, but we will at some point make him an offer. We know how good he is and how good he’s been for this franchise. It would be tough to look out at third base and not see that elite defense. And so at some point we’ll circle back and have those conversations,” Brown said.
Godot will show up before the Astros put a contract on the table for Bregman. (For those who didn’t read Waiting for Godot in English Lit 101 … Godot never appears in the book.)
With the season nearly a quarter over, Bregman is batting .195. He’s been hitting at the top of the order the entire year, either in the No. 2 spot or cleanup. His power outage would make the Texas grid system look good: 6 runs, 11 RBI and one home run.
Stop saying “Bregman always has a slow start.” Start ended a couple of weeks ago. And stop saying “He will snap out of it.” In his last 10 games, Bregman’s average has dwindled from .216 to .195.
Bregman’s hitting woes actually are part of a five-year trend. In 2019 he had his best season, hitting .296 and smacking 41 home runs.
Since then:
2020: .242 and 6 home runs (Covid season).
2021: .270 and 12 home runs.
2022: .259 and 23 home runs.
2023: .262 and 25 home runs.
If Bregman’s struggles continue, this will be his fifth below-average season in a row. Back in spring training, there was talk of him getting a super long-term deal worth $200 million-plus when he hits free agency at the end of this season.
Chances of that happening: none. As things stand now, Bregman has a better chance of becoming Jerry Seinfeld’s latex salesman.