Tough time functioning
Why are the Rockets scared to play basketball without James Harden?
Dec 28, 2019, 7:57 am
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Harden/Westbrook
James Harden can find his shot whenever on the court. He is averaging 38.1 points per game which is first in the league. Harden was criticized for not taking enough shots on Christmas Day. But, is it really Harden's fault why the Rockets lost that game against the Warriors? No, because his teammates should pick up the slack!
Russell Westbrook has looked great for nine straight games but struggled Christmas Day against the Warriors. At times it looks Westbrook is playing in panic mode instead of attack mode. He struggled with or without Harden on the court. Westbrook still needs to work on his confidence even when shots are not falling. Another thing Westbrook still struggles with is forcing shots that are not there. Westbrook must stay courageous, optimistic, aware, and know to pick his moments.
Danuel House must make shots when they matter. House shoots over 40% from the field but struggles when his number is called. Harden would love to see House make those shots when doubled late in games. The only way House can become a great player is when he shows up in big moments. If House wants to be a spot up shooter, he can not shoot 35% from the three-point line.
Austin Rivers can be a tough watch at times because of the talent he is hiding. Rivers has everything in his repertoire to become a great player. He honestly has a good-looking crossover and shooting form in the NBA. It is just sad that he never displays it in game play. Rivers shooting the ball less than 15 times a game is a crime. Sometimes it looks like Rivers is scared to touch the ball. There is no reason for Rivers just to make himself a spot up shooter in games. Rivers is averaging 8 points per game which is an underachievement for his skill set. It is extremely important for Rivers to step up more when Harden gets doubled. He has the talent to compete for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year every season.
Ben McLemore had his bright spots this season but can not stay consistent. By McLemore not staying consistent means he is non-existent in games. There are times earlier this season when he struggled to get minutes or score zero points. This could hurt the Rocket's bench in a dramatic way. He can continue to be the bright spot for the Rockets when confident. McLemore is averaging 10.2 points per game this season. He has not averaged this much since his second season with the Kings. He had a career high against Toronto with 35 points. One thing McLemore must do is make plays when shots are not falling. When McLemore stays active defensively, he becomes a problem for other teams. He has finally found his NBA home with the Rockets.
The Rockets rank dead last in bench play this season. This bench is also shooting right under 40% on the season. If the Rockets want a chance to compete for an NBA Championship, the bench must be better. Daryl Morey could make possible moves for free agents or trades to help the cause.
NOTE: Eric Gordon comes back Tuesday versus the Pelicans.
Jeff Green just cleared waivers with the Utah Jazz. He could be helpful to the bench if Morey decides to pick him up.
Rockets just signed William Howard from the G-League. He is a 6'8 lengthy shooter.
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How Astros find themselves on critical upswing even with major players MIA
May 12, 2025, 3:19 pm
Ronel Blanco struck out a career-high 11 in eight innings and Shawn Dubin completed the two-hitter to lead the Houston Astros to a 6-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.
Yainer Diaz hit a three-run homer in the third to give Houston an early lead and Christian Walker added two hits and three RBIs to help the Astros take the series 2-1.
It was the second-longest start of Blanco's career and longest since he tossed a no-hitter in his season debut last year in a 10-0 win over the Blue Jays on April 1.
Blanco (3-3) retired the first nine batters, with six strikeouts, before walking TJ Friedl to start the fourth. He sat down the next four batters before Spencer Steer got Cincinnati’s first hit on a double to the corner of left field with one out in the fifth.
But Blanco quickly got back on track and retired the next nine batters before Jose Trevino doubled with one out in the eighth. Will Benson grounded out before Blanco struck out Santiago Espinal to end his day and head to the dugout to a standing ovation.
It was a much-needed performance for a team that used six relievers in a 13-9 loss Saturday night after starter Lance McCullers Jr. allowed seven runs and was pulled after getting just one out.
The soaring home run by Diaz off rookie Chase Petty (0-2) came with one out in the third inning to make it 3-0 and extend his hitting streak to nine games.
The Astros led by four when they loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth. Walker singled on a line drive to center field to score two and make it 6-0.
Petty allowed six hits and four runs with six walks in three-plus innings in his second major league start.
The Astros were without Jose Altuve a day after he left in the third inning with tightness in his right hamstring.
Manager Joe Espada said Altuve was feeling better Sunday and he expects him to return to the lineup in a couple of days.
Key moment
Blanco struck out the side in the first inning to set the tone for a dominate outing.
Key stat
Blanco had struck out nine batters three times before his career-high strikeout performance Sunday.
Up next
The Reds are off Monday and RHP Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.93 ERA) will start for Houston in the opener of a three-game series against Kansas City on Monday night.