Houston Rockets Belly Flop Against Utah Jazz 109-91

The Houston Rockets had an opportunity to close this week out with a bang as the chips were falling as they may with fans hoping it would be in their favor.

After last night’s debacle of a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers, one would hope that a more impressive effort would be given in spite of what transpired.

Unfortunately, the Rockets look exactly how they did the night before, lethargic and lost when all the things that have made them successful aren’t going right.

But it’s all about being resilient and punching through the challenges that one is faced with.

Mar 12, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward

Derrick Favors

(15) and Houston Rockets center

Joey Dorsey

(8) battle for a loose ball during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 109-91. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

I’m still scratching my head and figuring out what happened!

Any way, the Jazz were in control of this game from the start with them taking a 11-4 lead early in the game.

The Rockets did close back within four after a Donatas Motiejunas jumper and three-pointer. Jazz 13, Rockets 9

But the Rockets could not stop the likes of Rudy Gobert — he was getting anything and everything he wanted and it was cringing to see.

He had put the Jazz up by 12 points — their largest lead at that point — over the Rockets with the score being 24-12.

But the Rockets fought back to trail the Jazz 28-23 at the end of the 1st.

He already had a double-double by the end of the 1st quarter!

Wait…One quarter?!?

Yes, it’s true, Gobert had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

For the 2nd quarter, the Jazz still maintained their strong arm but the Rockets did get within two points after a Josh Smith three-pointer. Jazz 36, Rockets 34

But the Jazz found a way to push the Rockets back and keep their momentum teeter-tottering like a see-saw.

They would get within two points once again after two James Harden free throws off a Dante Exum foul and jumper by Terrence Jones. Jazz 40, Rockets 38

The block foul was heavily contested by Jazz head coach Quin Snyder causing him to be slapped with a technical; but Harden — selected to shoot the free throw — missed the attempt.

But the Jazz continued to find a way to stay out front and led the Rockets 53-43 at the half.

Gobert Watch at the Half: 14 points, 18 rebounds

Let’s see — the third quarter didn’t fare much better for the Rockets, things really got out of hand, with the Jazz going up by as much as 22 points after a Joe Ingles three-pointer with 3:23 left. Jazz 77, Rockets 55

The Rockets did little to chip away at their deficit still continuing to trail the Jazz 82-65 at the end of the third.

Gobert Watch after Three Quarters: 17 points, 22 rebounds

And there’s the 4th quarter — there was nothing much to report with the exception that Corey Brewer was the only Rocket that had some grasp of the word offense.

But his efforts were not even near enough to overcome the Jazz’s stranglehold on the Rockets livelihood for that game.

The starters were pulled with 5:28 left and we saw even more of Brew as the Rockets eventually fell to the Jazz 109-91.

Thank goodness we were able to get him this year — he has made such a difference!

I can’t help but think about the player option he has on his contract next season and how his moments of radiance could be helping him keep his value high.

I honestly think what he does after this season will depend on how we fare in the postseason.

If the Rockets don’t get it together, it’s going to be another first-round exit with or without Dwight Howard.

More from House of Houston

The Rockets simply got their butts kicked last night, no ifs, and’s or but’s about it.

I’ve haven’t seen them look like this all season and although it’s not time to press the panic button, I’m damn for sure have one eye on it.

The margin for playoff contention in the West is razor-thin and if we start to go on a losing streak, that would not be favorable for a team that needs to seize every advantage that it can take.

Brew led all Rockets with 25 points, five rebounds. Beard had 15 points and seven assists while TJones had 11 points and eight rebounds.

For the Jazz, the whole starting five was in double-figures. Gordon Hayward led all scorers with 29 points/seven assists. Rodney Hood added 20 points.

And Gobert, the guy that the Rockets couldn’t stop, finished with 19 points and 22 rebounds.