Houston Astros, Rockets, Texans: State of Houston Sports amid COVID-19
Rockets: Slim Jim
The Rockets halted their season at 40-24, which is enough for the sixth seed in the Western Conference for the NBA playoffs. Sound familiar? Well, there is still enough time for them to make up some ground and put them in the highest seed they can get for the playoffs.
Over the past seasons, the Rockets have put up strong regular seasons, but falter in the playoffs, specifically to the Warriors. General manager Daryl Morey has been quoted as saying he wished he could’ve done more to help rally a team around Harden while Mike D’Antoni has been in the hot seat with some rumors reporting of him not returning next season.
In some ways, the Rockets’ rest has helped them. Eric Gordon and PJ Tucker might be ready for the season when it does resume. James Harden has lost weight, which drew a lot of attention. For a player that should be regarded as one of the greatest scorers ever, yet has been given the Wilt Chamberlain treatment of not being able to win even by himself, this might be a benefit to the Rockets.
The fact that Houston had a quarantine like the rest of the NBA gives them a chance to make a run for the title. For Harden, and fellow running mate Russell Westbrook, the two NBA Players who have falsely been accused of being chokers in the playoffs, this might be the best thing to happen to them in their quest for another title.
However, as we expect, the focus will be on the Lakers, Bucks, Clippers, and the Celtics. Will the Lakers and Clippers meet for the first time in the playoffs with Kawhi Leonard against LeBron James? Can Giannis win the MVP again? Will there be fans? Will Orlando be a perfect site for the league even if the outbreak continues?
The truth is that no one is giving the Rockets a fair shot and that’s just fine with us. The Rockets aren’t the best team this season, but they are the most dangerous team. They have pushed the Lakers and Clippers this season and if the Rockets get past their first-round opponent now should the playoffs start, the Lakers might be in for a rude awakening.
It does, however come down to Harden, who has been in a shooting slump.
There should be excitement for the Rockets once the season resumes. We’ve tried winning from the top and we were a Chris Paul injury and 27 missed three-pointers away from the NBA Finals. But, we can only hope that the Rockets do get to the finals in the near future.