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Pocket Rocket – January 23-29, 2012

favian pua — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:15:28 +0000

The Rockets have been stingy in second halves, only allowing the Wizards 35 points and the Knicks to put up 38. In an ironic twist, they allowed the offensively inept Bucks to go off for 63 markers, including a 20-0 run.

Houston is getting the ball in their hands and forcing it out of their opponents. Their recent 3-1 stretch has them at a +7 in total rebounds and a -3.5 in turning the ball over.

Even Brandon Jennings would cringe at Kyle Lowry’s shooting the past four games. Lowry is a dismal 8 out of 42 (19%).

Stat of the week: Chase Budinger strung together 40 points over a span of 48 minutes the past two games.

Pocket Rocket – January 10-16, 2012

favian pua — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:52:04 +0000

The number of the week is 13. That was how many minutes Chase Budinger saw in the overtime loss to the Spurs. He was invisible, going scoreless and only grabbing four rebounds.

The Rockets continue to stay reliable at the line, going 61/75 (81.3%) in the past four games. Highlighted by Kevin Martin’s 12/13 display against Portland, the Rockets will always be a threat for as long as they do not settle for contested jumpers.

For one week, at least, the Rockets could exhale and breathe a sigh of relief. Their last four opponents failed to capitalize on open three point looks, going for a combined 19/75 (25.3%).

Stat of the week: Kyle Lowry – 33 points, 8 rebounds (2 on the offensive end), 9 assists

Pocket Rocket – January 3-9, 2012

favian pua — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:15:10 +0000

The Rockets are protecting the ball well, only coughing the ball up 12.6 times, third-best in the league. However, they are also dead last in free throws attempts and conversions, going roughly 13 out of 16 from the line. It’s too bad, as the team is fifth-best in terms of percentage but they aren’t taking advantage of it.
The team is obviously facing a conflict of interest. Driving to the lane may result in more turnovers but it also will get them to the line more, putting opponents into foul trouble. Aggression is a prerequisite; they cannot keep relying on Kevin Martin to hoist ill-advised 18-footers, especially with the “rip move” removed.
Over the past four games, the Rockets have allowed opponents to score 31.3 points in the first quarter, outscoring them by 8.3 markers. Suffice to say it’s difficult to play catch-up for the remaining 36 minutes.

Stat of the week: Kyle Lowry – 22 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists (January 3 @ Lakers)