I’ll be in the press box for this one, with last semester’s exams thankfully behind me. Join Connor in the chatroom before tip-off as it should be rocking for this huge matchup. I plan to update this very post periodically from Toyota Center, but for now, check out Kevin Arnovitz’s take on the game at The Heat Index.
Two updates in first half. Overall thoughts on the game tomorrow morning.
Update at end of 1st:
As I write this, the team trails by seven after seemingly doing everything right. It’s scary how explosive this Heat team is. The Rockets seemed to get anything they wanted, running on Miami’s flat legs, and finding an open Luis Scola en route to a 10-2 mid-quarter run. Somehow the Heat recovered effortlessly. Aaron Brooks also showed life attacking Miami at their weakest link.
Update at halftime:
Rockets on pace for 120+ absolutely taking it right at the Heat in this one so far. Let’s hope they can keep it up as the Heat are on the second night of a back to back and are certainly feeling the fatigue. This is probably the most entertaining game I’ve seen so far this year, but it’s still early. Jordan Hill opened the 2nd quarter as if someone had Mike D’Antoni’s photo on the rim – with two monster jams to the crowd’s delight. He also matched up with Chris Bosh for a short frame in what was a particularly interesting showdown. What stands out is how much confidence the staff has gained in Hill. Just a garbageman before, he regularly receives touches in the post now when on the floor, even when guarded by All-Stars such as Bosh. On one possession, Hill caught it on the left block and attempted to drive baseline with the handles he does not have, being cut off by the former Raptor, demonstrating the prime difference in skillset between the two players. It’s very possible for Jordan Hill to develop into a better defender/rebounder and even inside scorer than Bosh, but he will for sure never have the perimeter abilities.
Aaron Brooks got to the basket at will against Miami’s flat-footed point men, looking greatly in sync with the Rockets’ second unit. As I’ve said before, I really like AB with that group; unfortunately, I think he does not. If Brooks was fine emotionally coming off the bench in the Jason Terry role, I would have no problem giving him the $8million he likely will seek. The problem is that I just don’t know if he will be content in that spot.
