A quick and digestible look at the most top-of-mind Rockets news of the past few days.
Houston Chronicle. Five things we learned from the Rockets victory over Knicks.
“Rockets 120, Knicks 96. If the Rockets gained anything from their workout against the Knicks, besides the win that was certain as soon as the team charter successfully touched down in New York, it might be to get Trevor Ariza going again. Ariza had failed to make 50 percent of his shots in 27-consecutive games, four shy of the NBA record…”
Sports Illustrated. Josh Smith’s shaky start on the Rockets coincides with Pistons’ resurgence.
“…The results are undeniable. Detroit has gone 7-0 since outright releasing the talented but tumultuous big man. The Pistons lead the NBA in net rating (17.2) over their last seven games, rank No. 2 in defensive efficiency (94.3) and No. 3 in offensive efficiency (111.5). Brandon Jennings has been liberated. Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe have room to operate. They’ve knocked off the likes of the Mavericks, the reigning champion Spurs and the Cavaliers (with LeBron James). The Pistons’ latest victory prompted Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle to declare them “one of the best basketball teams in the NBA…”
Houston Chronicle. Kevin McHale says recent role of Josh Smith related to ‘getting him comfortable’.
“Rockets coach Kevin McHale could offer little insight about how he felt with the rotation now that he has Josh Smith coming off the bench, usually checking in for Dwight Howard. That was because McHale said the move was not made based on his preference, but for Smith’s…”
Completely disagree with the winner (Psycho T?? Over James “Bloodsport” Johnson, who is 20-0 and 7-0 in kickboxing and MMA bouts, respectively? Get out of here.) but a funny read involving some Houston Rockets lasting til the final stretch:
Hardwood Paroxysm. A NBA Royal Rumble.
“In a few weeks, WWE will be hosting their first pay-per-view of the year: Royal Rumble. If you’re unaware, the Royal Rumble works like this. Two men start in the ring, and then every 90 seconds, a new contestant enters until there are 30 men in the ring. Unlike most wrestling matches, there are no pins. Instead, you can only be eliminated if you are tossed over the top rope and both of your feet hit the ground…for fun, let’s imagine an NBA Royal Rumble held between players from the six teams playing tonight.”
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