Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

James Harden was spectacular with 41 points (14-of-24 FG) and 7 assists, but the Rockets' supporting cast didn't give him nearly enough help in a home Game 1 loss to the defending champion Golden State Warriors.

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals is Wednesday night at Toyota Center.

Chris Paul (23/11, 8-of-17 FG) and Clint Capela (12/6, 6-of-7 FG) each had moments, but ultimately Houston just didn't have enough firepower to deal with a combined 83 points on better than 50% shooting from Kevin Durant (37), Klay Thompson (28), and Steph Curry (18).

Our recap explores those storylines and more, including whether Mike D'Antoni should occasionally send a second defender to Durant; how depth has suddenly become a major issue for the Rockets, with Luc Mbah a Moute, P.J. Tucker, Trevor Ariza, and others all having subpar games; and why psychology could be a tougher battle than Xs and Os heading into a must-win Game 2.

#Rockets #Warriors #NBA #WCF #NBAPlayoffs

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In Sunday's show, our Ben DuBose gives his three biggest Xs and Os keys for the West Finals — including the role of Clint Capela in controlling pace, the importance of James Harden attacking the rim, and why it's vital not to lose Klay Thompson on the defensive end.

In closing, Ben makes his prediction and explains why he's taking the Rockets to win in 7 games.

#Rockets #NBA #Warriors #NBAPlayoffs #WCF

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Former Rockets guard Bobby Brown joined us Friday to break down the looming matchup in the Western Conference Finals between Houston and the Golden State Warriors.

Topics discussed (interview starts at 10:15) include his departure from the team earlier this year; the nature of Houston's chemistry in the locker room and its importance; his friendships with the likes of James Harden, Chris Paul, and Trevor Ariza; and what Mike D'Antoni is likely to do tactically to give the Rockets the best chance of beating the defending champs. Tune in:

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TV analyst Matt Bullard joins our Ben DuBose to reflect on Chris Paul's career night in the Game 5 clincher vs. Utah and preview the upcoming showdown between the No. 1 Rockets and No. 2 Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.

Other topics include the different ways James Harden will need to attack the Golden State defense, relative to Utah and big man Rudy Gobert; the role of Eric Gordon as a variable; why Clint Capela is better equipped to play the Warriors than he was earlier this season; potential options behind Capela at the 5 spot (Ryan Anderson, Nene, and "Tuckwagon" lineups featuring P.J. Tucker); how to attack Steph Curry on defense in the aftermath of an MCL injury; and the importance of taking the first two games at Toyota Center in Houston.

#Rockets #NBA #Warriors

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In Wednesday's off-day show, Ben examines several frequently asked questions about Ryan Anderson — including his sudden absence from the Rockets’ playoff rotation, whether he can potentially be traded this summer, and his future role in 2018-19 and beyond.

#Rockets #NBA

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Chris Paul (41/10) and P.J. Tucker (19/6) each set playoff career-highs in scoring as the Rockets held off the Utah Jazz in Game 5 with a 112-102 victory. With the win, Houston secured its first trip to the Western Conference Finals since 2015.

James Harden (18 points, 7-of-22 FG) had an inefficient game and was described afterward as "under the weather," but the Rockets still had enough to secure the series behind Paul, Tucker, and another elite night of rim protection from Clint Capela (11 blocks in his last two games).

The Jazz had a 78-75 lead going to the fourth quarter after a ridiculous third quarter from rookie Donovan Mitchell, who scored 22 in the period and directly contributed on 29 of Utah's 32 points. But the 33-year-old Paul nearly matched him with 20 in the fourth quarter, helping the nine-time All-Star secure the first conference finals appearance of his storied career.

Our postgame show breaks down those storylines and more, including how the second round for the Rockets in 2018 ended how it couldn't in 2017 — with another star able to pick up the slack on an off night from Harden. Tune in!

#Rockets #NBAPlayoffs #NBA #Jazz

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James Harden (8-of-22, 8 TOs) had an off night, but Chris Paul (27/12/6) and Clint Capela (12/15, 6 blocks) picked up the slack as the Rockets grinded out a 100-87 win in Game 4 at Salt Lake City.

The victory gives Houston a 3-1 lead in the Round 2 series and puts them within one game of reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2015.

Our postgame win explores all the key storylines, including brilliance from Paul and Capela; how the Rockets showed an ability to withstand an off night from their MVP that wasn't there a year ago; and how gritty veterans like P.J. Tucker, Trevor Ariza, and Luc Mbah a Moute were instrumental in allowing Mike D'Antoni to rely on his defense —rather than offense — for the two tough wins in Sale Lake City. Tune in!

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After a slow start in Game 2, the Rockets completely flipped the script in Game 3 with a 30-point advantage through the first 24 minutes in Salt Lake City, leading to a 113-92 victory. Houston now has a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Round 2 series, with Game 4 set for Sunday night.

Our postgame show hits all the highlights, including a key adjustment from Mike D'Antoni in incorporating more mid-range shots; the value of Eric Gordon's emergence with 25 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including minutes with both Paul (17/7/6)and Harden (25/12); improved defensive commitment throughout the roster, starting with Clint Capela (4 blocks, only 2 fouls); and the importance of a Game 3 win combined with Golden State's earlier loss. Tune in!

#Rockets #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #Jazz

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Ben DuBose previews Game 3 at Utah with a look at the main Game 2 problems (stopping dribble penetration, low 3-point attempts) and how to fix them, including the pros and cons of options on Houston’s suddenly struggling bench (Luc Mbah a Moute, Gerald Green, Ryan Anderson, and Nene).

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James Harden had a game-high 32 points and 11 assists, but a 19-point deficit in the first half of Wednesday's Game 2 proved difficult to overcome as the Rockets fell to Utah, 116-108. Houston shot just 10-of-37 (27%) from behind the arc, while the Jazz were 15-of-32 (47%) — led by a career-high 27 points from Joe Ingles (7-of-9 on three-point attempts).

The best-of-seven Round 2 series is now tied, 1-1, with the all-important Game 3 on Friday night in Salt Lake City.

Our postgame show breaks down all the relevant storylines, led by yet another inexplicably lethargic start to a postseason game by Mike D'Antoni's Rockets.

Other topics include adjustments made by Utah coach Quin Snyder; the importance of Game 3, particularly in the context of Golden State leading its series, 2-0; how the early deficit may have compromised Houston's shooting late by requiring them to expend so much energy in the middle portions of the game; and why Luc Mbah a Moute's return hasn't helped the Rockets' issues with dribble penetration as much as expected. 

#Rockets #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #Jazz

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