Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

ESPN's Calvin Watkins joins us to break down the latest in negotiations between the Rockets and restricted free agent Donatas Motiejunas. Watkins also shares his takeaways from Tuesday's practice, including a K.J. McDaniels update and insight on how Sam Dekker could be squeezing multiple players for minutes. We then break down James Harden's MVP chances and the rapid rise of Clint Capela to starter's minutes.

#Rockets #NBA #ESPN #JamesHarden

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Even with off shooting nights from James Harden and Eric Gordon, the Rockets (9-5) showed poise defensively in a 99-96 win over the Pistons. Salman Ali, managing editor of Red Nation Hoops, joins Ben to break down how Houston grinded its way to its first three-game winning streak, led by a strong performance from Clint Capela vs. Andre Drummond and key hustle plays from Trevor Ariza, Ryan Anderson and Pat Beverley.

#Rockets #NBA #JamesHarden

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The Rockets (8-5) closed out their three-game stretch vs. Western playoff contenders with two impressive wins, including a 111-102 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday. We break down how Houston did it, led by James Harden's improved efficiency, better production from the second unit, and a career night from Clint Capela.

#Rockets #NBA #JamesHarden

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Just a few months ago, a current NBA scout joined Locked on NBA (anonymously) to explain why he thought James Harden was too concerned with scoring to be the point guard for Mike D'Antoni. Only 12 regular-season games later, he's suddenly singing a very different tune. Hear from the scout on where Harden is most impressing him, as well as Ben's commentary on why judging intangibles can prove very difficult.

#Rockets #NBA #JamesHarden

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James Harden bounced back from a rare off night in Oklahoma City with his third triple-double (26 points, 14 assists, 12 rebounds) of the past eight days, leading the Rockets (7-5) to a blowout win over the Blazers (7-6). Our postgame show examines how Harden seemed to take this game personally, as well as the return of Pat Beverley and continued strong play from Clint Capela inside.

#Rockets #NBA #JamesHarden

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The Rockets (6-5) scored just 13 points in the fourth quarter and went over six minutes without a single point, leading to a tough 105-103 loss against the rival Oklahoma City Thunder. Ben is joined by Twitter's "Brandon B. Nohen" (@iBrand0n300) to analyze what went wrong, including off nights for James Harden (4-of-16 FG) and Eric Gordon (5-of-20 FG), as well as Mike D'Antoni's reluctance to play Clint Capela late in games.

#Rockets #NBA #Thunder #JamesHarden

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Last November, the Rockets barely survived an upset bid from then-winless Philadelphia (0-16). This time, the Rockets (6-4) took the game seriously and overwhelmed the Sixers (1-9) from the outset in a 115-88 win. We explain why James Harden (33 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds) and his new-look Rockets deserve credit for displaying the professionalism to take care of business against an overmatched opponent.

#Rockets #NBA #JamesHarden

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James Harden's second consecutive triple-double wasn't enough to lead the Rockets (5-4) to another win over the Spurs, who took advantage of a poor shooting night from Ryan Anderson (1-of-13 FG). We examine why Anderson seems to be such an important variable, as well as what this means for the potential importance of Donatas Motiejunas. We also update the medical recovery of Pat Beverley and chat with Corey Brewer about his changed role in Beverley's absence.

#Rockets #NBA

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The Rockets (5-3) are winning on the back of James Harden, but they've been awful in the minutes he's spent on the bench. National writers Nate Duncan and Danny Leroux offer their diagnosis and a few potential remedies. Ben then explores what fans should take away from GM Daryl Morey's new, wide-ranging interview with Zach Lowe of ESPN, starting with how Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon fit in the broader narrative of Houston's future free-agency plans.

#Rockets #NBA #JamesHarden

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The Spurs had four days of rest and the Rockets (5-3) were on the fifth game of a five-game road trip, but James Harden (24 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds) was still able to lead underdog Houston to a big win in San Antonio. We break down how it happened, including key contributions from Ryan Anderson and Sam Dekker and strong defense from Trevor Ariza and Nene down the stretch.

#Rockets #NBA #JamesHarden

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