Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

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Harden's 32 not enough as another poor start dooms Rockets in Game 2 May 03, 2018

Show notes

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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Brian Geltzeiler on how and why the 2018 Rockets are different May 01, 2018

Show notes

Sirius XM NBA Radio host and NBA TV personality Brian Geltzeiler (@hoopscritic) joined the show Tuesday to discuss the Round 2 series between the Rockets and Jazz (currently 1-0, Houston) and a range of other Houston-related subjects.

Topics discussed on the show include the evolution of Mike D’Antoni’s offense from 2017 to 2018, and why it’s currently better prepared to handle an elite defense like Utah; the role of Chris Paul and James Harden in making defenses respect more areas of the floor; the potential offseason market for soon-to-be restricted free agent Clint Capela; whether Houston dodged a bullet in not getting Carmelo Anthony last summer; and areas to watch in a potential Western Conference Finals between the Rockets and Warriors. Tune in!

#Rockets #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #Jazz

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Harden leads spectacular shooting display in Game 1 rout Apr 30, 2018

Show notes

James Harden had 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists as the red-hot Rockets (17-of-32 from three-point range) raced ahead of the Jazz in Game 1 of their second-round series and never looked back in a 110-96 win.

Our postgame show breaks it all down, including the importance of Houston showing its so-called "A game" after a dynamic performance from Golden State the day before; continued postseason excellence from Clint Capela (16/12) against another elite big in Rudy Gobert; strong defense amid the return of Luc Mbah a Moute;and why a sluggish game from Eric Gordon (7 points, 0-of-6 FG) suggests the Rockets could offset a probable regression from three-point range. Tune in!

#Rockets #NBA #Jazz #NBAPlayoffs

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Mbah a Moute nears return, and David Locke previews the Utah series Apr 28, 2018

Show notes

Utah broadcaster David Locke joined us Saturday to preview the Round 2 series between the Rockets and Jazz, which tips off Sunday afternoon at Toyota Center. The Jazz punched their ticket by defeating the Thunder late Friday night in Game 6 of that series, headlined by 38 points from outstanding rookie guard Donovan Mitchell.

The Jazz are unlikely to initially be at full strength after a hamstring injury to point guard Ricky Rubio, but the Rockets might be following Saturday's encouraging news that Luc Mbah a Moute could play in Game 1 after missing the entire first round with a dislocated right shoulder. Mbah a Moute was upgraded to questionable and was a full participant in Houston's Saturday practice for the first time since the injury, and the Rockets said he could play Sunday if his body responds well.

Topics discussed on Saturday's show:The looming return of Mbah a Moute and its significanceWhat we learned about the Jazz in their Round 1 win over Oklahoma CityPotential issues for Utah caused by Houston's switching strategy on defenseThe impacts of a quick turnaround for Utah, going from Game 6 late Friday in Utah to Game 1 early Sunday in HoustonThe health of Rubio coming off a strained hamstringWhether Houston dodged a bullet in the offseason in not acquiring Carmelo AnthonyMatching up with Utah big man Rudy Gobert, including the potential of Houston going smallWhat the Jazz need to do against James Harden and Chris Paul to have a chanceFor more insight from Locke throughout the series, he can be followed at @LockedOnSports on Twitter. Listen here for the full podcast!

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Potential Round 2, WCF, and offseason storylines Apr 27, 2018

Show notes

With Houston awaiting its Round 2 fate, Thursday’s show explores the pros and cons of Utah and OKC; what to watch for when the Warriors (and Curry?) play New Orleans; and how other series may shape the future availability of LeBron James and Paul George.

#Rockets #NBA #NBAPlayoffs

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Balanced effort closes out Minnesota as Capela leads way Apr 26, 2018

Show notes

The Rockets stayed in striking distance of Minnesota through a sluggish first half in Game 5, then broke it open again in the third quarter to win their first-round series, four games to one. Houston now awaits the winner of the Oklahoma City vs. Utah series (Jazz lead, 3-2) in the second round, which begins next week.

James Harden (24/12) picked up the pace after a poor first half (5 points, 2-of-9 FG) in Wednesday's Game 5, while Clint Capela (26/15) again won the interior battle with Karl-Anthony Towns as Houston took control with a 30-15 spurt in the third quarter, headlined by strong defense.

Our postgame recap examines all the key storylines, including Harden and Chris Paul (12/9) stepping up in the second half; the role of Capela in elevating Houston's ceiling; key performances from role players including Eric Gordon (19 points, 3-of-7 on 3s), Trevor Ariza (16 points, 4-of-7 on 3s), and P.J. Tucker (16 points, 4-of-7 on 3s); and whether Oklahoma City or Utah is a preferable Round 2 opponent. Tune in!

#Rockets #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #Timberwolves

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Harden, CP3 lead historic run in Game 4 rout at Minnesota Apr 24, 2018

Show notes

James Harden and Chris Paul were sensational with a combined 61 points (21-of-43 FG), leading the Rockets on an incredible 71-30 run in the middle of a 119-100 beatdown of Minnesota in Game 4 at Target Center. Houston now leads the Round 1 series at three games to one, with an opportunity to clinch it in Wednesday's Game 5 at Toyota Center.

The Rockets trailed by seven points in the middle of the second quarter, but went on to score 50 points in the third quarter as part of the extended run to take command of the series. In addition to the scoring, Harden and Paul combined for 10 rebounds, nine assists, nine steals, and only two turnovers.

Our postgame show breaks it all down, including the importance of Harden turning it around after an 0-for-7 start in the first quarter; the confidence the Rockets likely gained from this type of performance facing adversity on the road; and how Eric Gordon (18 points, 6-of-14 FG) and Clint Capela (14/17, 4 blocks) each stepped up and showed their crucial importance as secondary options on a potential championship team.

#Rockets #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #Timberwolves

Our intro music is from the song "All In" off the album "rad-pop." by The Great Heights Band, courtesy of CI Records. Listen to full songs via Spotify or iTunes/Apple Music.

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Defense regresses, Gordon's slump lingers as Wolves take Game 3 Apr 22, 2018

Show notes

James Harden and Chris Paul combined for 46 points and 13 assists on 50% FG, but the Rockets lost a disappointing Game 3 by 16 points amid woeful defense, great shooting from Minnesota (15-of-27 on 3s), and another poor showing from Eric Gordon (5-of-16 FG).

Our Ben DuBose breaks it all down, including reasons not to panic based on historical evidence and the context of Houston's superb showing on defense in Game 2.

#Rockets #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #Wolves

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Game 3 preview, and primary takeaways through two games Apr 20, 2018

Show notes

With Houston up 2-0 in its first-round series and heading to Minnesota for Saturday’s Game 3, Karthik Prasad (@stanfordkp) joined us Friday to break down the first two games of the series and the predictive value of the results moving forward.

Topics explored on the show include:Adjustments made by the Wolves to slow James Harden (44 points on 15-of-26 FG in Game 1, followed by 12 points on 2-of-18 FG in Game 2), and how Houston countersThe excitement of winning a game with Chris Paul and defense, as opposed to HardenThe importance of the “turbo-nuclear button” shown by the Rockets in their 52-20 run in the middle of Game 2The defensive improvement shown by Clint Capela in limiting the production of Karl-Anthony Towns (6.5 points per game on 27.8% FG)Surprisingly stout performances from Nene off the Houston bench, and the implications for Houston’s bench when Ryan Anderson (ankle) returnsConcern level over a sluggish postseason start from Eric Gordon through two games (8.0 points per game on 26.1% FG)What needs to happen for the Rockets to grab a commanding 3-0 lead in the series on Saturday night? Tune in to find out!

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Paul bounces back, Green blasts off as Rockets defend home court Apr 19, 2018

Show notes

The Rockets overcame an early 9-point deficit with an incredible 52-20 run spanning just 16 game minutes in Wednesday's Game 2 at Toyota Center, leading to a 102-82 victory and a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-seven playoff series between Houston and Minnesota. Game 3 is Saturday night in Minneapolis.

Chris Paul bounced back from a poor showing in Game 1 with a team-high 27 points (10-of-18 FG) and 8 assists, while Gerald Green brought infectious energy off Houston's bench with 21 points and 12 rebounds — finishing with a team-best plus/minus of +27 in his 27 minutes. That included 12 points on four made three-pointers in the second quarter, when the Rockets turned a 7-point deficit into a 15-point halftime lead.

Clint Capela (8 points, 16 rebounds) again led a tremendous defensive effort by the Rockets, particularly on the interior against Karl-Anthony Towns (5 points, 2-of-9 shooting). James Harden (12 points, 7 assists, 2-of-18 FG) cooled off substantially on offense after his 44-point showing in Game 1, but it ultimately didn't matter based on the much-improved showing from the supporting cast.

Wednesday night's postgame show explores those storylines and much more, including the remarkable upside Houston may have when both Harden and the supporting cast eventually click at the same time.

#Rockets #Wolves #NBA #NBAPlayoffs

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