Rockets' Season Hits Early Low Point in Blowout Loss vs. Heat
We won't hit the panic button after the Rockets' 129–100 loss in Miami on Sunday, but the defeat was as concerning as an early-November game can be for a Finals contender. Houston allowed 46 points in the first quarter, then gave up a 12-2 run to open the third. Miami outscored the Rockets 25-6 in fast break points. James Harden and Co. shot 29.2% from three. The Rockets' road trip has gone seriously awry.
Here are three takeaways from Sunday's loss.
Worst of Russell Westbrook
The Rockets' premier offensive addition wreaked havoc in Houston's 3–1 start, taking over the fourth quarter in each victory with a slate of steals, offensive rebounds and clutch assists. Westbrook's jumper appeared adequate, and his shot selection suggested a reformed player. Perhaps Westbrook could average a triple-double as a more efficient version of his final OKC years. His past two performances haven't supported the theory.
Westbrook scored 27 points on 25 shots in Friday's loss while making just one of six threes. It was an uneven performance from Westbrook, though his dynamism in the open floor helped Houston claw back within striking distance in the fourth quarter. He couldn't provide the same effect in Sunday's loss. Westbrook made just one of his first 11 shots, and he finished the night with seven turnovers and a game-worst minus-46 in 26 minutes. Last year's 29% mark from three was assumed to be a career nadir, but Westbrook is shooting 25% in 2019-20. The real Westbrook (of course) settles between his homestand highs and recent road woes. Just how far he swings in a single playoff series could shape Houston's season.
Threes Rain in Miami
The Rockets' 118 wins in the last two seasons are in large part thanks to their prowess from beyond the arc, but their defense of the three was arguably just as impactful in 2018-19. Houston finished second in opponent three-point percentage last season. Only the Pistons and the Jazz allowed fewer threes. Such stinginess–and an historic offensive season from Harden–rose the Rockets from the No. 14 spot in the West on Dec. 8.
Houston's defense against the three has cratered in 2019-20. The Rockets entered Sunday evening allowing 86 made threes (second-most in the NBA) before the Heat banged home an additional 18 triples on 41 attempts in their home victory. There should be some regression in the Rockets' benefit in the coming weeks. Opponents made 43.2% of threes against Houston prior to Sunday's loss, the best mark in basketball. But there remains glaring rotational and communication issues. Harden's perimeter effort has been shoddy over the last two nights. Eric Gordon entered Sunday with a 119.5 defensive rating. Clint Capela's minutes continue to waver as his production wanes. The Rockets could very well post a bottom-five defense in 2019-20 barring a marked adjustment or personnel change.
Gordon Stays Cold
Head coach Mike D'Antoni attempted to jumpstart Eric Gordon on Sunday by inserting him in the starting lineup in place of Danuel House. The move had its merits. Gordon entered Sunday shooting just 23.9% from three, averaging a career-low 10.4 points per game. But D'Antoni's lineup adjustment failed to pay off.
Gordon scored four points on 2-10 shooting, finishing the night without a made three or assist. He was blocked two times while driving to the rim, looking a step slower off the bounce than in 2018-19. The early returns on his four-year, $75 million extension have not been promising.
Up Next: at Grizzlies on Monday
The Rockets will look to contain rookie sensation Ja Morant in the final game of their four-game road trip. Houston may give Westbrook a night off, while Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. is doubtful with right knee soreness. Houston will have a brief return home after facing Memphis, hosting the Warriors on Wednesday.
