Missed Opportunity and Rockets Playoff Hopes

     Two nights ago, the Rockets missed their big opportunity to jump in front of the Warriors in the standings in a 78-108 loss to them. If the Rockets won, then the Rockets would be the number six seed in the Western Conference. Since they lost, they stayed at the number seven seed. It was a must win game for them and they disappointed their home crowd in Houston.
     The Rockets lost the game because they couldn't make a shot and they couldn't guard Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The Rockets scored only ten first quarter points which is the lowest amount that they've scored in one quarter this season. They shot only 13% in that quarter and it was really frustrating to watch.
     Looking forward to the playoffs, the Rockets will probably have a tough first series. But if there is one overrated team that the Rockets could beat in a series it would be the Grizzlies. The Rockets have always played them well and have won the season series against them this year. The only problem is that the Rockets would have to jump up two seeds in the standings to face the Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs and that would be really hard to do. The Rockets would need to win most of their final regular season games and have the Warriors and the Nuggets lose most of them to jump up two seeds. I think that the Rockets are playing fine, but the basket just needs to open up for them.

Top Five Rockets Players in my Lifetime

     The Rockets have had some great teams and great players during my lifetime. I forgot some of my old favorite players and how they played so I had to watch some youtube videos to refresh my memory.  In my opinion these are the top five players in my lifetime in order:
     1. James Harden, because he is the best scorer that they've had in awhile. He is averaging 26 points per game this year and he also flipped their fortune this season and brought new hope to the team.  He is also only 23 years old so they can keep him for a while as the face of the franchise.
     2. Tracy McGrady, because he was a great player for a long time. In his career, he averaged 20 plus points in eight consecutive seasons. He used to be my favorite player until he got traded to the Knicks.
     3. Yao Ming, because he was a dominant force down low. He was easily the best center that the Rockets ever had in my lifetime.
     4. Kevin Martin, because he was the best three point shooter that the Rockets have had during my lifetime. He was a bit streaky sometimes but he was a great free throw shooter and could shoot from anywhere on the court.
      5. Aaron Brooks, because he was a great scoring point guard. He was my favorite player for a long time and I really like how he plays.  He is a good all around player and is aggressive for his size.
     Those players, in my opinion, are the best players that the Rockets have had since I was born. In the future, I think Kevin McHale should unload Aaron Brooks for one game to see what he can do.  I hope that he gets to play alot and fits in with the team.  I hope that the Rockets get more players like these in the future!

Rockets Updates and Great Stretch

     Two nights ago, the Rockets scored a season high, 44 third quarter points to beat the Mavs 136-103. Tonight, they rematch with them in Dallas. Having won three of their last five games, they jumped up to the seventh seed in the western conference.
     The Thomas Robinson trade hasn't proved to me yet that it was a good move because he hasn't been playing much because of foul trouble. Donatas Montejunas is playing good as the new starter, scoring in double figures in two of the last three games. Since Montejunas is the new starter, I think that the Rockets should use Terrence Jones more because he brings more defense to the team down low. Chandler Parsons has been playing really well too, going 12 of 13 from the field for 32 points against the Mavs.
     The Rockets have been playing very well lately and I hope they keep it up! They have just signed Aaron Brooks for the rest of the season. I think he will help the Rockets in shooting, playmaking, and provide depth. He will also help the younger point guards because he is a veteran NBA player.  Aaron used to be one of my favorite players when he was on the Rockets and I think he will be a good addition. If the Rockets win and Golden State loses to Sacramento, the Rockets will have jumped up another spot. To get in to the playoffs, they need to watch out for Golden State, Utah, and Denver.