Player Grades: Houston Rockets All Out Of Miracles

Player Grades: Houston Rockets All Out Of Miracles:

After losing the two road games in Golden State by 4 points and 1 point respectively it was understandable the Rockets would be upset. But, we expected the team to appear fired up tonight with a view to notch their first victory in the series. Unfortunately only one team came with that energy and effort and it wasn’t the boys in red. Perhaps it was unreasonable to have set these expectations given James Harden had been playing out of his mind notching averages that were 1 assist shy of a triple double through the first two games.

Houston have played through adversity all season, first earning the second seed while without several core players and then adding their names to the history books by coming back from 1-3 down in the Clippers series.

80. 169. . 115. 41

Looking back it appears the loss in Game 2 took a greater toll than originally realized as Harden was deemed average on this night (by even his standards) while Stephen Curry showcased why he’s become known as the Baby Face Assassin around the league.

Though the Rockets were in tough to even the series it was still considered very possible, but after tonight it’s just a matter of whether they fight to not be swept out of the series on Monday or if they’ll return to Roaracle Arena to be finished off away from Clutch City.

With that I give you the player grades. Be forewarned… I haven’t been kind…..

[table id=162 /]

Now the Rockets must dust off their fragile egos (assuming this left the mark it should have for the embarrassing effort), recognize they haven’t beaten the Golden State Warriors for eight straight games and return Monday night with the sole vision of giving their fans a proper game.

And, for those of you still in shock by this beat down, take heart in the knowledge this Golden State Warriors squad is going to be hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy in a couple of weeks.

So, while that is a bitter pill to swallow at the moment, remember it will serve as constant motivation this summer. Our Rockets overcame impossible odds all season and punctuated that effort in the last round, but missing two core contributors and utilizing two guys in their late 30’s to offset the year’s best point guard and without much argument the best “healthy” team this season will come up just short of their miracle season.

There are positives ahead, it’s just hard to summon those thoughts with this stinker still ripe in our nostrils. Stay connected with us daily for all things Houston Rockets and check back tomorrow for our post game funeral, er analysis.

Next: Draft Lottery & where our prospects currently reside

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