Houston Rockets Daily Rocket Science: One More Chance

In the Daily Rocket Science SCS takes a look at the Houston Rockets news and notes from around the web

In the midst of preparing for what could be their final game of the season, the Houston Rockets playoffs hopes have taken a back seat once again. Last week, it was the coaching rumors that Jeff Van Gundy and Scott Brooks have emerged as the front-runners for Houston’s head coaching position. This week an injury to the league’s MVP have stolen the headlines.

After a brief appearance in game 4, Stephen Curry‘s triumphant return was short lived. A wet spot on the court sent him crashing to the floor right before halftime Sunday afternoon.

An MRI yesterday revealed Curry suffered a sprained MCI, and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. With Curry forced to missed the remainder of the series, ESPN‘ Calvin Watkins does not believe that Curry’s injury will give the Rockets any hopes of a playoff comeback.

"Spare us the inspirational stats about nine teams in league history rallying from 3-1 deficits to win a series. Houston has done it twice: last year, when it came back to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in the West semifinals, and in 1995 when the Rockets defeated the Phoenix Suns in the West semis. Guess what? The Rockets are not going to Staples Center for Game 5 to play the Clippers, and Hakeem Olajuwon is not coming out of retirement to recreate what happened in 1995. This current Rockets team hasn’t shown the ability to respond from a 3-1 hole."

With the Rockets on the brink of elimination, many critics have pounded what went wrong in Houston this year. Of all the theories and rumors expressed throughout the season. According to Johnathan Feign of the Houston Chronicle, Dwight Howard says egos and pride have gotten in the way of the Rockets success this season.

"“I don’t think ego and pride were at issue in the second half of yesterday’s game particularly,” Bickerstaff said. “In order to win at this level, you have to play at a certain intensity, with a certain spirit. His point of giving the team is the most important thing. I don’t think it was the cause of the third quarter and the way we played. But he’s right; that’s the only way you win at this level with any magnitude. You can be OK when you’re a bunch of individuals, but if you want to be a champion in the playoffs, the only thing that matters is the team. That’s the way you win.”"

Speaking of D12. With the Rockets down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors, just about every critic has predicted their season WILL come to an end Wednesday night. However, according to Ananth Pandian of CBS Sports, Howard has no doubt there will be a Game 6 back in Clutch City.

"“Game 5 won’t be the last game for us.” Said Howard. “We’re going to try and win.” “But if we don’t go in with the mindset we’re going to win the game, why should we play? Our lives are on the line, let’s go out there and play.” It’s not like Howard is going to say the Rockets are already admitting defeat, so this is an unsurprising answer. However, the odds are definitely stacked up against the Rockets and in actuality, Game 5 could very likely be the last game for Houston this season."

I’m glad to see that Dwight Howard has not given up on his team. Unfortunately, I highly doubt Howard believe his team can come back from this deficit.

That’s it for today’s Daily Rocket Science make sure to check in with Space City Scoop throughout the day for all things Rockets.

Next: Houston Rockets Head Coach Criteria

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