A sense of urgency! Paul, Melo lead Rockets to much needed win

The Rockets came into Brooklyn last night slumping on a four game losing streak. It was not always delightful to watch but the Rockets were finally able to get over the roadblock and pick up a much-needed win!

From the get-go Chris Paul seemed to have a different energy, dancing with the ball, hitting threes, and even toying with defenders.

Chris Paul finished the night with 32 points and 11 assists and was a +20 on the floor for Houston.

Paul had two buzzer beaters against Brooklyn, one to end the first half and another to end the third quarter.

Paul was not the only player who had a strong showing last night, Clint Capela also stepped up with 22 points and 13 rebounds as did Carmelo Anthony who finished with 28 points on an efficient 75% shooting from the field.

Last night’s win was not a smooth ride however, the Rockets were down 14 late in the second quarter, and some of it had to do with Brooklyn just being on fire as they did make a few very difficult shots. They were also aided by Houston’s weak defense, specifically in the paint in which the Nets guards would make a few dribble moves and immediately find themselves at the rim for layups.

The Rockets came out with a sense of urgency in the second half.

Houston had spectacular stretches on defense especially late in the fourth quarter, in which they were switching non stop and it seemed like every shot taken by the Nets was contested as Brooklyn tried to rally.

Carmelo Anthony has slowly lost his hesitancy to shoot the ball as he has played more and more games with the Rockets, and last night was a prime example on pick and pops or when he was set waiting to get a pass, Anthony was ready to catch and let it fly.

The Rockets are still only 2-5, but last night’s win does provide the team with a little momentum.

James Harden is scheduled to return to the lineup tonight against the Chicago Bulls and the Rockets proved last night that they can defend at an elite level.

Now the key is consistency.

The Rockets need to take the momentum from last night and use it to start stringing together a few wins.

One final note, Michael Carter-Williams was a -7 for the Rockets while he was on the floor and did not make a single field goal as his disappointing start to the season continued.

With the return of James Harden imminent, it will be interesting to see if Carter-Williams is still in the rotation for the game in Chicago.