Rockets: Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor labels Eric Gordon harshly after loss

Fans of the Houston Rockets have been frustrated with Eric Gordon’s play all season long, and his performance in Game 6 also drew the ire of some media.

There comes a time when you have to show some tough love. Eric Gordon has had some stellar seasons for the Houston Rockets in the past and has even put up near-All-Star level numbers on other teams. The current season he’s having, however, has become a major problem.

With a chance to close out one of the peskiest players in NBA history in Chris Paul on Monday, the stage was set for Gordon to prove that he’s still reliable when it matters most. Instead, the former Sixth Man of the Year shot just 3-of-12 from the field, 1-of-6 from beyond the arc, and committed four turnovers in a 104-100 loss.

The Houston Rockets’ disappearing stars

Obviously, no loss comes down to a single man. The Rockets committed to 22 turnovers as a team in the game, including two in the last two minutes of a single possession game. Still, Gordon’s shot selection, combined with his inability to hit jumpers, was the leading reason he was a game-worst minus-10 when on the court.

Shortly after the game, The Ringer staff writer Kevin O’Connor gave his thoughts on why the Rockets failed to close the series out, not holding back on Gordon in the process.

Blaming James Harden for this Rockets loss is absolutely insane. Harden is carrying the Rockets. He's the sole reason they're even in a Game 7. Harden's partner Russell Westbrook failed when he was given chances late in the 4th. Eric Gordon is a dud. No one else can create shots.

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) September 1, 2020

As unfortunate as it is to call an important member of the Rockets a dud, it’s hard to argue with O’Connor in this case. Gordon shot a season-low 36.9 percent this season, and round one of the playoffs is his chance to erase all of that by helping the team advance.

Going into Game 6, however, Eric was shooting just 18.9 percent from the 3-point line, which is the Rockets’ most important weapon on offense. His drives to the basket have also been hit-and-miss, even though his quickness has looked the best it’s looked in a long time.

It’s more than understandable that some Rockets fans are done with Gordon, but the good news is he has one final chance to redeem his season. With just one good performance and a Houston win, the counter will be reset to 0-0 in the Rockets’ quest for a third championship.

Eric Gordon has one last chance to prove his season wasn’t a complete dud, and he has less than two days to prepare to do that.