The Houston Rockets have been playing .500 ball for the past few weeks as they continue to try and get back to being as healthy as possible. Back-to-back games against the New Orleans Pelicans is a goods recipe for ending a three-game losing streak, but it can’t be denied that in comparison to the pace they were on earlier this season, they are on a downslide.
This has caused many to believe that perhaps the Houston Rockets just aren’t ready to be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. Del Olaleye hosts a radio show from 10 AM- 12 PM on ESPN HOUSTON 97.5 and 92.5 FM, and this is what he had to say.
On its surface, this take seems solid. The Rockets have the least amount of playoff experience among all teams vying for a playoff spot in the West currently, and we have seen them struggle at times with late game execution, especially in the absence of Fred VanVleet. Naturally, this would lead one to believe when it’s all added up, the Rockets should be the easiest out in the Western Conference. Right?
What if I told you that the Rockets have played in 15 one-possession games this season and have a 9-6 record in those games, including a 2-1 record in overtime games decided by one possession? What if I told you that of the top 10 players who have played the most games with clutch scenarios, four of them are Houston Rockets. What if I told you that the Houston Rockets are tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the most wins in clutch games (decided by five points or less) with 21?
That’s right, in the 37 games the Rockets have played decided by 5 points or less, which is tied for the second most played by any team in the league, the Rockets are 21-16. There is no denying that the postseason is a different animal than the regular season, however, the Rockets can do nothing about the fact that most of them have not played playoff basketball before. All they can do is use the regular season as a proving ground. Not only have they had the chance to play in clutch scenarios, but they have faired very well so far. For a team that doesn’t have much playoff experience, that is all you can ask for.
With just 19 games remaining in the season, we will see how they continue to fair in these scenarios, but the idea that the Rockets will be an easy out in the playoffs due to lack of execution in close games is not warranted based on what they have done this season, even with the recent slide in the standings.
Prior to the Rockets health issues, they were playing very well in close games, and that’s not changed even with injuries. The issue is they haven’t played as many close games with the inconsistency in their lineups of late. However, there is plenty of evidence that contrary to the idea that teams should want to play the Rockets, they might actually be a tougher out than people expect.
The Rockets have room to improve in tight games, there is no doubt about it. But the fact that they are among the best teams in clutch scenarios should be encouraging to Rockets fans. The fact is, the Rockets have far exceeded the expectations of most fans and NBA pundits. At this point they really are playing with house money.
So to the other 8-10 playoff / playoff teams in the West I say, you can hope for a first-round matchup with the Rockets if you wish, but it may be fools gold. History tells us that ““We want Houston” usually doesn’t go well for the ones who wished for it.