After two games between Portland and Houston, the two teams couldn’t look to be any different in regards to how they are performing. After a close Game 1 with a smidgen of controversy, Game 2 saw Portland kick the hinges off the doors and gain a strong grasp on the direction of the series. Heading back to the Rose Garden Arena, the Blazers are in firm control- while the Rockets are sputtering in damage control.
The biggest issue for the Rockets heading into the series was how they would contain LaMarcus Aldridge. The answer to that? They haven’t- and likely can’t.
Houston had control early with the help of a 25 point first half from Dwight Howard, yet the game was knotted at 53 after two quarters. The performance was not a marvel as much as it was a mirage. The constant feeding to “D12” took away from the three-point strengths of Houston. They had no offensive rhythm and never found it from deep.
On the flipside, Aldridge had an efficient 23 point half. His drilling shot after shot-complete with fadeaways and mid-range daggers- kills Houston’s ability to get out on the break. The Texas product is averaging an insane 44.5 points per contest while shooting 59% from the field and 81% from the free throw line. Aldridge isn’t just a match-up nightmare… he’s a team-wide nightmare. Put the stingy Omer Asik on him, and watch him beat him off the dribble or make him look silly with his range. Put Terrence Jones on him and watch the eight-year forward impose his will on the smaller Jones. The last option we have seen is throwing Dwight Howard, the former defensive player of the year at Aldridge. While it has worked at times, Howard’s extended coverage on him leads to him being gassed or foul trouble.
As I watch Aldridge shine like a true franchise power forward, part of me does wonder what would had happened if Portland had drafted Kevin Durant over Greg Oden in 2007. How many titles would they have by now? As mature and professional as they are, Durant and Aldridge would likely get along and lead many a great team together. If the Trailblazers were to look in their driver’s side mirror, it would say “Objects may appear way better than you thought they were.”
How does Houston handle Aldridge, though? Sure, adjustments can be made. McHale will mix it up with double teams, and continue to switch off between the trio of Jones, Asik and Howard. They can’t look to stop him, as utopian as that sounds. They just need to throw him off his game enough to close the gap and run their beloved fast break.
Similar situations have been seen when Houston plays the Thunder. When they win, it is because they have forced Kevin Durant to shoulder the load and minimized the rest of the team’s effect on the game. Yet Aldridge isn’t wondering if they’ll play him harder- he’s daring them to. At times the lackadaisical Rockets have pulled a collective James Harden and left Aldridge wide open. Swish. They’ll need to continue to play him tight and hope he cools off at some point.
Portland needs to abide by the “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” rule. Keep feeding Aldridge. Spread the court with Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum and Dorell Wright. Let Damian Lillard isolate and create his shots. He’ll more often than not make them while also getting to the charity stripe. These are what have given them the upper hand heading back home, while the Rockets look for answers.
The youth of Houston hasn’t just been apparent on the court. Off of it, Parsons and Harden have made waves for all the wrong reasons.
When asked by CSNNW.com about the best small forward between the two teams, Chandler Parsons replied instantly with, “100 percent, I’m the best.”
Parsons no doubt has been worth every dollar this season for Houston. He’s in his third year and rakes in a “meager” $926,500. But to make such an emphatic statement was out of character for the typically modest small forward. The focus should not be on a specific player, but the team’s success. That hasn’t been more vital than now, as Houston is in the hole 0-2.
More drama followed the team after Game 2 when Harden was pressed by an interviewer about his shot, or lack thereof. Harden is shooting 15-47 (31%) so far through two games. This also includes a 5 for 19 stretch from beyond the three-point line. Harden wanted no part of the inquisition.
“It’s basketball – making shots,” Harden told the Oregonian. He clearly wanted to move on, or end it all together by all accounts. A few more questions followed before the session wrapped up. Harden, not finished with the interviewer, confronted him again before calling him a “weirdo”.
This is not what any team wants to see their supposed leader take part in. While he is only 25, Harden should handle himself with far more composure and take accountability for his poor shooting and poor decision making. He can’t save defense for after the game. There is no time to waste- Harden has to find his shot in Game 3, or basketball critics will begin to place a dreaded “choke” label on the former Sun Devil.
The Blazers will show up to the Rose Garden Arena Friday night very much motivated and inspired to stick the fork a little deeper in their opponent. Their fans will show up in droves to provide a raucous atmosphere that will enhance Portland’s game. There is only one other question.
Will the Houston Rockets show up?
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