Season ends as shooters go ice cold in Paul-less Game 7

RECAP: Harden stuns Warriors in dramatic rally at Oracle: Depsite missing both Chris Paul and Eric Gordon, MVP James Harden (44/15/10) delivered perhaps the finest performance of his Hall of Fame career in Thursday night's 135-134 win at defending champion Golden State. It's the 6th consecutive win for Houston (22-15) without CP3 and their 11th in 12 games. Our recap breaks it all down, including the emergence of Clint Capela (29/21) as a threat in this matchup. #Rockets #NBA #Warriors #MVP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

28 min listen

Streak ends: Harden's heroics can't rescue Rockets from early hole: In a possible NBA Finals preview, the Rockets' valiant comeback effort fell just short Friday night in a 108-105 loss in Toronto. MVP frontrunner James Harden scored 40 points on a ridiculous 15-of-22 shooting, but Kyle Lowry nearly matched him with 30 points on 10-of-14 FG and 7-of-9 from behind the arc. The loss snapped Houston's NBA-best winning streak at 17 games, as the Rockets fell to 51-14 on the season. Our postgame show breaks down the Harden-Lowry battle and all of the other the key storylines, including strength by Clint Capela (13/13) against Jonas Valanciunas, an underwhelming night from Chris Paul (13 points, 5-of-13 FG), and the sluggish early defense that allowed Toronto to race out to a 19-point lead. The third and final segment of the show explores the convergent paths of Houston and Toronto, including why many of the reasons the 2017-18 Rockets deserve the benefit of the doubt for prior playoff short by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

38 min listen

More layups: Harden, CP3 outclass Lillard, McCollum in statement win: James Harden closed the door on the 2017-18 MVP race with a scintillating 42-point performance in Portland on 13-of-25 shooting as the Rockets (57-14) ended the Blazers' 13-game winning streak with a 115-111 victory. With the win, the Rockets effectively increased their lead over Golden State (53-18) to five games, considering the tiebreaker, for the West's No. 1 seed and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Though Portland's backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum vowed "no easy layups" going into the game, they were substantially outplayed by Harden and Chris Paul (22/8/6). Houston's backcourt combined for 64 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists on 19-of-41 shooting, while the Portland duo combined for just 28 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds on 9-of-32 shooting. Our postgame show breaks down those storylines and much more, including the importance of Houston building even more confidence with an enorm by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

28 min listen

Game 7 set as Warriors hold serve in Game 6: James Harden (32/9/7) and Eric Gordon (19) provided scoring punch, but an onslaught from Steph Curry and Klay Thompson (combined 64 points, 50% FG) was too much in Game 6 at Oracle Arena as the defending champion Warriors overcame an early double-digit deficit to win in a 115-86 romp. The winner-take-all Game 7 is set for Monday night at Toyota Center in downtown Houston. Our postgame recap explores all the key storylines, including shaky officiating; the role of Chris Paul's absence in 21 Houston turnovers and the team's limited depth; and whether CP3 will be able to play in Game 7. #Rockets #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #Warriors #WCF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

32 min listen

RECAP: Harden, Gordon launch Rockets in Boston: James Harden (42) and Eric Gordon (32) hit 14 three-pointers as Houston (38-25) won its fifth straight game with a big win at Boston. Our recap breaks it all down. Topics include Harden finally solving Boston’s defense; EG’s role as a key variable; more veteran steadiness in the clutch from Chris Paul (15/12) and PJ Tucker (9/8); and the team's soaring confidence after another “upside win.” #Rockets #NBA #Celtics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

36 min listen

14 straight: Harden gets revenge as Capela, Gordon return to form: Clint Capela and Eric Gordon each returned from illness-related absences with 22 points, and James Harden finished with 25 points, seven assists, and one filthy crossover on Wesley Johnson as the Rockets (48-13) extended their winning streak to 14 with a 105-92 triumph at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Thursday's recap episode explores those storylines and more, including a recent shooting slump by Chris Paul (4-of-21, or 19%, from three-point line since the All-Star break) and why the 39-12 blitz Houston put on the Clippers to start the game was a critical reminder of the "extra gear" possessed by the Rockets. #Rockets #NBA #Clippers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

38 min listen

Harden's brilliance can't offset depth woes, Durant in Game 1 loss: James Harden was spectacular with 41 points (14-of-24 FG) and 7 assists, but the Rockets' supporting cast didn't give him nearly enough help in a home Game 1 loss to the defending champion Golden State Warriors. Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals is Wednesday night at Toyota Center. Chris Paul (23/11, 8-of-17 FG) and Clint Capela (12/6, 6-of-7 FG) each had moments, but ultimately Houston just didn't have enough firepower to deal with a combined 83 points on better than 50% shooting from Kevin Durant (37), Klay Thompson (28), and Steph Curry (18). Our recap explores those storylines and more, including whether Mike D'Antoni should occasionally send a second defender to Durant; how depth has suddenly become a major issue for the Rockets, with Luc Mbah a Moute, P.J. Tucker, Trevor Ariza, and others all having subpar games; and why psychology could be a tougher battle than Xs and Os heading into a must-win Game 2. #Ro by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

32 min listen

Harden leads spectacular shooting display in Game 1 rout: James Harden had 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists as the red-hot Rockets (17-of-32 from three-point range) raced ahead of the Jazz in Game 1 of their second-round series and never looked back in a 110-96 win. Our postgame show breaks it all down, including the importance of Houston showing its so-called "A game" after a dynamic performance from Golden State the day before; continued postseason excellence from Clint Capela (16/12) against another elite big in Rudy Gobert; strong defense amid the return of Luc Mbah a Moute;and why a sluggish game from Eric Gordon (7 points, 0-of-6 FG) suggests the Rockets could offset a probable regression from three-point range. Tune in! #Rockets #NBA #Jazz #NBAPlayoffs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

36 min listen

Locked in: Paul, Gordon pace offense as D suffocates Dallas: Even without MVP frontrunner James Harden, the Rockets (52-14) bounced back from Friday's close loss at Toronto with an emphatic 105-82 victory over the rival Mavs in Dallas. Coupled with a loss by Golden State (51-16) earlier in the day to Minnesota, Houston suddenly finds itself with a two-game advantage in the loss column plus the tiebreaker in the race for the West's No. 1 seed and home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs. Chris Paul (24 points, 50% FG, 12 assists, +31) made up for a sluggish night from the field in Toronto, while Eric Gordon replaced Harden in the starting lineup and performed admirably with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Meanwhile, Houston put the clamps down on the Mavs defensively in the second half to take full control — surrendering just 82 points. Our postgame show explores those items and more, including thoughts on the status of Harden's sore left knee and the importance of Houston buildi by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

32 min listen

Green continues stunning surge, but Warriors show too much firepower: Gerald Green scored 29 points (8-of-15 on 3s) off the bench, while Chris Paul (28 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds) and Eric Gordon (30 points, 7 assists) were breathtaking as Houston's starting backcourt. But led by 57 combined points from Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, the Warriors (31-8) simply had too much firepower and eventually pulled away from the Rockets (27-10) in a 124-114 victory at Toyota Center in Houston. As expected, James Harden (hamstring) was out for the Rockets, while Kevin Durant (calf) sat out for the Warriors. Thursday's postgame show explores the Warriors' offensive dominance and why the injury to Luc Mbah a Moute (dislocated shoulder) and the recent ineffectiveness of P.J. Tucker put the Rockets in a quandary when it comes to matching up with Golden State on the defensive end. The show also touches on the postgame report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that the Rockets plan to sign Green to a by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

38 min listen

Matt Bullard on a record-setting win, Capela's growth, and more: James Harden (27/8/6) led the way in scoring, while Clint Capela (18/16 and 6 blocks) dominated on the interior vs. Anthony Davis as the Rockets (59-14) set a new franchise record for wins in a season with Saturday night's 114-91 home victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. With the win, the Rockets have won eight consecutive games and 25 of their past 26 overall. They remain effectively five games up on Golden State (54-18) and Toronto (54-19) in the race for the league's best record and home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs. In Sunday's show, TV analyst Matt Bullard joins our Ben DuBose to break down Saturday's game and a range of other topics, including the growth shown by Capela against the NBA's best big men; why players from the 1993-94 championship squad are happy to see the 2017-18 Rockets break their record; and the current state of Mike D'Antoni's end-of-bench options, including the likes of Ryan by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

33 min listen

Game 5: On Durant's injury and a blown opportunity: Thursday's recap of the 104-99 loss in Game 5 explores what went wrong for Houston after Kevin Durant exited with a calf injury; what KD's probable absence means for the series moving forward; and why Chris Paul and Clint Capela (6/24 FG) deserve the "blame" over James Harden (31/8, 63% FG). #Rockets #NBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

36 min listen

Harden bounces back, Green secures playoff role in rout of Wizards: James Harden returned to MVP form with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists on 12-of-18 shooting as the Rockets (63-15) bounced back from a rare loss on Sunday with a 120-104 beatdown of the Washington Wizards (42-36) on Tuesday night at Toyota Center. Chris Paul returned to the lineup after a two-game absence with 8 points and 6 assists, while Clint Capela was dynamic inside with 21 points (9-of-10 FG) and 10 rebounds in just 26 minutes. Meanwhile, Gerald Green may have secured a playoff role with 16 points (5-of-9 FG) in just 23 minutes off the bench. Tuesday's postgame recap explores those themes and more, including the importance of Harden's improved shooting after a cold stretch and what an ankle injury to Ryan Anderson could mean for the team's depth chart behind Capela at center. #Rockets #NBA #Wizards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

23 min listen

Locked on Rockets — Nov. 28 — Hot shooting, Harden's 38, Capela's career night lead Houston past Portland: The Rockets (11-6) are off to a 2-0 start on this West Coast road trip after an impressive 130-114 win in Portland on Sunday. We recap the positives from the victory, including a spectacular night from Eric Gordon (26 points, six threes) and sustained ... by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

16 min listen

4 of 6: Paul, Gordon outduel Lillard, McCollum as Houston extends Harden-less run: Chris Paul and Eric Gordon combined for 67 points Wednesday and outgunned one of the NBA's best backcourts in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum (53 points combined), leading Houston to a 121-112 win over the Portland Trail Blazers (22-19) at Toyota Center. It's the fourth win in six games for the Rockets (29-11), five of which have been played without James Harden. Wednesday's triumph also represents the first win by Houston against an opponent with a winning record since Harden's departure with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Oour Locked on Rockets recap explores the exploits of the veteran guards and much more — including under-the-radar contributions from Ryan Anderson and P.J. Tucker and the absurdity of the postgame controversy over Paul's final layup in the closing seconds. #Rockets #NBA #Blazers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

36 min listen

Round 1 preview? Rockets show contending chops in rout of Clippers: LA-based Roosh Williams joins Ben on Thursday's show to dissect Houston's impressive 135-103 annihilation of the Clippers, all on the second night of a road back-to-back. Topics include peak efficiency (50%+ FG) by James Harden (31/7/7), Chris Paul (29/7), Eric Gordon (5/10 on 3s), and Clint Capela (24/15); the team's defensive turnaround; and whether the 2019 Rockets (51-28, 18-3 in last 21) have more upside than the 2018 team. #Rockets #NBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

37 min listen

Harden, CP3 lead historic run in Game 4 rout at Minnesota: James Harden and Chris Paul were sensational with a combined 61 points (21-of-43 FG), leading the Rockets on an incredible 71-30 run in the middle of a 119-100 beatdown of Minnesota in Game 4 at Target Center. Houston now leads the Round 1 series at three games to one, with an opportunity to clinch it in Wednesday's Game 5 at Toyota Center. The Rockets trailed by seven points in the middle of the second quarter, but went on to score 50 points in the third quarter as part of the extended run to take command of the series. In addition to the scoring, Harden and Paul combined for 10 rebounds, nine assists, nine steals, and only two turnovers. Our postgame show breaks it all down, including the importance of Harden turning it around after an 0-for-7 start in the first quarter; the confidence the Rockets likely gained from this type of performance facing adversity on the road; and how Eric Gordon (18 points, 6-of-14 FG) and Clint Ca by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

28 min listen

Six-pack: Streak continues in Toronto with defense, Harden's MVP heroics: Six in a row! Houston (39-25) became the West’s No. 3 after a statement win Tuesday at Toronto (46-19). Our recap breaks it down, led by James Harden’s MVP heroics (19 points in 4th); defensive improvements; hot bench shooting from Austin Rivers and Gerald Green (31 points, 10/16 FG); and physicality by Clint Capela (15 rebounds) against the imposing front line of the Raptors. #Rockets #NBA #Raptors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

32 min listen

Houston grabs NBA's best record after defeating Kings: The Rockets (44-13) defeated the Kings on Wednesday night to run their winning streak to 10 games and later moved into the West's pole position following a subsequent loss by Golden State (44-14) in Portland. If the regular season ended today, Houston would have home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs. Thursday's show breaks down the importance of Houston grabbing the No. 1 seed entering the extended All-Star break, with emphasis on how it bolsters the cases for James Harden as the league's MVP frontrunner and the increased desirability of the Rockets as an offseason destination for the likes of LeBron James. Other topics include a specific breakdown of the 100-91 victory over Sacramento (15:55) and how Harden (28/9/9) led the fatigued Rockets to a win without their best stuff, as well as thoughts on the relatively positive debut for Joe Johnson (9 points, 3 rebounds, 31 minutes) at Toyota Center. #Rockets #NBA #Kings #War by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

40 min listen

Tucker, Gordon spark Game 2 blowout as Rockets tie West Finals: P.J. Tucker (career-high 22) and Eric Gordon (27 points, +29) led a spectacular team effort on both ends of the court in Game 2, sparking a 127-105 win over Golden State to tie the series. Trevor Ariza bounced back from a foul-prone Game 1 with 19 points and 6 assists, while James Harden (27/10) and Chris Paul (16/6) were each strong as the Rockets excelled on both ends of the court. Our recap breaks it down, including adjustments made by Mike D'Antoni and his staff on offense and defense; a strong showing from the "Tuckwagon" lineup of Tucker, Ariza, Gordon, Harden, and Paul; improved rim protection from Clint Capela (10 rebounds, 31 minutes) as the game moved along; and why the dominance shown by Houston in a game that Golden State clearly wanted should remind everyone that the Rockets indeed have a chance to win this series. #Rockets #Warriors #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #WCF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

34 min listen

With top record secure, Spurs ground Rockets as Paul sits out: The Rockets (62-15) had their 11-game winning streak snapped in a largely inconsequential road matinee on Sunday vs. the San Antonio Spurs (45-32). James Harden (25/8) led the team in scoring, while Eric Gordon made a successful return to the lineup with 18 points in 29 minutes on 7-of-15 shooting. Houston knew going into the game that it had already clinched the NBA's best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, courtesy of Toronto's loss in Boston on Saturday night. As a result, considering the lack of standings relevance, Chris Paul sat out for a second consecutive game with a sore left leg. Our postgame show explores the key takeaways; including the importance of Paul against a Gregg Popovich-led defense; ongoing struggles for Harden from three-point range (1-of-6 on Sunday); and the significance of Gerald Green (11/8 in 29 minutes) again playing more minutes than Joe Johnson (0 points in 16 minutes), e by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

25 min listen

Harden, rebounding work spurs first win without Paul: Sunday's show recaps Houston's 108-101 win over the rival Spurs. Topics include brilliance by James Harden (39/10) in the clutch; better rebounding from Clint Capela (23) and PJ Tucker (16); and the importance of Mike D’Antoni’s willingness to trust new pieces (Gary Clark, +9) during Chris Paul’s absence. #Rockets #NBA #Spurs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

32 min listen

One win away: On a gritty Game 5 victory, and CP3 medical thoughts: Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 24 points while Chris Paul scored 18 of his 20 in the second half, leading the Rockets to a 98-94 home win over the defending champion Warriors in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals and a 3-2 lead in the series. Houston has an opportunity to close out the series in Saturday night's Game 6 at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Thursday's postgame show explores how the Rockets got it done despite an off-night for James Harden (19 points, but 0-of-11 from three-point range); the role of Clint Capela (12/14, 2 blocks) in keeping Houston close; and initial thoughts on the late hamstring injury to Paul and what it could mean for Game 6 and a potential Game 7. Tune in! #Rockets #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #Warriors #WCF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

32 min listen

Colin Cowherd Podcast Prime Cuts - Draymond Green on Steph, KD, Finals Preview w/ Doug Gottlieb, Best Bets w/ Chad Millman by The Colin Cowherd Podcast

54 min listen

Colin Cowherd Podcast Prime Cuts - Draymond Green on Steph, KD, Finals Preview w/ Doug Gottlieb, Best Bets w/ Chad Millman by The Herd with Colin Cowherd

54 min listen

RECAP: Harden's 58 for naught in stunning collapse vs. Brooklyn: MVP James Harden (58) set another historic scoring mark, Eric Gordon returned from an eight-game absence with 20 points (6/11 FG, +20), and the Rockets (25-19) broke the NBA record for attempted 3s. And somehow, they still lost the game. Wednesday's show explores the heartbreak of blowing an 8-point lead late in regulation, a 7-point lead late in overtime, and the possible role of Clint Capela and Chris Paul's absences in it... along with Gordon's early departure. #Rockets #NBA #Nets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

27 min listen

Fight night: How the Rockets' best shot wasn't enough in LA: The Rockets (30-12) had their three-game winning streak snapped by the Clippers (22-21) in Los Angeles on Monday night in a game marred by Blake Griffin's apparent intentional contact with Mike D'Antoni and a postgame skirmish between the two teams. Chris Paul led the way with 19 points (8-of-17 FG) for Houston and also posted seven assists and six rebounds in his return to Staples Center, but 60 combined points from Griffin and former Rocket Lou Williams were tough to overcome. The No. 7-seeded Clippers have now won 11 of their past 14 games, including a 19-point victory at Golden State last week, and would play the Rockets in the first round if the season ended today. Our postgame show breaks down all the key storylines, including implications of the altercation, subpar shooting from perimeter shooters like Eric Gordon and Gerald Green, and a disappointing defensive effort on the interior from Clint Capela (10 points, 7 reb by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

36 min listen

Craig Ackerman on Game 1 takeaways and Game 2 adjustments: Play-by-play broadcaster Craig Ackerman joined us Monday for a full recap of Houston's Game 1 victory, along with a look at possible adjustments both the Rockets and Timberwolves might make for Wednesday's Game 2. MVP frontrunner James Harden (44/8) was incredible in Sunday's opener, and Clint Capela (24/12) owned the interior against Minnesota's Karl Anthony-Towns (8 points, 3-of-9 FG). But despite the dominance from Harden and Capela, the Rockets had to narrowly escape with a 104-101 win amid poor shooting from role players (outside of Harden, Houston was just 3-of-25 from three-point range) and an uncharacteristically inefficient showing from Chris Paul (5-of-14 FG, 6 turnovers, 4 assists). Is the glass half-full or half-empty after a seemingly rusty performance in Game 1, and is it reasonable to expect a bounce-back in Game 2? Ackerman offers insight on those themes and much more in Monday's show. Tune in! #Rockets #Timberw by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

34 min listen

Rockets secure season series from Warriors as Paul, Harden set tone: Chris Paul scored a game-high 33 points on 50% shooting, while James Harden had two MVP moments in the final 80 seconds as the Rockets (32-12) completed a stirring fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the defending champion Golden State Warriors, 116-108. The victory clinches the season series and potential tiebreaker for Houston with two wins in three games between the two teams. The Rockets have now won seven of their past 10 games coming off the five-game losing streak in late December. Our postgame show examines all the key angles, headlined by the importance of the Rockets' impressive resiliency and why their confidence against the Warriors could pay dividends in May and June. Other angles discussed include how both star Paul and Harden (22 points, 8 assists)were at their best against elite competition, even with the latter only 20 days removed from a Grade 2 hamstring strain; the importance of veteran role players by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

31 min listen

Locked on Rockets — Dec. 8 — Reviewing the win vs. Lakers; ESPN's Calvin Watkins on Motiejunas: The Rockets (15-7) kept rolling with a massive 134-95 win over the Lakers, improving their mark to 9-2 since the return of Pat Beverley. We explore what went right on Wednesday at Toyota Center, starting with 12 assists from Beverley, 25 points on 14 s... by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

25 min listen

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Season ends as shooters go ice cold in Paul-less Game 7

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