2014 NBA Playoffs: Rockets, Howard must pull it together as season is on the brink

Dwight Howard ventured off to Houston this offseason in hopes of reclaiming his position as undoubtedly the league's best big man and one of it's best players. Two consecutive horrific seasons in Orlando and Los Angeles made this seem far fetched at a point, as Howard's image came undone through constant pouting, indecisiveness and clashes with Kobe Bryant.

Howard figured in Houston he'd elude the colliding of egos, frustrations and gut wrenching losses that were prevalent in his time with the Lakers. He assumed domination was soon to come in H-Town, as the media and fans branded Harden and Howard as the next great and or dominant duo. 

Now, after falling to Portland 123-120 on Sunday night which puts his team in a 3-1 hole in the first round matchup, Howard is wondering how he and Harden can claim that cohesion Lillard and Aldridge are so greatly benefiting from in this series. 

In just two years, the Portland Trailblazers, and more specifically Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge resemble a force that has seem to been wrecking havoc on the league for nearly a decade. The duo's uniformity is something Howard and Harden must mimic perfectly if they want to keep those championship aspirations afloat.

The Blazers have edged the Rockets by a combined seven points, as three of the four contests have leaked into overtime. The poise, trust, and control Portland has been displaying in these crucial moments is a huge reasoning behind their commanding series lead.

The Rockets have been swimming in troubled waters, specifically in big time moments where they have faltered the most. Instead of clean, relaxed and promising play, Houston has been hindered by questionable decisions and sloppy mistakes.

ESPN's Marc Stein tweeted some interesting stats about the Rockets and their crunch time difficulties. Stein highlighted that Houston is shooting 12 for 46 (26%) in this series during "crunch time" (score less than 5, with five minutes to go in the 4th quarter or OT.)

Also in crunch time, the Rockets are shooting 1 for 15 on three pointers. 

With 28 seconds left in the fourth quarter of game four, Jeremy Lin's unawareness costed Houston a possession as they led 104-102. Lin began to dribble up court, as Portland veteran Mo Williams came up from behind and swiped the ball from Lin. This mishap eventually led to Williams drilling a three pointer with 18 seconds left and giving Portland a 105-104 advantage.

In the overtime session of game four, Patrick Beverley's turnover after two made Mo Williams free throws stripped away Houston's chance of tying the contest. Beverley sillily dribbled into two defenders, giving Wes Matthews a chance to snatch the ball away, disrobing Houston of their confidence in the process.

It took Troy Daniels (a D-League call up) emergence to help Houston pry one game from Portland. Although the margin of victory has been slim for the Blazers, they still lead the series as all hope seems to be dashing from the Rockets and their fan base.

In the playoffs, the method of victory doesn't matter. What does matter is the team being awarded a victory after the final buzzer sounds. Each win, puts a player in a more favorable position to accomplish their life long dream: winning an NBA championship. When pairing up with the Houston Rockets, Howard was sure that this dream would soon enough become a reality.

He was sure the nightmares, the storm of controversy and criticism would soon conclude as a bigger and brighter future was promised. As of right now, the clouds are dancing over Dwight, mercilessly, as his teams failures are bringing the enemies he's established in the last two years triumph.

Howard is contributing in every way imaginable for this Rockets team, who happens to be the youngest out of all teams participating in this years postseason. Dwight is averaging 27 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks a game through the four games, doing his best to anchor his squad in every way possible. 

He's been consistent on defense, providing head coach Kevin McHale with maximum energy and effort. It's not Howard's fault that outside of himself, Patrick Beverley, Omer Asik and Chandler Parsons, there is no regularity on the defensive end for Houston. It's just laziness and questionable effort. 

The biggest culprit is James Harden, who's defensive woes may be as glaring as any starting guard in this league. At the end of game two, Harden trotted back on defense with the game in it's waining moments. This allowed Blazers guard Wesley Matthews to break free and hit a layup, putting the game out of reach for Houston.

Harden usually pitches in offensively in a major way, as his ability to shred defenses with a bevy of moves, get to the rim and drawl fouls overwhelms defenders. Harden, who is in the midst of an unexpected disappearing act has been downright horrific on offense during this series, shooting 35% from the field and 26% from three. 

James is averaging the same amount of points in this series as Howard, but is taking nearly eight more shots to do so (Howard 18.3 field goal attempts per game, Harden 25.8.) 

Luckily for the Rockets, they have one last opportunity to rectify this situation. On Wednesday night, the Blazers and Rockets will duel once more. Portland looking to claim supremacy and move onto  the second round, Houston looking for an opportunity to lengthen it's season and keep those championship dreams alive.

The Rockets will be at home, as the sure to be packed house will ooze a mammoth amount of energy and emotion. If and or when the game gets close, the Rockets must harness this energy in a positive manner, as their end of game slip-ups has them in this tough position. 

For Dwight Howard, corralling this energy could be the difference between continuing to wage war on the league in the pursuit of a championship, or simply another first round exit and another offseason cluttered with doubts and frustrations. The response given by Dwight, Harden and these Rockets may be a testament of their commitment and talent, or a ghastly display of their inexperience and youth. 

Do the Rockets have any chance to comeback? Share thoughts and opinions with me on Twitter (@wcboyer24) and continue to support The Basketball Society. 

2014 NBA Playoffs: Houston, We've Got A Problem

The sky is falling for Houstonians hoping the Rockets were primed for a deep playoff run, as the Portland Trailblazers have taken a 2-0 series lead after defeating Houston 112-105 Wednesday night. There are a flurry of things troubling about this notion, with the biggest issues being James Harden's severe struggles and the scary fact that the series is headed back to Portland.

The major story of this series, and possibly the playoffs is LaMarcus Aldridge's utter dominance of the Houston Rockets. In two games, Aldridge has poured in 89 points, 26 rebounds, 5 blocks on 59% shooting.

In Game 1, Aldridge totaled 46 points and 18 rebounds in a 122-120 triumph that went into overtime, and he followed up that dynamic performance with another 43 points and 8 rebounds in Game 2.

No matter who the foe, Aldridge has risen to the occasion simply out matching them with his varied skill set. On pick and rolls he pops, drilling midrange after midrange with his gorgeous stroke. If Houston closes out hard, he puts the ball on the floor and attacks the rim with ferocity.

He's the only player in Blazers franchise history with back to back 40 point playoff games, and the first player to do so since LeBron James in the 2009 postseason.

Even more impressive is that Aldridge is the first player since Michael Jordan to put up at least 80 points and 15 boards in his teams first two postseason contests.

Terrence Jones is too small to matchup with Aldridge, as his lanky frame allows him to just loft one over Jones, gliding through the net time and time again.

Having Howard attempting to contain LaMarcus is risky, as Dwight could be baited into fouling him, parking him on the bench in the games most important moments.

If it's an isolation situation, Aldridge uses impeccable footwork and expertise to wart off the effectiveness of Houston's defensive schemes. He's hitting fadeaways, turn-arounds, step backs and quick decisive moves to single handily punish this Rockets team. He's been a major issue in the first two games, and shortcomings do not seem likely as the series heads home for Portland. Honestly, what else can Houston do, when the guy is burying the shots a team would beg him to take?

Houston can't seem to figure out how to contain the former Texas University big man, as he continues to pierce the Rockets mediocre defense with a bevy of midrange jumpers. Aldridge is on the attack, determined to lift the "underdog" moniker that has been latched to Portland's name during this series.

Many assumed this series would go 6 or 7, but not many anticipated Portland winning. This is due to the fact that many fans and experts expected Rockets guard James Harden to step up and deliver a big time performance.

Harden's play has been downright embarrassing, abysmal and has not reflected that of a player many claim to be a superstar. Harden is averaging 22 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds in the series. These numbers may present themselves as respectable, but that becomes a rarity after the percentages are factored in.

James is shooting 29.8% from the floor, 26% from behind the arc, and is committing 4.5 turnovers per game. His defensive effort is pitiful, as his deficiencies on that end of the floor cannot be hidden.

Portland is too skilled 1-4 to allow Harden to remain absent on defense. All of Portland's starters with the exception of Robin Lopez can shoot, put the ball on the floor to some extent and make great passes. Wesley Matthews can take Harden in the post, forcing James to exert some energy on the defensive end, even when he's completely reluctant to do so.

Harden looks disengaged on the defensive end, overwhelmed by a sense of boredom or quite simply just lost. He has little to no interest in trying to stop the opposition, as he tends to meander in his little own world.

Normally, the issues Harden endures defensively, can be somewhat ignored as he provides Houston with top notch offensive production. Unfortunately for Houston, this has not been the case. As they head into Portland, they are in dire need of a monster game from James.

His wild and inconsistent output has become problematic for Kevin McHale and company, and if the tide doesn't change in Game 3, this series and season will become a memory. One that's filled to capacity with misery and disappointment.

James has missed 33 shots in just two games, as the quality of these heaves have been questionable and of the wild variety. His Game 2 performance was horrid, as James scored 18 points (6-19 FG, 2-5 3PT FG,) 4 AST (5 turnovers,) and 3 REB.

Shaquille O'Neal's favorite scapegoat, Dwight Howard promised that he would step up, as Shaq challenged Howard to beckon to his call of domination. In Game 1, Dwight Howard had 27 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks. He shot an uncharacteristic 43% from the floor, and when the Hack-A-Dwight tactic was employed, he choked, clanking FT after FT allowing POR back into the game.

He promised Game 2 would be different. He soothed the restless souls of Rockets fans with his words, the same words that he's murmured for the last several years, trying to dodge the hatred that two fan bases now possess for DH. The first half of Game 2 was the Dwight Howard basketball fans have been yearning to see since his Orlando days.

Howard imposed his will on the Trailblazers with a savage like effort. His assault included rapid moves, intense and dedicated energy and a seriousness that many have clamored for since he's entered the league.

He was dunking the ball with ease, with forceful slam after slam. Rushing up and down the court, perusing rebound after rebound, attempting to generate some type of offensive magic for the Rockets. The defensive lapses Houston was subject to? Howard did his best to promptly clean up the mess Houston's perimeter defenders were making.

Dwight stuffed the stat sheet with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. 25 of those points came in the first half, but that roaring early energy was hushed in the second half with Howard just scoring seven points in the 3rd and 4th quarters. LaMarcus Aldridge out-dueled DH12, and this has some troubling circumstances brewing for Dwight Howard and James Harden.

Houston, we most certainly do have a problem. The player whom many has labeled as the best shooting guard in the league is currently engaged in a puzzling disappearing act. Houston's bench is producing little to nothing, and the Trailblazers big man LaMarcus Aldridge is ripping their defense to shreds.

Gashing through Houston's defense has set Portland up to devastate the Rockets and their championship aspirations with a critical hit. The series is headed to the Moda Center, where the fans are sure to be crazed, dancing in a pool of anxiousness.

Anxious to execute the Rockets with a final dagger in Game 3, that would more than likely bury their dreams of marching past the first round of the postseason.

With the way things have been going, that dagger may swing from the hands of LaMarcus Aldridge, as he's proved it's no tough task to down Houston with his performances in the first two games of this series. What's frightening for Houston is that in the first two games, they have pricked themselves attempting to wield their own dagger.

HOU is wrecking it's chances of emerging victorious with bad shots, bad defense and inconsistencies from one of the league's biggest stars. Preparing for liftoff too fast, suddenly has Houston grounded faster than anyone expected.

The ascension they hoped to have must occur in Game 3, or the Rocket that Howard and Harden are navigating will be fastened to the ground, gazed upon by the front office racking their brains on how to patch things up for smoother sailing next season.


Are the Rockets done for? Will Howard and Harden bounce back in Game 3? Share thoughts and opinions with me on Twitter (@wcboyer24) and remember to continue to support The Basketball Society. 

LaMarcus Aldridge: Owning the Paint in Portland

"He possesses all the physical characteristics NBA GM's dream about in a big man. ... He is a quick and fluid player who moves like a ballerina and runs the floor like a guard. He is extremely coordinated for his size, and possesses a vertical leap that allows him to spring high off the floor in the blink of an eye. In today’s modern NBA that is so much more reliant on quickness and athleticism rather than brute strength, he has the ability to play either the 4 or the 5 spot for his team depending on where he is drafted."  While reading this snippet of an NBA scouting report on a college sophomore, one would assume this is a high caliber, dominating big man.  Well, this promising young big man coming out of the University of Texas is actually getting even better with every season that passes.  LaMarcus Aldridge, coming out of Texas, was heralded as a high potential player that would most likely be an all-star one day.  His positives in his scouting reports talked about his quickness, endurance, length, offensive fluidity, and offensive arsenal.  The negatives were about the lack of strength and aggressiveness that he possessed in college.  Now, Aldridge is one of the best big men in the league and he's holding down the paint in Portland.

Coming into the league, LaMarcus Aldridge had an average rookie year.  He only averaged 22.1 minutes per game, but he still made the most of his opportunities.  The 2006-'07 team that he played with in his first year, was a promising team led by the likes of Zach Randolph, Brandon Roy, and Jarrett Jack.  Aldridge had to prove himself so that he could takeover the starting center spot from Joel Przybilla.  The young big man went on to average 9.0 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting .503 from the field and .722 from the charity stripe.  As a rookie, these numbers weren't too shabby, but there was also room for a lot of improvement.  He was showing a lot of promise throughout the season, but just wasn't getting much playing time since he was behind a veteran.  Little did Portland and NBA fans know however, he would prove that he deserves to be an every day starter and even an all-star.

His sophomore year he got his chance to start, and he did not disappoint.  In fact, his sophomore year and the next two years afterwards he was showing everyone that he could hang with talent in the NBA.  Throughout those three years Aldridge went on to average 17.9 ppg and 7.7 rpg.  He was growing and growing through the starting role, and he was becoming a bigger piece of the their team because important guys were going down with injuries.  Then came the 2010-'11 season, it was for sure a statement year.  Aldridge averaged 39.6 minutes per game this season, his most of any year, and he played every game but one.  He was no longer an inexperienced young gun, and he played like a wily veteran in the post.  He posted averages of 21.8 and 8.8, and also had a player efficiency rating of 21.5 (his second highest of his career).  Finally, in 2011 Aldridge received the credit he deserved and got his first all-star game selection.  Now, fast forward to the current season.  Aldridge is having a career year and he's helping lead this Portland team to the playoffs with the exciting Damian Lillard.  His field goal percentage is on par with the rest of his career, he's shooting his best percentage from the free throw line, and has a stat line of 23.3 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 21.9 per.  He's a force to be reckoned with and he will dominate your favorite big man.  So try to stay in your seats ladies and gentlemen, LaMarcus Aldridge is here to stay and he's gunning for a ring.

- Alex Fischbein (@Sixers_RunWitUs)