Clutch City: Harden, defense lead way as Houston seals 3-0 homestand

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

RECAP: On trade deadline moves and the romp at Sacramento: Thursday's show explores both a statement win at Sacramento, led by James Harden (36 points, 8/13 on 3s), Gerald Green (25), and Eric Gordon (20), and the statements made with deadline deals such as shedding James Ennis following the Iman Shumpert trade. Ben explains why the moves make sense for now, but do put pressure on owner Tilman Fertitta to spend in coming years. #Rockets #NBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

40 min listen

Bam! Miami Heat block Boston Celtics in Game 1 OT Thriller: Jimmy Butler had the big bucket, Tyler Herro had a near triple double, Goran Dragic had the energy throughout (and 29 points), and Bam Adebayo had a block for the ages of Celtics star Jayson Tatum as the Miami Heat won Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Fi... by Five On The Floor: Miami Heat/NBA

57 min listen

Houston rallies past Miami behind Harden's 58, revival of Rivers/Clark: The Rockets (37-25) overcame a 21-point deficit in the second half in Thursday's win vs. Miami, led by 58 points from MVP James Harden and resurgent performances from Austin Rivers (17 points, 7/8 FG) and Gary Clark (14/5, 56% FG). Our recap breaks down the highs of Houston's fourth straight victory and the lows of yet another sluggish night on the defensive end. #Rockets #NBA #Heat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

39 min listen

Miami Heat: Guards, Jimmy Butler Rip Wolves: For one of the few times this season, Tyler Herro and Goran Dragic clicked off the bench and that, with a strong return from Jimmy Butler, was enough to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ethan, Alex and Greg each identify their biggest takeaway from the v... by Five On The Floor: Miami Heat/NBA

20 min listen

Gordon, Green soar past Hawks as No. 1 spot becomes inevitable: Eric Gordon (22 points, 8-of-13 FG, +19) remained in peak efficiency Sunday night while Gerald Green (25 points, 10-of-15 FG) was once again a key difference-maker off the Houston bench, leading the Rockets (60-14) to an easy 118-99 victory over the Atlanta Hawks (21-53). The league-leading Rockets — winners of 60 games in a season for the first time in franchise history — have now won nine consecutive games and 26 of their last 27. They are 30-2 since James Harden (18/15/10 on Sunday) returned from his hamstring injury on January 18. With the win and losses elsewhere by Toronto (54-20) and Golden State (54-19), Houston effectively has a six-game lead over both teams with only eight left to place in the race for the NBA's best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The "magic number" for the Rockets to clinch the league's top mark is only three, making it a virtually insurmountable lead with so many games by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

33 min listen

Rockets re-launch as healthy returnees lift Paul, Gordon: The Rockets (31-12) had one of their finest wins in weeks with a XXX-XX win over Minnesota (29-18), as Chris Paul and Eric Gordon had their usual strong production supplemented by a deeper supporting cast with the return of James Harden, Nene, and Luc Mbah a Moute to the lineup. Thursday's postgame show explores the contributions of the returnees and how they may have positioned Paul and Gordon for even greater success by pushing them to more optimal roles. In addition, Ben explains why the win over the Timberwolves is particularly significant with two tough opponents (Warriors, Heat) due up in the coming four days. #Rockets #NBA #Timberwolves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

25 min listen

Recapping an unlikely win in Miami and previewing the trade deadline: James Harden and Chris Paul combined for 65 points on over 50% shooting in Miami as the undermanned Rockets (40-13) finished off a perfect four-game road trip with an improbable 109-101 victory over the Heat (29-26). The Rockets, off to their best start in franchise history, have now caught the Warriors (41-13) in the loss column for the NBA's best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Houston holds the tiebreaker after winning two of three in the regular-season series. Our postgame show examines those leading angles and much more, including an injury update as Ryan Anderson (ankle) and Eric Gordon (back) each sat out with minor issues. With Houston not arriving to its Miami hotel until 3:45 a.m. local time, Mike D'Antoni opted not to push any of his regulars with nagging injuries on a back-to-back scenario and on reduced sleep. On the second half of the show (25:40), we preview tomorrow's trade d by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

56 min listen

Seeing is believing: The Jets rolled past the Raiders on Sunday for their third straight win. Tim McMaster and Connor Hughes discuss the significance of the victory and the mood inside the locker room. They also break down Sam Darnold’s confidence on the field and a big day for Robby Anderson. Plus, hear how Gregg Williams’ defense was able to shut down Oakland. For bonus episode theathletic.com/thecantwaitpodcast by Can't Wait: A show about the New York Jets

49 min listen

Locked on Rockets — Jan. 17 — Slump continues as Heat shock Houston into third loss in four games: Despite another triple-double from James Harden (40 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists), the Miami Heat beat the Rockets on Tuesday night, 109-103, sending Houston to its third loss in four games. We examine the factors leading to Houston's first patch of... by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

18 min listen

Shooters shoot: Harden, Ariza, Gordon hit 15 threes in romp at Dallas: James Harden had a team-high 25 points and 13 assists as the Rockets (34-12) cruised through Dallas to win for the ninth time in their past 12 games. Our postgame show explores all the key angles, headlined by a three-point barrage in which Houston made 21-of-51 threes as a team (led by 15 from Harden, Trevor Ariza, and Eric Gordon). The recap episode also touches on continued strong defensive play from the Rockets, who have allowed below 100 points in three of their past four games (all wins). The lone exception was against Golden State (108), and in that one, Houston held the vaunted Warriors to just two points in the final 3:59 to close out the victory. #Rockets #NBA #Mavs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

30 min listen

On Capela's career night, the Brandan Wright addition, and a LeBron update: Led by a massive night from Clint Capela (23 points, 25 rebounds) and a casual 28/11 showing from MVP frontrunner James Harden in only 27 minutes, the Rockets cruised past the Denver Nuggets (29-26) on Friday with a 130-104 victory at Toyota Center. The victory is the seventh straight and 11th in 12 games for the Rockets (41-13), who remain tied in the loss column with the Warriors (42-13) for the league’s best record and home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs. Houston holds the tiebreaker. Saturday’s postgame show examines those angles and more, including the successful return of Eric Gordon (12 points in 27 minutes, +24) from a back injury and a curious decision by Mike D’Antoni to start P.J. Tucker over Ryan Anderson at the four spot. Other topics on the show include the news of veteran big man Brandan Wright agreeing to a deal with the Rockets (17:36 on the show) after reaching a buyout with Memp by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

55 min listen

On Harden's return, the Ariza/Green suspensions, and DeAndre Jordan talk: Star guard and MVP frontrunner James Harden plans to return to the lineup on Thursday night vs. Minnesota (29-17), as the Rockets (30-12) seek to put even more separation between themselves and the rest of the Western Conference pack in the race for the No. 2 seed. It's a miraculous recovery just 18 days after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain, but is it too soon? In Wednesday's episode, Ben explains why he's trusting the Houston medical staff on this diagnosis and expecting Harden to return to his usual production levels (32.3 points, 9.1 assists per game) relatively quickly. Other topics on Wednesday's show include reaction to the news of two-game suspensions for Trevor Ariza and Gerald Green following Monday's postgame incident in Los Angeles, along with a rundown on the latest round of rumors connecting Clipper big man DeAndre Jordan to the Rockets. #Rockets #NBA #Clippers Learn more about your ad choices. by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

44 min listen

Rockets post first dominant win in weeks with beatdown in Orlando: The Rockets (27-9) won their first game of James Harden's absence and second consecutive overall with a dominant 116-96 victory Wednesday in Orlando. Our postgame Locked on Rockets recap examines all the key angles, including Chris Paul's excellence as a floor general (13 assists and a plus/minus of +23 in 32 minutes), a bounce-back performance from Clint Capela (21 points, 8 rebounds, +26 in 23 minutes) in his second game back from injury, and another hot night from Gerald Green behind the arc (27 points, 7-of-10 on threes). The show also touches on the professionalism displayed by Houston in taking care of business early and saving minutes to key players for the second half of the back-to-back on Thursday vs. Golden State. #Rockets #NBA #Magic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

31 min listen

Adam Clanton on Game 4's historic context, Harden's legacy, and predictions: With the West Finals tied at two games apiece, is Houston now the series favorite with two of the final three games at home? Rockets radio network host Adam Clanton joins us to discuss that and much more, including the historic nature of the come-from-behind win over the defending champion Warriors in Tuesday’s Game 4. Other interview topics include the likely raucous environment at Toyota Center for Thursday’s pivotal Game 5; the career evolution of James Harden, who scored a game-high 30 points in the Game 4 win; Mike D’Antoni’s latest seven-man rotation; and predictions for the remainder of the series. Tune in! #Rockets #Warriors #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #WCF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

35 min listen

LOCKED ON HEAT - 2/7 - Goran Dragic Is A 3-Point Shooter; Heat Waive Derrick Williams and Sign Okaro White: With a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Miami Heat are winners of 11-straight games in large part thanks to Goran Dragic's three-point shooting. Wes Goldberg and David Ramil discuss Miami's win, as well as the team's decision to waive Derric... by Locked On Heat - Daily Podcast On The Miami Heat

25 min listen

Locked on Rockets — Feb. 15 — Heat's energy, rebounding cools off Rockets as depth issues re-emerge: The Miami Heat (25-32) entered the game as one of the league's worst offensive teams, but they outmuscled and outhustled the Rockets (40-18) at Toyota Center, scoring a whopping 117 points in their 117-109 victory. James Harden (38 points, 12 rebounds,... by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

18 min listen

Miami Heat: Herro, Strus, Haslem close chaotic win vs. Detroit: The Miami Heat overcame an outlier hot shooting night from the Detroit Pistons, winning late behind big shots from Tyler Herro and Max Strus -- and clutch play from Udonis Haslem and Kyle Lowry. Ethan Skolnick and Greg Sylvander discuss the win, as well ... by Five On The Floor: Miami Heat/NBA

28 min listen

RECAP: Rockets return favor, drop Heat in 117-108 win: Friday's episode recaps the Rockets 117-108 win over the Miami Heat. Topics include the strong first half from the Rockets (held Heat to just 42 points); love/hate relationship with Russell Westbrook and mid-range; incredible minutes from Gary Clark; Heat opt to NOT use the double-team strategy on James Harden; a discussion about context of turnovers; Rockets fourth quarter "collapse" and more. #Rockets #NBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

38 min listen

Nets Sweep the Heat, James Harden daggers down the stretch: The Nets win their second game in a row over the Miami Heat with James Harden leading the team down the stretch to close out a 98-94 victory. It was the tale of two games for Harden who was mostly invisible in the first half but turned it on late to help the Nets close out the Heat. The guys discuss the differences between the two games and how the Nets’ style varied in both. They also talk about James Harden and why it might be easy for him to sort of disappear for long stretches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Nets - Daily Podcast On The Brooklyn Nets

35 min listen

Locked on Rockets — Jan. 22 — Dekker's breakout game, Harden's peak efficiency spark blowout in Memphis: Tired legs and the absence of Ryan Anderson on Saturday still weren't enough to hold down the Rockets (34-13), who rode a career game from Sam Dekker (30 points) and incredible efficiency from James Harden (29 points on 9 shots) to a 119-95 win over th... by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

24 min listen

CP3 goes down as 5-game streak ends in Miami: Friday's show explores the aftermath of a 101-99 loss in Miami, which snapped Houston's five-game winning streak. Storylines include inefficiency from James Harden (7/23) and Eric Gordon (6/17), another bad rebounding night (62-41), and why Chris Paul's latest hamstring injury may require an outside roster move.. #Rockets #NBA #Heat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

31 min listen

LOCKED ON HEAT - 4/6 - MIA/CHA Recap, Should James Johnson Start At PF?: The Miami Heat set a franchise record with 21 three-pointers in their 112-99 win against the Hornets Wednesday night. This was a must-win game and the Heat found a good time to snap out of their shooting slump. Wes and David break down the game, why M... by Locked On Heat - Daily Podcast On The Miami Heat

30 min listen

Tyreek Hill Is A Miami Dolphin! How Explosive Will Miami’s Offense Be In 2022? | Donno Daily: The Miami Dolphins have reinvented their offense in a matter of 24 hours. First, they signed free agent left tackle Terron Armstead on Tuesday night. Then, on Wednesday, seemingly out of nowhere, Miami acquires WR Tyreek Hill in a blockbuster trade with ... by Five Reasons Canes Network

97 min listen

Season ends as shooters go ice cold in Paul-less Game 7: With Chris Paul out injured and the Rockets shooting just 7-of-44 from three-point range, Golden State won the decisive Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals at Toyota Center, 101-92. James Harden and Eric Gordon scored a combined 55 points, and Clint Capela (20/9) and P.J. Tucker (14/12)kept Houston afloat with great intensity near the rim. But ultimately, shooting 15.9% from three-point range (including 27 consecutive misses at one point) was simply too much of a gap to overcome against the defending champion Warriors, who shot better than 41% from distance. Kevin Durant led Golden State with 34 points. Our postgame recap offers immediate thoughts on those angles and much more, including why the loss was so crushing; the role of subpar officiating; whether bringing back the current group is good enough to beat the Warriors in 2018-19; and how Houston could possibly take the next step by pursuing an elite free-agent-to-be like by Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets

39 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

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 HEAT - 3/24 - MIA/TOR Recap: The Heat Miss Dion Waiters: After losing to the Toronto Raptors 101-84, the Miami Heat have dropped two of the last three games, and seem to be struggling without Dion Waiters who is out with a sprained ankle. Miami's shooting reverted back to the early season slump, missing a bu... by Locked On Heat - Daily Podcast On The Miami Heat

19 min listen

Heat Domination: Miami Blow Out Philly 120-85 For 3-2 Lead! | Donno Daily on 5R Live: Alex Donno and guest Ricky J. Marc review a dominant Heat victory in game 5. They trounced the 76ers 120-85 at FTX Arena to retake control of the series for a 3-2 lead. Jimmy Butler lead the way with 23 points, while Max Strus hit seven 3-pointers and ad... by Five Reasons Canes Network

53 min listen

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Clutch City: Harden, defense lead way as Houston seals 3-0 homestand

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