The Rockets went into Utah and took game 4 away from the desperate Jazz on Sunday night. Houston as a team prioritized defense over their offensive threat for the series again, and tonight it sure paid off. Clint Capela is looking like an All-Star, CP3 was unstoppable from midrange, and Trevor Ariza’s defense on Donovan Mitchell was more than welcome. For the Rockets to shut down all of the “shooters” (mainly Joe Ingles) was very important to take away a game from the Jazz home crowd.
The Rockets managed to take 2 games in a row from the Jazz at their home court which their fans were very loud for. The Rockets had faced true competition two series in a row against the Timberwolves (who were way better than an 8 seed) and the Jazz who are a scary good defensive team with just an average offensive attack that can keep them in the game. The Rockets are the 1 seed in the Western Conference but so far it seems they have had the harder bracket than the Warriors, who are the 2 seed.
Chris Paul celebrated his 33rdbirthday last night, and in a good fashion, he was the leading scorer for the team and even came in down the stretch to ensure the Rockets kept ahold of their lead late in the 4thquarter. Chris Paul was magnificent with 27 points (led the team with them) 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Clint Capela grew in front of our eyes and led the team defensively with 15 Rebounds and 6 blocks. Harden did not have a great shooting night, but still ended up with 24 points and his downside was also turnovers. James Harden did not handle the ball very well that night, but Chris Paul was there to pick up the load for Harden when he was getting pressured more than usual.
The Rockets will bring back the series to home for Game 5 on Tuesday and will need the fans to get hype like they were for game 1 and 2. The Rockets hope to Gentlemen sweep the Jazz, but the Jazz will not go away easily. Early predictions from me had the Rockets winning in 6, but this game is easily there to take in 5. Get ready for a wild finish tomorrow as the Rockets look to close the Jazz out for good.
