Texas Two-Step continues in Houston vs. Rockets and KD

SB Nation

For the second game in a row, the Nets almost pulled off the impossible. After trailing by as much as 26 in the third quarter, the Nets were led by a red hot Cam Thomas, whose scoring single handedly brought

them back against the Spurs. But yet again, the inexperience and youth of our beloved Nets was the reason for our downfall, which led to a 118-107 loss in San Antonio. Wemby filled up the stat sheet in his case to become the best player in the world (31 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks, 1 ridiculous logo three). Dylan Harper really showed his potential of what he can become in this league, as his production kept the Spurs from collapsing in the second half.

On the second day of the “Texas style” back to back, the Nets will be heading to Houston to take on the Rockets. Our former friend KD will be in the building, which will make me spend yet another day reminiscing of what could have been in 2021. The Nets will look to get another win against Houston, as they have never lost to them since January 27, 2024.

Where to Watch

Catch the action at 8:00 p.m. ET on the YES Network and the Gotham Sports streaming app.

Injuries

No Haywood Highsmith. That’s for sure. Drake Powell had a workout Sunday morning to test his sprained right ankle and said he felt pretty good. Jordi Fernandez said he and Danny Wolf, also with ankle woes are day-to-day. Ziaire Williams could be out with the lower back contusion he suffered against the Spurs.

For the Rockets, Former Net Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) will be out. Fred VanVleet is out as well. He suffered a torn ACL and is done for the season. Of course, Kevin Durant is available.

The Game

As bad as the Nets have been so far ( and will be), the Rockets have not been off to a strong start. With losses to both OKC and Detroit, Houston continues to find that chemistry that many believe will propel them to a winning season, especially after the high profile addition of KD and the rise of Amen Thompson.

The Rockets’ size will be tough to defend for the Nets, as Thompson serves as the point guard with VanVleet out for the season. Yes you heard that right, a 6’7 athletic freak at the point guard. For the Nets, it’s going to be tough to get shots up against the length the Rockets have. On the flip side, Houston’s lack of shooting could keep the Nets in the game.

For Brooklyn, they likely will with to the patented “give the ball to Cam Thomas” formula to keep the game close. Michael Porter Jr. will need to have a big game as well, as his playstyle and elevation on his jumpshot will be one of the only things offensively that can be successful against the length of the Rockets. He also might play defense. Might.

Player to Watch

Duh! This will be Kevin Durant’s first term vs. his former team in a Rockets uniform. Now nearly three years rem0ved for the trade with Phoenix on February 9, 2023. Since then, he’s played well but his teams in Phoenix were major disappointment. With a two-year, $90 million contract, the two sides showed commitment … although KD will be facing a new role this season: the No. 2 option behind Alperen Sangun, Houston’s rising star who is also 14 years younger.

So far Durant first few games have been a continuation of his near three years in Phoenix – a second round exit, a first round sweep and Cancun. The Rockets, who many thought was the favorite it to win it all have lost both of their games. KD has been KD, averaging 30 points a game. Sengun has put up 28. The big problem has been playmaking. With Fred VanVleet done, Ime Udoka has experimented with Reed Sheppard but he’s averaged as many turnovers as assists (2.5) Will the lack of a floor general lead to more iso play, more individual priorities?

From the Vault

For Nets fans of course the 37-year-old superstar’s past in Brooklyn is more interesting than his future in Houston. He has spoken in the last couple of months about his departure from Brooklyn, hitting on his 2023 theme —“things didn’t work out.”

There’s no sense of bitterness in his voice but OBVIOUSLY it was a historic disaster. Accountability has been sparse and incomplete. There isn’t much bitterness on the Nets’ side of things either with officials focusing on the mark he left on the franchise from his willingness to sign with the franchise to setting professional standards.

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