In this NBA season, the Houston Rockets have so far showed why many were bullish about the young squad towards the end of the last season. Last night, they continued to show that by blowing out an undermanned Portland Trail Blazers. Tonight, they met again as veteran leader Fred VanVleet became the focus of the game.
In that blowout game, the NBA champion had just two points as his teammates did most of the work. Tonight, he fared better scoring eight points to help his team. But that help was not enough this time around. The Portland Trail Blazers who held an early lead eventually won the game.
VanVleet is one not one to lose his mind and his calm presence is what the Rockets wanted when signing him to a massive deal. His calm demeanor was to offset the temperament of the likes of Dillon Brooks and his younger teammates.
But tonight, with the Trail Blazers looking set to win, the 30-year-old lost his cool late in the game. After being whistled for a foul, he was seen pointing to two referees closer to him and allegedly calling them a ‘b**h’. Seeing this, referee John Conley threw Fred VanVleet out of the game. The veteran seeing this uttered the same words to Conley.
But what made it worse that he continued to point towards the referee and almost hit him in the face, had the official not moved his head out of the way. This outburst is likely to be followed by a strict reprimand from the league.
OMG lmaooo
Fred VanVleet just pointed at all 3 REFS and said “YOU A BITCH” to EVERY SINGLE ONE 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/fXwwnr7yKT
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) November 24, 2024
Last season, they gave a stern warning to anyone becoming aggressive towards officials. Ironically, it was after Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups aggressively confronted a referee in a loss last season. Only time will tell what the NBA decides to do with VanVleet.
Houston Rockets get reality check amidst stellar season
Last season, the upstart Rockets put up an incredible fight to try and finish in a play in spot. It the end, they faltered and finished their season early. But that run gave a glimpse of what was to come this season. The young team were sitting third in the West and remained tied with the leaders in games won.
It was just the losses that prevented them from heading the conference. Last night, their blowout win should have carried on to this game. After all, it was against the same opponents who were missing two starters and two bench players.
But give the Trail Blazers credit for shedding last night’s loss as they flipped the switch tonight. They held their narrow lead all night, even though the Rockets threatened to swing the game. The 104-98 win showed that the team can turn it around when needed.
For the Houston Rockets though, they have to work on keeping their momentum in back-to-back games. They aim to make a deep playoff run, and for that, they need the mindset to win such games. They are well coached and have solid players, but the mind is what plays out in the playoffs.
