Houston Rockets 2019 Season: A Deep Dive

The 2019 Houston Rockets season was a year of high expectations and significant changes for the team. After a heartbreaking loss to the Golden State Warriors in the 2018 Western Conference Finals, the Rockets aimed to retool and make another run at the NBA championship. This deep dive explores the key aspects of their season, including player acquisitions, significant moments, and overall performance.

Roster Changes and Key Acquisitions

The Rockets made several notable roster moves during the offseason to bolster their chances. One of the most significant acquisitions was Russell Westbrook, who came to Houston in a blockbuster trade that sent Chris Paul to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook, the former MVP, was expected to form a dynamic backcourt partnership with James Harden and provide an explosive scoring threat. The Rockets also added players like Tyson Chandler for veteran leadership and defensive presence.

The departure of Chris Paul marked the end of an era for the Rockets. While Paul had been instrumental in their success, his age and injury concerns prompted the team to seek a more dynamic option. Westbrook's arrival brought a new level of athleticism and intensity to the Rockets' offense. The Rockets believed that Westbrook's ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities would complement Harden's isolation-heavy style. This move was a gamble, banking on the chemistry between two ball-dominant players.

Other key additions included Thabo Sefolosha, who provided defensive versatility and experience off the bench. The Rockets also brought back Danuel House Jr., who had shown promise as a three-and-D player. These moves aimed to deepen the roster and provide coach Mike D'Antoni with more options throughout the season. The Rockets were determined to build a team that could compete with the Warriors and other top contenders in the Western Conference. The front office worked diligently to address the team's weaknesses and enhance its strengths.

Regular Season Performance

The Rockets' 2019-2020 regular season was marked by periods of brilliance and inconsistency. The team finished with a record of 44-28, securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference. While this was a solid performance, it fell short of the high expectations many had for the team. The Rockets struggled to find consistency on both ends of the court, and their performance against top teams was often uneven. One of the main challenges was integrating Westbrook into the Rockets' offensive system. While he had moments of brilliance, there were also times when his fit alongside Harden seemed awkward.

Harden continued his dominant scoring, leading the league with an average of 34.3 points per game. However, his usage rate remained incredibly high, raising concerns about burnout and the team's over-reliance on his individual brilliance. Westbrook, on the other hand, averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. His athleticism and relentless attacking style provided a different dimension to the Rockets' offense. The Rockets' offense was heavily reliant on three-point shooting. They attempted a league-high number of three-pointers per game, but their accuracy was inconsistent. When the shots were falling, the Rockets were nearly impossible to stop. When they weren't, they struggled to score.

Defensively, the Rockets faced challenges throughout the season. They often switched defensive schemes, trying to find the right balance between aggressiveness and containment. Their defensive rating was in the middle of the pack, indicating room for improvement. The Rockets' small-ball lineup, which featured P.J. Tucker at center, was both innovative and risky. While it allowed them to space the floor and play at a faster pace, it also left them vulnerable on the boards and in defending bigger opponents. Injuries also played a role in the Rockets' inconsistent performance. Key players like Eric Gordon and Clint Capela missed significant time due to injuries, disrupting the team's chemistry and rotations.

Key Moments and Memorable Games

Throughout the 2019 season, the Rockets had several key moments and memorable games that defined their season. One of the most significant wins came against the Los Angeles Clippers, where Harden hit a game-winning shot to seal the victory. This game showcased Harden's clutch ability and the Rockets' potential to beat top teams. Another memorable moment was Westbrook's dominant performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he scored 41 points and led the Rockets to a convincing win. This game highlighted Westbrook's ability to take over games and carry the Rockets' offense.

However, the Rockets also had their share of disappointing losses. A particularly painful defeat came against the Golden State Warriors, where they blew a late lead and lost in overtime. This game exposed the Rockets' vulnerability in close games and their inability to close out opponents. Another frustrating loss came against the Boston Celtics, where they struggled to contain Kemba Walker and allowed the Celtics to score at will. These losses underscored the Rockets' defensive shortcomings and their need for more consistent effort on that end of the court. Despite the ups and downs, the Rockets remained a dangerous team capable of beating anyone on any given night. Their offensive firepower and star power made them a threat in the Western Conference.

Playoff Run

The Houston Rockets' playoff run in 2020 was a rollercoaster of emotions, ultimately ending in disappointment. As the fourth seed in the Western Conference, they faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. The series went to seven games, with the Rockets narrowly escaping with a victory. The Thunder, led by Chris Paul, proved to be a tough opponent, pushing the Rockets to their limits. Westbrook missed the first few games of the series due to a quad injury, further complicating matters for the Rockets. Harden carried the team for much of the series, but he struggled with his shooting at times.

In the second round, the Rockets faced the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers proved to be too much for the Rockets, winning the series in five games. The Lakers' size and defensive prowess stifled the Rockets' offense, and they struggled to contain James and Davis. The Rockets' small-ball lineup was exposed, as they were outrebounded and outscored in the paint. The series was a reality check for the Rockets, highlighting their limitations against bigger, more physical teams. The loss to the Lakers marked the end of the Rockets' championship aspirations for the season. It also raised questions about the team's future and the viability of their small-ball approach.

Key Statistics and Performance Metrics

Several key statistics and performance metrics help to illustrate the Rockets' 2019-2020 season. The Rockets ranked second in the league in points per game, averaging 118.1. This was largely due to Harden's prolific scoring and Westbrook's explosive drives to the basket. However, their offensive efficiency was not as high as in previous years, as they relied heavily on isolation plays and three-point shots. The Rockets attempted a league-high 45.3 three-pointers per game, making 34.5% of them. This reliance on the three-ball made them vulnerable to cold shooting nights. Defensively, the Rockets allowed 114.3 points per game, ranking in the middle of the league. Their defensive rating was 16th overall, indicating room for improvement. They struggled to defend the paint and control the boards, particularly against bigger teams. The Rockets' rebounding percentage was among the lowest in the league.

Individually, Harden had another exceptional season, leading the league in scoring and usage rate. He averaged 34.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. Westbrook averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. While their individual numbers were impressive, their fit together was not always seamless. Other key contributors included Eric Gordon, who averaged 14.4 points per game, and P.J. Tucker, who provided defensive toughness and three-point shooting. Clint Capela averaged 13.9 points and 13.8 rebounds per game before being traded mid-season. Overall, the Rockets' statistics reflect a team with tremendous offensive firepower but also significant defensive weaknesses.

Analysis of Team Strengths and Weaknesses

The 2019-2020 Houston Rockets possessed several notable strengths and weaknesses. Their main strength was their offensive firepower, led by Harden and Westbrook. They were capable of scoring in bunches and overwhelming opponents with their offensive onslaught. Their three-point shooting, when on, made them nearly impossible to guard. The Rockets also had a knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. Their ability to create scoring opportunities in transition was another strength.

However, the Rockets also had several weaknesses that ultimately limited their success. Their defense was inconsistent, and they struggled to contain top offensive players. Their small-ball lineup left them vulnerable on the boards and in defending bigger opponents. The Rockets' over-reliance on Harden's isolation plays made them predictable at times. Their bench depth was also a concern, as they lacked reliable scoring options outside of their starters. The Rockets' chemistry was not always ideal, as Harden and Westbrook sometimes struggled to coexist on the court. Their inability to close out games was another weakness that plagued them throughout the season.

Impact of Key Injuries and Transactions

Several key injuries and transactions had a significant impact on the Rockets' 2019-2020 season. Westbrook's quad injury during the playoffs hindered his performance and limited his effectiveness. Capela's mid-season trade to the Atlanta Hawks changed the team's identity and forced them to fully commit to small-ball. Gordon's injuries throughout the season disrupted the team's rotation and reduced their offensive firepower. These injuries and transactions forced coach D'Antoni to constantly adjust his lineups and strategies. They also affected the team's chemistry and overall performance. The Rockets were never able to fully realize their potential due to these disruptions.

Conclusion

The 2019-2020 Houston Rockets season was a complex and ultimately disappointing one. While the team had moments of brilliance and individual stars who shone brightly, they were unable to overcome their weaknesses and achieve their championship aspirations. The experiment with Harden and Westbrook proved to be a mixed bag, and the team's small-ball approach had its limitations. Injuries and transactions further complicated matters, preventing the Rockets from reaching their full potential. Ultimately, the season served as a reminder of the challenges of building a championship team and the importance of balance, chemistry, and health.