Rockets Report: The Show Goes On

by WillyJakkz (ORL) Wed May 07, 2014 5:43 pm

Lakers 91 Rockets 92
Rockets Report: The Show Goes On 1WuzFU1

Rockets SG James Harden sits on the court after injuring his calf

After only 3mins of basketball, Rockets SG James Harden was done for the evening after injuring his calf during the opening of the Rockets homestand against the surging LA Lakers. An MRI revealed it to be a bruise that will sideline Harden for about 2wks.

On the court, the Rockets were led by do it all GF Andre Iguodala who netted 24pts, 7rebs, 5asts, 2stls, 1blk, F Danilo Gallinari's 22pts (3-5 from downtown), and Terrence Ross who chipped in 17pts, 3rebs, 3asts, 1stl, and 2blks. The game also saw FC Tristan Thompson and PG Reggie Jackson limp off the court with injuries (a sprained toe and sore back respectively) that will also sideline these players for 9 and 4 days as well.

Maybe Harden's remarks during shootaround in an interview with Rockets Report were a precursor to him knowing how his body felt.

At any rate this is the time for players to get a chance to log more minutes and show that this is a true team as shown in the 1pt victory over LA.

Well some things can be a blessing in disguise ya know... James' injury is a chance for guys to play minutes, maybe even more minutes than they normally would or even start so they can give not only us but themselves a different look of the game as well as they'll be goin' up against starters from the get go instead of maybe as a reserve they could face guys who are in foul trouble or tired and hopefully we'll be up for the challenge... I mean this is what it's all about, time and opportunity and we'd of course like the circumstances to not be injury uh related but that's how we'll have to experience it.... Same with Tristan and Reggie to a certain extent, with them out we're expecting Steve Blake to come in as a vet and be prepared to contribute, same with Nick Collison and Mike Miller, too... I've uh discussed with management the possibility of bringing Ondrej back from the D League to throw him into the fire to see how he handles playing in a regular season CSL game... we were pleased with his Summer League performance where he'd shown he can rebound and defend so that's another option... We're still discussing that... we're still discussing that but likely Terrence will get the start and Danilo will come off the bench but we're weighing the pros and cons... Danilo may even start as well... We have until tomorrow to figure it out... Alright thanks guys...

Well it feels good when the coaching staff and management have the confidence in you as a player to mention you in the starting lineup on a championship type team and that's what every um young player dreams about... You put in the time working on your game hoping that it pays off and hopefully that day'll come... Well James is such an important player, he's our Star and goin' against him in practice rubs off on me to make me a better player and hopefully we'll be able to play at a high enough level to compete until he comes back... Ok.... thanks...

I'm fine with whatever decision the coaches eh make and I'll just be prepared to come in play either way... No I'm sure but I was told I may start for Tristan so eh we'll see... Ok thank you...

The Rockets go to New Orleans tomorrow to face the 2nd Place 13-5 Pelicans before returning home to face the Miami Heat in a rematch of the 2014 CSL Finals then head to LA to take on the LA Lakers.

We'll be here following the team with news and updates!