Nba: 2-1 +0.90 (every bet is -110 unless you got reduced juice which of course is the way to go)
James Harden “Hype” and a basketball game somebody had to win
Rockets 114 Lakers 120
I had late action on the under 224 in LA last night which I didn’t post (will include it in my record anyways) and I’ll be the first to admit that it was dead within the first 3 minutes of the game. James Harden and the Rockets left off where they ended last season and the season before. No defense! When you score 71 points at halftime and 96 through 3 quarters, the win probability of a NBA team sky rockets unless you’re the Houston Rockets of course. Not to take anything away from this young Lakers team but Houston’s defense was so bad last night that Michael Jordan could have laced them back up and put in 20 plus. Lakers did show energy and they did show some fun fire under their new head coach Luke Walton but the problem that persists with both these teams and really has become a problem in the entire league is the fact everybody is just looking out for themselves (stats). Mark Jackson said it best while he was calling the game last night, “the mentality of everybody is I got mine (stats) while high fiving homies after the game not realizing the fact it’s still LOSING basketball” (can’t believe I’m agreeing with Mark Jackson of all people but he is right for once).
No matter what he says because video doesn’t lie, when the leader (Harden) of your basketball team refuses to switch off and play any sort of defense, it’s difficult for teammates to buy in and play any type of defense as well. Patrick Beverley didn’t play last night and will be out another 3 weeks but he isn’t going to be Houston’s savior. The season just began but if things don’t change soon for Houston, it can be one hell of a record breaking season in the points against department (Denver Nuggets gave up on average 130.77 per game in 1990-91) and if Harden continues to average 7 turnovers a game, Denver just might be in trouble.
So much more to discuss but so little time, will do later.