In a new series at RocketsWire, we’re scanning the web and social media during the NBA’s coronavirus (COVID-19) hiatus for the latest news and opinions regarding the Houston Rockets.
Here’s a sampling of key Rockets storylines from Friday, April 3.
Sam Quinn of CBS Sports opines: Why the Rockets have more to gain or lose from shorter playoff format than any NBA team
At the moment, the idea of four rounds of seven-game series seems nearly impossible. Nobody knows what sort of postseason the NBA might be able to cobble together, but reports increasingly suggest that it is going to be truncated in some meaningful way. A favorite might not have seven games to put the Rockets away. It might have five. Or three.
In such a scenario the variance that defines the Rockets becomes increasingly dangerous. In Game 1 of that 2017 Spurs series, the Rockets shot 22 of 50 from behind the arc. Against the Warriors in 2018, they shot 16 of 42 in Game 2. In a normal year, such outbursts could be brushed aside as outliers. If playoff series are reduced to best-of-three, such a night pushes the Rockets halfway to an upset. A few of them could carry them all the way to a championship.
Why the Rockets have more to gain or lose from shorter playoff format than any NBA teamhttps://t.co/4WL2Lg5RcE
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) April 3, 2020
* Kelly Iko of The Athletic speaks on his podcast to Rafael Stone — vice president of basketball operations for the Rockets — for a behind-the-scenes look at the James Harden trade in 2012.
* Rockets guard Austin Rivers says in an Instagram video that the NBA is looking to quarantine various locations in Las Vegas for the completion of the league’s 2019-20 season.
* Rockets center P.J. Tucker officially launched his special COVID-19 clothing capsule on Friday, with all sales proceeds going to the Houston Food Bank to address community food shortages during the pandemic. The line is available for a maximum of 72 hours, or while supplies last.
* On Friday night at 7 p.m. Central, the NBA is replaying the 60-point triple-double by James Harden on Jan. 30, 2018, against the Orlando Magic. The broadcast will be carried on the league’s official Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch accounts.
* Bailey D’Antoni, the young niece of Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni, reminds us how important it is to wash our hands.
* In the COVID-19 era of physical distancing, Rockets athletic performance coach Willie Cruz shows us three player exercises that can be done via an in-home workout.
* Former Rockets guard Mario Elie responded to dozens of fan questions on Twitter regarding the 1993-94 and 1994-95 championship years.
We’ll have more Rockets Links roundups in the days ahead. In the meantime, enjoy your weekend and stay safe!
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