Tag: Garrison Mathews

Rockets’ Garrison Mathews shows love to creator of ‘Garry Bird’ nickname

Rockets sensation Garrison Mathews took to Twitter to show his support for the Texas A&M student who crafted the “Garry Bird” nickname.

Less than two months ago, 25-year-old Garrison Mathews was released by Boston at the end of the 2021-22 preseason. The Houston Rockets claimed Mathews off waivers and assigned him to a two-way contract, which initially resulted in a stint in the NBA G League.

Over the past two weeks, as injuries have mounted to players on the surrounding roster in Houston, the third-year sharpshooter has taken advantage of the increased playing time and emerged as a critical piece for the NBA’s hottest team — which entered Friday with a historic winning streak of seven consecutive games and counting.

Mathews has also shown a penchant for coming through in pressure situations and on the big stage in the fourth quarter, as he did against former Houston superstar James Harden on Wednesday.

Understandably, for a fanbase that had witnessed 15 straight losses and an ugly 1-16 start to this season, Mathews quickly became a symbol of the turnaround and even a cult-like hero to some.

For instance, note the MVP chants that Mathews received at Toyota Center on Wednesday, as well as the “Garry Bird” and “Garry Legend” nicknames (tongue-in-cheek references to Hall of Famer Larry Bird) that have surged in popularity — particularly since the team’s lead television broadcaster, Craig Ackerman, began using them on game broadcasts.

But Ackerman is quick to note that he didn’t come up with the moniker. “Thank you for the kind words, but I didn’t come up with it,” Ackerman tweeted. “To my knowledge, (Winston Cadenas) is the originator and creator and deserves the credit for the incredible, organic nickname of ‘Garry Bird.’ I noticed it all over Twitter and so many fans enjoying it.”

Cadenas, who attends college at nearby Texas A&M University, first tweeted it out on his account at @the6foot5. Since then, it’s taken on a life of its own. On Friday, Mathews quote tweeted a Houston Chronicle story about the nickname and asked the Rockets to give Cadenas tickets.

Based on Mathews’ extreme popularity and strong on-court play, it should only be a matter of time until the Rockets follow through on that request. In his last seven games, Mathews is averaging 16.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in 33.8 minutes, including shooting percentages of 52.2% overall, 44.8% on 3-pointers, and 83.3% on free throws.

“Garry Bird” and the Rockets will look to keep the momentum rolling when the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks visit Toyota Center on Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central.

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VIDEOS: Rockets react to seventh straight win over James Harden, Nets

“It’s a great feeling winning seven in a row, especially against a team like that,” said Garrison Mathews, who received an MVP chant and has quickly become a fan favorite at Toyota Center.

The improbable, historic winning streak is now at seven games for the 2021-22 Houston Rockets (8-16). And while a playoff run this season for a young and rebuilding team is probably still a stretch, Wednesday’s win over former teammate James Harden was still one to celebrate.

“When you beat the Nets, that’s a great feeling,” said Garrison Mathews, who scored 19 points, received an MVP chant, and has quickly become a fan favorite at Toyota Center. “They’re 17-8. We started out 1-16. When you beat a team like that, it means something. It’s a great feeling winning seven in a row, especially against a team like that. Playing against James Harden, one of the most iconic players. It’s a great win for us as a team.”

Here’s how Mathews and other Houston teammates responded in their postgame interviews from a happy Toyota Center. The Rockets will look to keep their magic going when the reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks visit on Friday night, with tipoff set for 7:00 p.m. Central.

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Rockets reaction: Streak continues as Josh Christopher, Garrison Mathews spoil James Harden’s homecoming

Social media exploded as Garrison Mathews and Josh Christopher took over late in a battle with former Rockets star James Harden. The win extends Houston’s historic streak to seven.

In the fourth quarter of his Houston homecoming, former Rockets star James Harden drilled one of his classic step-back 3-pointers while being fouled, leading to a 4-point play to bring Brooklyn within four points with more than seven minutes left. A minute later, Eric Gordon — the top scorer and most established veteran on the Rockets — was ejected.

It felt like a classic setup for the Rockets, who led by 17 heading to the fourth quarter at Toyota Center, to finally fall back to earth. It didn’t happen thanks to epic clutch showings by young players like Garrison Mathews (19 points) and rookie Josh Christopher (18 points, 4-of-4 on 3-pointers), helping the Rockets to somehow extend their historic winning streak to seven with Wednesday’s 114-104 win (box score) over Harden and the Nets, who own the Eastern Conference’s best record (17-8).

Harden led the Nets with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, but he shot just 4-of-16 from the field (25%) and committed 8 turnovers, thanks in large part to tough defense from players like Christopher, Mathews, Gordon, and Jae’Sean Tate. Brooklyn didn’t have the services of perennial All-Star Kevin Durant, who was out for rest on the second night of a back-to-back, but that did little to diminish the enthusiasm for the home team.

The Rockets (8-16) had six players in double figures, including Mathews, Christopher, Gordon (21 points, 8-of-12 shooting), Jae’Sean Tate (10 points, 5 assists), Christian Wood (12 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks), and Armoni Brooks (14 points, 4 assists, 3-of-8 on 3-pointers).

Here’s a look at highlights, noteworthy interviews, and reaction from social media during a feel-good victory at Toyota Center. The Rockets will look to keep this improbable run going when they host reigning NBA champion Milwaukee on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. Central.

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Garrison Mathews earns MVP chants, steals show from James Harden as Rockets win seventh straight

In James Harden’s return to Houston, it was Garrison Mathews who earned MVP chants as the Rockets extended their improbable winning streak to seven games.

In the fourth quarter of his Houston homecoming, former Rockets star James Harden drilled one of his classic step-back 3-pointers while being fouled, leading to a 4-point play to bring Brooklyn within four points with over seven minutes left. A minute later, Eric Gordon — the top scorer and most established veteran on the Rockets — was ejected.

It felt like a classic setup for the young Rockets, who led by 17 heading to the fourth quarter at Toyota Center, to finally fall back to earth. But thanks in large part to fan favorite Garrison Mathews, it didn’t happen, and the Rockets (8-16) somehow extended their historic winning streak to seven in Wednesday’s 114-104 win (box score) over Harden and the Nets, who own the best record (17-8) in the Eastern Conference.

Mathews scored 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, including 9 in the final six minutes, which allowed Houston to absorb a strong counter-punch from Harden (25 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists). The 25-year-old also had a block and a steal against the former MVP late in the game, and after the steal and resulting free throws from a Harden foul, the joyous fans at Toyota Center loudly chanted M-V-P with Mathews at the line.

“It felt good,” said Mathews, who has jokingly drawn the “Garry Bird” nickname on Rockets Twitter — in reference to Larry Bird. “It’s great feeling when you win seven in a row, especially against a team like that. James Harden is one of the most iconic players of all time.”

Not bad for a third-year player on a two-way contract, and one who was waived during the 2021-22 preseason.

Mathews and the Rockets will look to keep their improbable run going when they face off against reigning NBA champion Milwaukee on Friday night at Toyota Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central.

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Rockets Christian Wood making his presence felt from beyond the arc

With a roster consisting of three-point specialists Eric Gordon, Armoni Brooks, and Garrison Matthews, forward/center Christian Wood has been a very efficient shooter from deep during the winning streak. He has made 14 out of the 25 three-pointers attempted and shot 83 percent (5 out of 6) on Sunday against the Pelicans

Over the last six games, the Houston Rockets have lived their 2021 mantra of “Light The Fuse” from beyond the three-point line. During that span, they are averaging 17.3 made 3-pointers, which equates to 40.8 percent and has led them to a six-game winning streak.

Rockets head coach Stephen Silas talked about the turnaround he has seen from his team from beyond-the-arc after the 118-108 over the New Orleans Pelicans:

Having more shooting on the floor, being more confident shooting the ball, being more intentional about drive-and-kick, and making the extra pass. During this streak, we are second in the league in three-point attempts. I am not worried about the makes, we are shooting 41 percent, but it’s the attempts that we need to have more space so that they will honor us and we can drive or roll (to the rim).

With a roster consisting of three-point specialists Eric Gordon, Armoni Brooks, and Garrison Mathews, forward/center Christian Wood has been a very efficient shooter from deep during the winning streak. Wood is averaging 2.3 3FGM on 56.0% shooting during the six-game winning streak including 83 percent shooting on Sunday against the Pelicans.

In 23 games this year, Wood averages 36.8 percent from the three-point range, which is close to his career average of 37 percent. He attributes his recent shooting success to having the necessary space on the floor created by Gordon, Brooks, and Mathews and his drive and determination to take the Rockets to the next level. That includes putting in extra work on the court.

“I am not going to have an off day,” said Wood when asked about his plans for Monday as the team will not practice. “I am going to come in and get some shots up and try to get ready for the next game, which will be a big one.”

On Tuesday, the Rockets will return to the practice court to prepare for their big game against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday at the Toyota Center.

Rockets react as Christian Wood, Eric Gordon lead sixth straight win

Christian Wood and Eric Gordon scored 23 points apiece Sunday versus New Orleans, leading Houston to a sixth consecutive win and extending the NBA’s longest active winning streak.

Led by strong games from the veteran duo of Christian Wood (23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks) and Eric Gordon (23 points, 5 assists), the Houston Rockets improbably won their sixth consecutive game with Sunday’s 118-108 victory (box score) over visiting New Orleans.

Garrison Mathews, Jae’Sean Tate, Daniel Theis, Alperen Sengun, KJ Martin, and DJ Augustin all chipped in with 9 or more points, leading a balanced effort on offense for the victorious home team at Toyota Center.

The Pelicans (7-19) were led by former All-Star Brandon Ingram, who scored a game-high 40 points. As for the mostly young Rockets (7-16), they continue to hold the NBA’s longest active winning streak, and it’s by far the most consecutive games that any NBA team has ever won immediately after a losing streak of 15 or more games.

The competition will rise significantly for Houston in the coming days, with the Brooklyn Nets and reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks set to come to town later this week. During the current six-game streak, four of the wins have come versus New Orleans, Oklahoma City, and Orlando, who are three of the only four NBA teams with worse records than Houston on the 2021-22 season to date. The short-term absence of the usual starting backcourt of Jalen Green (left hamstring strain) and Kevin Porter Jr. (left thigh contusion) doesn’t help matters, either.

But the Rockets will save those concerns for another day. For now, they will enter back-to-back off days with strong momentum and incredibly positive vibes from a six-game winning streak. See below for all the highlights and postgame reaction from Sunday night at Toyota Center.

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Player grades: Eric Gordon leads Rockets to fifth straight win versus Orlando

Eric Gordon scored 24 points on 70%+ shooting and hit the game-winning shot as the Rockets won a fifth straight game by holding off Cole Anthony and the Magic.

Veteran guard Eric Gordon scored a team-high 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting (71.4%), including 4-of-6 on 3-pointers (66.7%), leading the young Houston Rockets to an improbable five-game winning streak with Friday’s 118-116 home victory (box score) over Orlando.

Fittingly, Gordon hit the game-winning shot on a runner with only 1.6 seconds left. That lifted the Rockets (6-16) to a feel-good win at Toyota Center over the Magic (5-19), despite losing prized young point guard Kevin Porter Jr. to another re-aggravation of his left thigh contusion.

Cole Anthony led Orlando with 26 points (10-of-20 shooting) and 7 assists, but his attempt at a winning 3-pointer at the buzzer was just short as Houston escaped with the win. Other Houston players to score in double-figures included Christian Wood (20 points, 14 rebounds), Jae’Sean Tate (15 points, 7 rebounds), Garrison Matthews (16 points), and rookie big man Alperen Sengun (13 points, 5 assists).

See below for highlights and analysis of individual player performances by the Rockets from Friday’s game. Houston will look to extend its unlikely winning streak to six games when New Orleans (7-18) visits Toyota Center on Sunday night, with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Central.

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Rockets reaction: Career night by Jae’Sean Tate in OKC sparks fourth straight win

Led by a career game from Jae’Sean Tate, Houston survived early injuries to Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Wood to win its fourth straight.

The young Houston Rockets lost two of their best players (Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr.) to injury early in Wednesday’s game at Oklahoma City and trailed by double digits with under 8:00 left to play.

Led by a career game from second-year forward Jae’Sean Tate, the Rockets (5-16) somehow found a way to win, anyway, extending their winning streak to four games and counting. The gritty left-hander known best for his defensive contributions finished with an astonishing 32 points (11-of-15 shooting, 73.3%), 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 blocked shots, sparking Houston to a 114-110 come-from-behind victory (box score).

Other statistical standouts from Wednesday’s game included Garrison Mathews (14 points, 4-of-7 on 3-pointers); Armoni Brooks (18 points, 4-of-7 on 3-pointers); and KJ Martin (12 points, 6-of-8 shooting). Veteran big man Daniel Theis, who hadn’t played at all in the previous three games after Houston’s shift to a smaller lineup with Wood at center, came in after Wood’s injury and was ready for the opportunity, grabbing 9 rebounds in 21 minutes. The Rockets were +12 with Theis on the floor.

Houston scored 41 in the fourth quarter to blow past the Thunder (6-15), who were led by 39 points from rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Rockets head coach Stephen Silas said postgame that he did not yet have an update on the status of Wood (right ankle sprain) or Kevin Porter Jr. (left thigh contusion), though he noted that Wood was in a walking boot. The Rockets return to action on Friday at Toyota Center, where they will kick off a four-game homestand versus Orlando (5-18). For now, enjoy highlights and postgame reaction from Wednesday’s rally.

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Christian Wood continues career run as Rockets extend winning streak to three

Led by another career night from Christian Wood, the suddenly surging Rockets won their third straight game in Monday’s home win over OKC. Here’s a look at our player grades and key takeaways.

On Saturday, star big man Christian Wood scored a career-high 33 points as the young Rockets secured their first winning streak of the 2021-22 season. Two nights later, he set a new career-high in rebounds with 21 as Houston extended its winning streak to three games with a 102-89 victory over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder (box score).

Monday’s win wraps up a perfect three-hame homestand at Toyota Center, where the vibe is suddenly quite different than it was when the Rockets entered it less than a week ago on a 15-game losing streak.

The Rockets had a balanced effort on offense, with six players scoring in double-figures: Wood (24 points), Garrison Mathews (19), Jae’Sean Tate (15), Eric Gordon (11), Danuel House Jr. (12), and Kevin Porter Jr. (11). With 11 assists and 10 rebounds, Porter also registered the first triple-double of his NBA career. Oklahoma City was led in defeat by rising star Shai Gilgeous Alexander, who had 20 points and 4 assists.

In a rare home-and-home, the Rockets and Thunder have an immediate rematch on Wednesday in Oklahoma City. Until then, scroll on for a look at highlights and player grades from Monday’s game in Houston.

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Takeaways: Rockets sting Hornets, clinch first winning streak of season

Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. each posted huge double-doubles, leading the Rockets past Charlotte and into a two-game winning streak. Here’s some of what we learned at Toyota Center.

Earlier this week, the Houston Rockets had lost 15 straight games and were a mess offensively, having scored 90 points or fewer in three of their last five outings. Now, after shifting Christian Wood to center and embracing a smaller lineup with more shooters and floor spacing, they’re on a two-game winning streak in front of adoring fans at Toyota Center.

Led by an 23-of-49 showing on 3-pointers (46.9%), the smaller Rockets set a new season-high for treys in a second straight game, leading them to Saturday’s 146-143 overtime win over Charlotte (box score). Individually, Houston’s clear standouts were Wood (career-high 33 points, 16 rebounds) and Kevin Porter Jr. (23 points, 12 assists, 8 rebounds).

Most impressively, these victories by the Rockets aren’t simply a product of a weak schedule. The Hornets (13-9) and Bulls (13-7) are each clearly in the Eastern Conference playoff field at the moment, and yet the young Rockets (3-16) found a way to close out tight games in the fourth quarter and averaged 126.5 regulation points per game in those two wins.

Granted, in the case of Charlotte, the Hornets were on the second night of a back-to-back in two different cities. But Porter and the Rockets used that to their advantage by pushing pace and getting out in transition, which often led to good looks for shooters such as Garrison Mathews (20 points, 5-of-9 on 3-pointers), Armoni Brooks (15 points, 5-of-11 on 3-pointers), and Eric Gordon (22 points, 7 assists, 4-of-7 on 3-pointers).

The Rockets will conclude their three-game homestand on Monday versus Oklahoma City (6-13). On paper, with a home-and-home sequence looming against the Thunder followed by home games versus Orlando (4-16) and New Orleans (5-16), it could be a chance for Houston to build on its sudden momentum and stack some wins together, for a change.

For now, scroll on for a look at highlights and key takeaways from Saturday’s encouraging showing from the Rockets versus Charlotte. Veteran guard Terry Rozier led the visitors with 31 points in the loss, but Houston limited him to just 9-of-23 shooting (39.1%) from the field.

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