Not A Recap: Rockets 141, Cavs 113 (Or, A Rocket to the Face)
2019-01-12
The Cavaliers put about as much effort into their game as I did the Live Thread for it. And it was close for all of the first four minutes of the game and that’s about it. I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised, the Rockets have been a bit disappointing this season but they are still in a different league than this Cleveland team. After the first four minutes, things got ugly quick and by halfway through the quarter Houston began to pull ahead and did not look back. The game ended with the Rockets up 141 to the Cavs 113. I’m not going to give my usual type of recap. After all, it was about as ugly as it gets as the Cavaliers definitely took a rocket to the face. But, I’ll give you some bits and pieces along the way.
As I said earlier, the first quarter didn’t take very long to start to see some separation between these two teams. By halfway through the first quarter the Cavs were down by 8. Six short minutes later and the the Cavs were down 20 points. Cedi had a decent first few minutes and finished the night with 15 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, and a steal but was (almost) a team low -27 for the night. Nonetheless, he managed a pretty nice makeshift drive and finish before things got too out of hand. Check it out below. The quarter ended with a score of 42-22.
🚨 CEDI COMING THROUGH. 🚨#CavsRockets @FOXSportsOH pic.twitter.com/E6r7lNteEC
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 12, 2019
Things did not improve much in the second quarter, although you can say that Ante Zizic was a bit of a bright spot that started to shine in the first few minutes. The big man finished the night with 18 points, 8 rebounds (3 offensive), and 2 steals. He went 6-6 from the line and 6-8 from the field so, good on you Zizic. Check out his highlights below. James Harden wasn’t responsible for as much of the damage as he was by the end of the night, but the quarter still ended with the Cavs getting blown out 77-49.
Way to step up tonight, Z.#BeTheFight pic.twitter.com/tg8HIOllud
— FOX Sports Ohio (@FOXSportsOH) January 12, 2019
The second half was much closer, as they actually played Houston to a draw through quarters 3 and 4 but the damage was already done. Any time your opponent has 113 points by the end of the third quarter, your team is in trouble. Especially when you’ve only managed to put up 81 yourselves. Harden, the Golden Turd himself, marched to the free throw line over and over again to bleed the Cavs to their 113-81 third quarter end.
The Cavs actually outscored the Rockets 32-28 for the fourth quarter but likely only because the Rockets pulled anyone who mattered and Harden didn’t play a single minute. Zizic did most of his damage here in garbage time which sort of dulls his performance for the night. He did, however, manage to score 12 for the quarter. As I said, not too many bright spots in this one. As you already know, the night ended 141-113 (the Cavs wouldn’t even have beat three quarters of the the Rockets).
Apologies for the brevity of the recap but the January blues are hitting hard and the Cavs are not. This team is not good. They are often hard to watch. Though, they are not without intrigue, as they race to have a shot at drafting the next big thing with Zion Williamson. They should have no issues getting that shot either.
Some Notes:
1) It seems like the injury bug is pretty relentless in Cleveland. Not having Larry Nance Jr. for the next two weeks hurts. And it’s a shame for him as his development has been one of the few highlights on the season.
2) Collin Sexton wasn’t the worst player on the court for the Cavaliers. He finished the night with 14 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals as well as tying for the best plus/minus of the starters with only a -10… What a highlight.
3) Jordan Clarkson did his best impression of Kobe as he still managed to jack up all the shots he desired. He went 5-15 on the night for only 12 points. He was also a team low -38. That’s bad.
The Cavaliers face off against the Lakers next and it is rumored that LeBron will make his return for that game. Here’s to hoping we don’t get embarrassed with or without him on the court. As always, Go Cavs!
AGREE BUCK—–JUST I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AT A MINIMUM 12 MIN’S/ PREFERABLY MORE——REDDISH / BARRET SHOWING THEIR SKILLS WHEN OFFENSE IS RUN THRU THEM 2 PRIMARILY —–I WOULD BE SATISFIED IF CAVS GET EITHER ONE OF THE DUKIES
It’s hard to take anything of note from these games when we’re so undermanned. It’s amazing you guys can drum up any recaps from these beatdowns. Only way we’re going to win a game is if a team doesn’t take us seriously and doesn’t wake up in time.
But better times are ahead. Just take our lumps this year and rebound for 19-20.
ZZZ should play at least 12m per game??? c’mom bro.. he should be playing 35m per game.. OTJ experience is invaluable, and regardless of what he does, it will likely not alter the trajectory on the 6 month long mission to zion..
uncle buck is woke..
You still want Nance to play 28+ and so with TT to showcase him. Where exactly does Zz fit at 35+?
CAMERON REDDISH!!!! RJ Barrett also with a HUGE game. Zion got poked in the eye, didn’t play 2nd half. Huge win on the road against a top 15 opponent.
BEGINNING TO BELIEVE BUTLER IS A CANCER —–DO NOT TOUCH—-AND WE HAVE -( ALOT OF US AT LEAST )–THAT ANTE NEEDS AT THE MINIMUM 12 MIN’S / GAME
I think he’s more a pain in the ass. Cancer, I dunno.
Jimmy Buckets about to blow up another locker room. Calling the sixers soft.
Check that. Simmons says soft. JB says no.
Zz needs to be playing 12min a night. If not, he needs to be sent to Canton. The talent is there.
I kept watch until halftime. I can’t put myself through this type of punishment.
LeBron is gonna feast next game. Not watching that one.
Really hope Lebron skips the Cavs game…
GOOD ONE OR WATCHING GRASS GROW IN NORTHERN OHIO DURING THE WINTER —-JMAY EITHER YOU ARE OUR HERO OR GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT—EITHER WAY THANK YOU FOR THE RE C (R) AP
It’s getting harder and harder for me to convince the family to watch the Cavs when we could be watching the Great British Baking Show.
Hahaha nice.