Shorthanded Rockets drop thriller in season opener

Photo courtesy of Steph Chambers/Getty Images

The Rockets' 2020-2021 season could really only start one way, and that was in the same manner their offseason had been often described as—dramatic.

Despite the Rockets' best efforts, the nine-man squad could not manage to overcome the full-strength Portland Trail Blazers, losing a tight game in their season opener by a score of 128-126 in overtime.

Even with the losses of John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Eric Gordon, Houston put up more than a fight. James Harden in particular posted another trademark performance in the season opener, posting an insane stat line of 44 points and 17 assists. He had a double-double at halftime, and served as the main facilitator for the team with fellow playmakers Wall and Gordon out.

While the seasoned Rocket proved his worth, the new guy made a splash impact right alongside him. Christian Wood was sensational in his first game with Houston, facilitating with and without Harden and scoring at will. He ended the game with 31 points of his own, to go with 13 rebounds. He and Harden combined for more than half of the team's points.

The Rockets held an early lead after the first half, but C.J. McCollum—who put in a career-high nine three pointers on the night—hit four in a row in the third quarter to tighten the game up. The back-and-forth that ensued was about as legendary as regular season games could get, with both teams trading leads near constantly.

The Blazers took a six point lead with just over two minutes left, but Houston would go on an 8-2 run over those final minutes to force overtime, a stunning feat for a team in their first game of the season without an entire bench. P.J. Tucker in particular had a great final possession against Damian Lillard to force the game into the extra period.

The offensive fireworks didn't end in overtime, as both squads dropped double digits in the extra five minutes. James Harden practically willed the team back into the game with his patented step-back threes, but it would be C.J. McCollum and the Blazers getting the last laugh with a clutch three point shot in the waning seconds of the game.

Despite the loss, Stephen Silas had a positive outlook for the team after his first game as the team's head coach. "For these guys to play the [minutes] they did and be right there at the end, I'm proud of them... I'm proud of the way they fought. We have some things we need to clean up. But overall, I'm so, so proud of them."

There certainly is a lot to be proud of in this performance, especially with how undermanned the squad was facing a playoff-caliber team in the Western Conference. Thankfully, they'll only have one more game without the aforementioned Wall, Cousins and Gordon, who were forced out due to COVID contract tracing. They'll return for Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings.

For now, though, the Rockets can hold their head up high as they open the season with a valiant effort in a loss. They'll have another tough test against their next opponents in the Denver Nuggets on Monday, but another chance to showcase their new-look to the basketball world.