Houston Rockets 2019 Season: A Deep Dive

The 2019 Houston Rockets season was a whirlwind, guys. After a heartbreaking Western Conference Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors the year before, expectations were sky-high. The team was determined to make another deep playoff run, fueled by the dynamic duo of James Harden and Chris Paul. But, as we all know, things don't always go according to plan. Let's dive into the specifics of what made this season so interesting, from the roster changes to the on-court performances and the ultimate playoff disappointment.

Roster Changes and Key Acquisitions

Heading into the 2019 season, the Rockets' front office knew they needed to make some tweaks to the roster to get over the hump. The Western Conference was getting tougher, and standing pat wasn't an option. One of the biggest moves was bringing in veteran wings like Iman Shumpert and Austin Rivers. Shumpert was acquired via a three-team trade in February, bringing defensive versatility and playoff experience to the team. Rivers, on the other hand, joined the Rockets mid-season, providing instant offense off the bench and a much-needed ball-handling presence when Harden or Paul were resting. These additions were meant to bolster the Rockets' depth and give them more options in crucial moments.

Another key change was the continued development of young players like Clint Capela and P.J. Tucker. Capela had established himself as one of the league's premier rim protectors and rebounders, while Tucker's toughness, three-point shooting, and defensive versatility made him an invaluable part of the team. The Rockets were banking on these guys to take another step forward and contribute even more to the team's success. However, the biggest change came in the offseason after the 2019 season, with the blockbuster trade that sent Chris Paul to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Russell Westbrook. While this trade didn't impact the 2019 season itself, it's important to remember the context of where the team was headed and the changes they felt were necessary to compete for a championship. The Rockets were constantly evaluating their roster and looking for ways to improve, even if it meant making tough decisions.

Regular Season Performance

Despite the roster tweaks and high expectations, the 2019 Rockets' regular season was a bit of a rollercoaster. They finished with a 53-29 record, which was good enough for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. While 53 wins is nothing to sneeze at, it was a step back from the 65-win season they had the year before. One of the main reasons for the slightly diminished record was injuries. Key players like Harden, Paul, and Capela all missed time due to various ailments, which disrupted the team's chemistry and consistency. When those guys are out, it's tough to maintain the same level of play, you know? Despite the injuries, James Harden had an absolutely incredible individual season. He averaged a league-leading 36.1 points per game, becoming only the second player in NBA history to average over 36 points for an entire season (the other being Michael Jordan). Harden's scoring prowess was on full display, as he routinely torched defenses with his step-back three-pointers, drives to the basket, and ability to draw fouls. He was virtually unstoppable at times and carried the Rockets through many tough stretches.

Chris Paul, while still a valuable contributor, showed signs of decline. His scoring and assist numbers were down from previous seasons, and he struggled with injuries at times. However, he remained a key leader on the court and provided valuable playmaking and defensive skills. The Rockets' offense continued to be heavily reliant on isolation plays, particularly with Harden. While this strategy was effective in generating points, it also made the team somewhat predictable at times. Defensively, the Rockets were solid, but not quite as dominant as they had been in previous years. They ranked in the middle of the pack in defensive efficiency, and struggled to contain some of the league's top offensive teams. Overall, the regular season was a mixed bag for the Rockets. They showed flashes of brilliance, but also struggled with consistency and injuries.

Playoff Run and Disappointment

As the fourth seed, the Houston Rockets entered the 2019 playoffs with hopes of making a deep run. Their first-round matchup was against the Utah Jazz, a team they had swept in the previous year's playoffs. However, this time around, the Jazz proved to be a much tougher opponent. The series went to five games, with the Rockets ultimately prevailing. Harden led the way with his scoring, but the Jazz's defense made things difficult for him at times. In the second round, the Rockets faced the Golden State Warriors, the defending champions and the team that had eliminated them in the previous year's Western Conference Finals. This series was highly anticipated, as many saw it as the de facto Western Conference Finals. The Rockets came out strong, winning Game 1 in Oakland. However, the Warriors responded by winning the next four games, ending the Rockets' season in disappointing fashion.

One of the biggest turning points in the series was Kevin Durant's injury in Game 5. Durant suffered a calf strain that sidelined him for the rest of the playoffs. While this would seemingly give the Rockets an advantage, they were unable to capitalize. The Warriors' other stars, like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, stepped up their games, and the Rockets struggled to contain them. Harden had some big scoring games in the series, but he also struggled with his efficiency at times. Paul's performance was inconsistent, and he didn't provide the same level of impact that he had in previous years. The Rockets' reliance on isolation plays made them predictable, and the Warriors' defense was able to effectively slow them down. Ultimately, the Rockets' playoff run ended in disappointment, as they failed to overcome the Warriors and advance to the Western Conference Finals. This loss raised questions about the team's roster construction, offensive strategy, and overall ability to compete for a championship.

Key Players and Stats

James Harden was, without a doubt, the Houston Rockets' MVP in the 2019 season. As mentioned earlier, he led the league in scoring, averaging 36.1 points per game. He also averaged 7.5 assists and 6.6 rebounds per game, showcasing his all-around brilliance. Harden's scoring efficiency wasn't always the greatest, but his ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line made him incredibly difficult to defend. His Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 30.6 was among the highest in the league. Chris Paul, despite showing signs of decline, still averaged 15.6 points and 8.2 assists per game. His leadership and playmaking were valuable assets to the team. Clint Capela continued to be a force in the paint, averaging 16.6 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. His rim protection and rebounding were crucial to the Rockets' defense. P.J. Tucker averaged 7.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while providing outstanding defense and three-point shooting. His toughness and versatility made him an invaluable role player. Other key contributors included Eric Gordon, who averaged 16.2 points per game, and Austin Rivers, who provided instant offense off the bench.

The Rockets' offensive rating was among the league's best, but their defensive rating was more middle-of-the-pack. This imbalance between offense and defense was a recurring theme throughout the season. The team relied heavily on three-point shooting, attempting a league-high number of three-pointers per game. While they were often successful from beyond the arc, their reliance on three-pointers also made them prone to cold streaks. Overall, the Rockets had a talented roster with several key players, but they struggled to consistently put it all together. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and a reliance on isolation plays all contributed to their ultimately disappointing season.

Offseason and Future Outlook

The 2019 offseason brought significant changes to the Houston Rockets. As mentioned earlier, the team traded Chris Paul to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Russell Westbrook. This blockbuster trade signaled a shift in the team's direction, as they decided to pair Harden with another ball-dominant guard. The move was seen as a gamble, as there were questions about how well Harden and Westbrook would fit together. However, the Rockets were willing to take the risk in order to try and contend for a championship. In addition to the Westbrook trade, the Rockets also made other moves to bolster their roster. They signed free agents like Tyson Chandler and Thabo Sefolosha, adding veteran experience and defensive help. They also continued to develop their young players, hoping that they could contribute more in the future.

Looking ahead, the Rockets were hoping that the Harden-Westbrook pairing would be a success. They believed that the two stars could complement each other and lead the team to new heights. However, the experiment ultimately didn't pan out as planned, and the Rockets eventually traded Westbrook after just one season. The 2019 season, therefore, serves as a reminder that even the most talented teams can fall short of expectations. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and tough competition can all derail a team's championship aspirations. The Rockets learned some valuable lessons in 2019, and they used those lessons to try and improve in the years that followed. Whether those improvements were enough to ultimately bring a championship to Houston remains to be seen. However, the 2019 season will always be remembered as a pivotal moment in the team's history.