The Houston Rockets are a real life sports movie underdog

The Houston Rockets are a sports movie underdog. With their back on the ropes they managed to land a body blow to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4

The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are reminiscent of two boxers in a prizefight – the underdog trying to challenge the old pro. It’s a classic plot.

Both have taken turns standing and delivering a series of devastating blows. After getting blown out in Games 2 and 3, Houston punched back in Game 4 where they defeated the Spurs 125-104.

The Rockets have happily been the underdog in all of their fights throughout the season. Most of their personnel, including their head coach, have been doubted their whole careers.

"“If there’s one cultural quality we have, it’s that we always see ourselves as an underdog.”– Bill Gates"

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After failing when the pressure was on in Game 3, the Rockets came out swinging with their back on the ropes – it could be considered a microcosm of their entire season.

Early prognosis of the Rockets saw a superstar with obvious flaws, a coach who was on the scrap heap and a supporting cast known to be a liability in crucial times. Houston was only supposed to win 45 games, if that.

They were an underdog that needed everything to fall right.

"“Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose.” ― Baltasar Gracián“If you don’t believe you can win, there is no point in getting out of bed at the end of the day.” – Neville Southall"

With many who doubted their play-style and personnel, the Houston Rockets were the Cinderella story of the Western Conference. Nobody predicted Houston to do as well as they did (3rd seed, West) and are doing (tied 2-2 vs. SA in the Conference Semis).

However, the belief in the Rockets camp was sky-high. Mike D’Antoni’s system revolves around ball movement and players getting open shots. Shooting the ball as often as they do in his systems instills the players with belief. Harden has always had the self-confidence of a star, and previously told reporters before that he believes that he is the best player in the league.

Even though they were the favorites in the series, in many ways the Rockets were the underdogs against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With Russell Westbrook gaining most of momentum as MVP, the Thunder seemingly had the “best player” on court. In addition, OKC was in charge early in almost every game. Almost every contest in the first series was a comeback win by the Rockets.

"On any given Sunday you’re gonna win or you’re gonna lose. The point is – can you win or lose like a man? – Tony D’Amato, Any Given Sunday"

However, piggybacking off their momentum from a series win over OKC, the Rockets were in a position where they weren’t familiar with. Many were predicting them to beat the Spurs, who were pushed to six games by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Seen as a one-man team, the Rockets looked like a worthy candidate to knock off the Spurs’ machine.

Whoever didn’t believe it before the series definitely believed it after Game 1. The Rockets shook the basketball landscape by blowing out the Spurs. After the game, many jumped to the conclusion that Houston would win, and potentially quickly.

However, as they say, if you come for the King, you best not miss. With life still in the Spurs, the Rockets were beaten and embarrassed in Games 2 and 3.

Houston could’ve threw in the towel in Game 4. Instead, they responded as a true underdog does – in a big way.

"“Look for intelligence and judgment and, most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things done.” – Colin Powell"

With the season on the line, the Rockets landed a huge counterpunch in the prizefight.

James Harden led the Rockets, as Houston rained shots in over the Spurs’ heads. The Rockets shot 44 percent from their 43 three-point attempts. The same players that many doubted took a stand. – Eric Gordon finished with 22 points and Ryan Anderson added 13. Combined, they hit nine 3s.

James Harden was the real hero of the night, though. Whether it was via assists or scoring, Harden was responsible for 60 of Houston’s points (28 scored, 32 assisted). Whilst it was not a one-man show, the bearded wonder stood out.

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Now, the prizefight shifts to San Antonio for pivotal Game 5.

If Houston can eek out another road win, that might be all they need to close out the series. However, with this Rockets team, maybe that isn’t what they want.