Rockets win after firing Kevin McHale

Former NBA star turned coach Kevin McHale has been fired by the Houston Rockets, after only 11 games this season. The Rockets failed to reach 100 points during the losing streak – the team’s longest since 2013 – and were averaging 20 fewer points in their losses overall this season. “It’s tough because the only reason I’m here is because of Kevin (McHale)”, he said. “I know we could figure something out for him in some capacity, but I think he’s just in a wait-and-see mode”. Bickerstaff said. “This was try to get Ty on the floor more without James (Harden) so the ball can be in his hands to make plays and see if we can get him more comfortable”.

McHale was in his fifth season with the Rockets and on the first year of a $12 million three-year contract extension with the ballclub.

Ainge did, however, offer some thoughts on the reported dynamics between McHale and some of the Rockets players.

“We have a lot of guys who can make the big shot, but it’s really about getting the big shot”, he said. The Rockets down 15 points to start the fourth would end up making a comeback that would only be fitting for the type of day the team had.

Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum had hit a three-pointer with 4:54 left in regulation after two free throws by Damian Lillard halted an 8-0 Rockets run that brought Houston within 83-81. Bickerstaff, known as a defensive-minded coach, has been the team’s assistant since 2011. They tried to rectify that problem Wednesday, firing McHale after four-plus seasons and naming J.B. Bickerstaff as his interim replacement. The McHale firing is puzzling to fans across the country, Rockets fans and basketball fans alike. They’ve been playing well as of late but, as we’ve seen so far this season, the middle class of the Eastern Conference is crowded. The vanilla offense likely wouldn’t be too much of an issue for Houston because it has some extremely talented offensive players like Harden, but the minutes thing could be a huge issue, especially when you consider how many injuries Houston has already dealt with this season. The 57-year-old Hall-of-Fame player went 193-130 with the Rockets.“Bottom line is we believe in this team, ” Morey said.

Harden finished with 45 points and 11 assists plus eight rebounds and five steals.