Rockets Unveil Hot Dog Concession Item Featuring Froot Loops, Mac and Cheese, Bacon
Jan 7, 2022
Hot dogs are stacked on platters before the world's best eating athletes go head-to-head in the 10-minute, all-you-can-eat contest at the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest in Coney Island's Maimonides Park on Sunday, July 4, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Brittainy Newman)
The Houston Rockets haven't gotten people talking much this season from an on-court perspective, but on Friday they started what will surely be a divisive conversation on social media.
Ahead of Friday night's home game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Toyota Center, the Rockets unveiled a unique concession item:
The Rockets are set to start selling one of the most bizarre hot dogs imaginable, topped with macaroni and cheese, bacon and...Froot Loops?
Hot dogs, mac and cheese and bacon tend to go together like peanut butter and jelly, but the addition of Froot Loops is surely what will result in the offering going viral.
While Froot Loops are a beloved breakfast cereal created by Kellogg's in 1963 that features mascot Toucan Sam on the box, most tend to enjoy the product with milk.
There is something to be said for the combination of sweet and savory foods, as that duo has led to some unlikely pairings being enjoyed by consumers over the years.
One popular example is a bacon burger with glazed donuts serving as the bun rather than a traditional roll.
While the bacon mac and cheese Froot Loop jumbo dog may be even more unconventional, it could perhaps lead to an influx of curious fans looking to try it.
The Rockets are a rebuilding team with a Western Conference-worst 11-28 record this season, so it is tough to blame the organization for thinking outside the box when it comes to improving attendance.
Wizards Broadcaster Glenn Consor Apologizes for Remark on Kevin Porter Jr.'s Father
Jan 6, 2022
Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. dribbles during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Washington Wizards broadcaster Glenn
Consor issued an apology Thursday for his remark about the father of
Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. during Wednesday night's game,
saying it was a case of mistaken identity.
I want to sincerely apologize to Kevin Porter Jr and clarify last night’s call. pic.twitter.com/UweFhFnkbt
Porter's full name is Bryan Kevin
Porter Jr. His father, Bryan Kevin Porter Sr., pleaded guilty to
first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of a 14-year-old girl
in 1993. He was killed in a 2004 shooting in Seattle, per Analis Bailey of USA
Today.
“Kevin Porter Jr., like his dad, pulled that trigger right at the right time”
I can’t believe this was actually said on the Wizards broadcast.. Completely inexcusable. pic.twitter.com/bZcWEVqPOP
Kevin Porter, whom Consor said he was
referencing with the comment, played 10 NBA seasons beginning in 1972-73.
The remark came after the Rockets star
knocked down the game-winning three with less than a second left in a
114-111 victory over the Wizards.
Neither the Wizards nor NBC Sports
Washington, which broadcasts the team's games, have commented on the
matter as of Thursday morning.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron
James called for Consor to be removed from his role:
Oh he thought this was cool huh!!?? Nah we ain’t going for this! Sorry but this ain’t going to fly! How insensitive can you be to say something like this. Beat it man! I pray for you but there’s no place in our beautiful game for you! https://t.co/UgVOBUOsPK
Porter finished Wednesday's game with
nine points, eight assists, seven rebounds and four steals in just over 35
minutes.
The 21-year-old Seattle native was a
first-round pick in the 2019 NBA draft. After a season-and-a-half
with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was traded to the Rockets last January.
Houston returns to action Friday
when it hosts the Dallas Mavericks. The team has one game remaining
against the Wizards this season on March 21.
Report: Rockets' Kevin Porter Jr. 'Has Well-Documented Anger Management Issues'
Jan 3, 2022
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 29: Kevin Porter Jr. #3 of the Houston Rockets controls the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 29, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets suspended Kevin Porter Jr. for Monday night's road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers after he left the arena during Saturday's loss against the Denver Nuggets following a halftime confrontation with assistant coach John Lucas.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon, "Porter has well-documented anger management issues—which the team believes he has made progress on—but those surfaced again Saturday and ultimately drove him to leave the arena instead of rejoining the team for the second half, sources said."
Per that report, "Porter became angry after Lucas challenged him at the half, revisiting an issue that led to the guard losing his composure on the bench during the first half, sources said."
Christian Wood was also suspended for Monday's game after being benched to start Saturday's game for missing a COVID-19 test and reportedly showing disinterest checking into that game in the second half.
Porter started his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2019-20 season, but a locker-room outburst served as the catalyst for his eventual trade to the Rockets in January 2021.
Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today reported at the time that Porter "became angry when he learned his locker space had been moved for Taurean Prince, who was acquired in the four-team blockbuster trade involving James Harden. Porter began yelling and throwing food, resulting in a confrontation with Cavs general manager Koby Altman."
Porter had not played a game for the Cavs in the 2020-21 season because of personal reasons.
"After careful and thoughtful evaluation, we made the very difficult and collective decision to make this trade," Altman said in a statement at the time. "Given the culture and environment we have worked to cultivate here in Cleveland, we feel this move is in everyone's best interest. Kevin has a bright future ahead of him as a professional basketball player and, at his core, is a good person."
The 21-year-old has played well for the Rockets since that trade, averaging 14.8 points and 5.7 assists across parts of two seasons while shooting 40.0 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from three.
But his basketball career has been impacted by off-court concerns. In November 2020, Porter was involved in a one-car crash and charged with improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, failure to control the vehicle and misdemeanor possession of marijuana after his arrest, though all three charges were ultimately dismissed.
He was also suspended for two games by USC in his freshman season for "conduct issues."
LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Lakers Hold Off Jalen Green, Rockets for Narrow Win
Dec 29, 2021
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 28: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball ahead of Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on December 28, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are back in the win column.
Finally.
Los Angeles defeated the Houston Rockets 132-123 in Tuesday's Western Conference showdown at Toyota Center. LeBron James, Malik Monk, Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook led the way in a balanced effort for the victors, who snapped a five-game losing streak and improved to 17-18 on the campaign.
James and Westbrook finished with triple-doubles to help make up for the absence of Anthony Davis.
The Lakers came into the season with championship-or-bust expectations, but they have looked like a team with the ceiling of a play-in tournament of late as they tumble down the standings.
Davis' knee injury certainly played a role in the recent losing streak, and the fact various role players are also sidelined means there is far more responsibility on the shoulders of James and Westbrook.
The pair carried the Lakers to a 67-59 halftime lead as the primary scorers and facilitators while also battling for rebounds. Yet it wasn't a solo effort, as Monk provided a much-needed scoring spark in his second game since Dec. 12. Throw in Anthony's contributions off the bench, and Los Angeles appeared primed to end its slide.
The supporting cast delivering on the offensive side was key because relying on veterans like James and Westbrook to do all the heavy lifting on a nightly basis is not a sustainable formula if the Lakers are going to battle with the best teams in the Western Conference come playoff time.
However, the defense was a problem Tuesday, which kept the Rockets within striking distance.
The Purple and Gold had no answer for Wood as a matchup nightmare who could extend his game beyond the arc and score down low against a short-handed Lakers' frontcourt. Throw in Porter and Green finding their stroke from deep, and the game was very much hanging in the balance in crunch time.
It wasn't just the shooting that stood out, as Porter handled the ball as Houston's main facilitator as his team kept the pressure on the Lakers on the offensive side. Green also caught fire from deep in the fourth quarter and helped the Rockets tie the game to set up a dramatic finish in the final minutes.
That was all the more notable since the visitors were the ones under the spotlight as they looked to snap their losing streak.
Fortunately for Los Angeles fans, Anthony made a clutch three-pointer and James took over by attacking the lane and taking advantage of free-throw attempts after struggling on the line earlier in the game.
It took a night of offensive fireworks to overcome the defensive issues, but the Lakers managed to snap their losing streak against an overmatched opponent.
What's Next?
The Lakers travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, while the Rockets host the Miami Heat on Friday.
Christian Wood Offers Fan Courtside Rockets Tickets After Bad Pass Hits Her in Head
Dec 28, 2021
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 27: Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets passes the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on December 27, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Christian Wood is not a point guard.
He proved that on Monday night with this errant pass that conked an unsuspecting fan on the head as she walked to her seat during the matchup between the Houston Rockets and Charlotte Hornets:
"I hope she's OK," he told reporters after the game. "If she needs tickets to a game, I got her."
To be fair, fans in Charlotte have grown accustomed to mediocre quarterback play, so the inaccurate pass from the Rockets big man on Monday night wasn't anything new to them. Wood will probably stick to playing center, though.
Knicks Trade Rumors: Rockets' Eric Gordon Among Players NY Has Discussed Internally
Dec 17, 2021
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 13: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena on December 13, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
As the New York Knicks look for answers to fix their struggling offense, one potential trade option is Eric Gordon of the Houston Rockets.
Per Marc Berman of the New York Post, Gordon is "on a long list of potentially available players the Knicks have talked about internally" in a trade.
Berman noted that in 2016, shortly after Derrick Rose was traded to New York by the Chicago Bulls, the three-time All-Star spent the offseason trying to recruit Gordon to the Knicks.
Gordon ultimately signed with the Houston Rockets.
Rose and Gordon have a relationship that dates back to their time as AAU teammates in 2006. They will be on the court together again on Thursday when the Knicks play the Rockets in Houston.
According to Berman, Thursday's game could serve as Gordon's "audition for Knicks brass" before they decide how aggressively to pursue him.
The Rockets are in an interesting position. They are clearly rebuilding around a young core that includes Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and Alperen Sengun, but their veterans have ignited a recent stretch of good play.
Since losing 16 of their first 17 games, the Rockets are 8-3 in their last 11. Gordon has been instrumental in that turnaround. He is averaging 18.3 points per game on 52.2 percent shooting (48.1 percent from three) in nine appearances since Nov. 24.
Per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, the Rockets "appear willing to be patient" with Gordon.
He has one more guaranteed season on his contract, plus a $20.9 million non-guaranteed salary for 2023-24, per Spotrac.
The Knicks are in last place in the Atlantic Division with a 12-16 record. They rank 19th in offensive rating (109.0) and 23rd in defensive rating (110.9), per Basketball Reference.
Gordon is averaging 15.1 points per game and is shooting 44.8 percent from three-point range in 23 games this season.
Rockets HC Stephen Silas Leaves Game vs. Cavaliers Because of Dehydration
Dec 16, 2021
Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas left the sidelines of Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly because of dehydration.
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported Silas was "getting fluids." Assistant coach John Lucas took over Silas' duties after the head coach left the floor in the first quarter.
After Houston's 124-89 loss, Lucas told reporters Silas was feeling better and is expected to be with the team for Thursday's game against the New York Knicks.
Houston can at least take solace knowing Lucas has plenty of experience as he steps into the interim role. He played in the NBA for the Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Washington Bullets, San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks and Seattle SuperSonics from 1976-77 through 1989-90.
He was also the head coach of the Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers and Cavaliers at different times in his career and has been an assistant for the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and Rockets.
As for Silas, this is his second season as the head coach of the Rockets after leading them to a 17-55 record in 2020-21.
This has been another trying season for Houston, which entered Wednesday's game with a 9-18 record. However, it went 8-2 in its previous 10 games and had some momentum before falling behind by 31 points by halftime against Cleveland.
Houston was short-handed outside of Silas, as Eric Gordon, Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jalen Green were all sidelined.
Eric Gordon, Rockets Shock James Harden, Nets for 7th Straight Win
Dec 9, 2021
Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden, left, passes as Houston Rockets center Christian Wood defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
The Houston Rockets have won seven straight games after upsetting the Eastern Conference-leading Brooklyn Nets 114-104 at home in Toyota Center on Wednesday.
The Rockets led by as many as 20 points and took a 67-52 halftime advantage. The Nets cut the lead to as few as four points in the fourth quarter, but the Rockets responded with a 16-6 run to end the game.
The Nets rested both Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge. Rockets rookie guard Jalen Green was out with a left hamstring strain, and Kevin Porter Jr. missed this matchup with a left thigh contusion.
Current Nets and former Rockets superstar James Harden played his second game in Houston since being traded to Brooklyn in January. He had 25 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists but shot just 4-of-16 and committed eight turnovers.
All five Rockets starters scored in double figures, with Eric Gordon's 21 points leading the way. Christian Wood posted 12 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks, and rookie Josh Christopher celebrated his 20th birthday by shooting 7-of-7 for 18 points off the bench.
The Rockets started the season 1-16 but have since moved well clear of the NBA's basement with the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons both losing 20 times apiece.
The 17-8 Nets remained in first place in the Eastern Conference after the second-place Chicago Bulls lost against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
Notable Performances
Nets G James Harden: 25 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists
Nets G Cam Thomas: 18 points
Nets F/C Paul Millsap: 10 points, 6 rebounds
Rockets PG Eric Gordon: 21 points
Rockets G Josh Christopher: 18 points
Rockets PF Christian Wood: 12 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks
Thanks Largely to Mathews, Rockets Regroup in 4th Quarter and Run Away
This game appeared to be unraveling for the Rockets in the fourth quarter when Gordon committed his second technical foul after a vociferous argument with officials.
After Harden made the technical free throw, the Nets had the ball down 98-94 with 6:17 left in regulation.
Momentum appeared squarely on Brooklyn's side, especially with the Rockets' leading scorer out of the game. Plus, Jae'Sean Tate was playing with five fouls, and the Nets were riding the high of a 21-8 fourth-quarter run that put them within striking distance.
The Nets never got any closer than those four points, though, and it's largely because of Garrison Mathews.
First, Mathews scored nine of the Rockets' final 16 points. After Harden missed a step-back three-pointer that would have cut the lead to one, Matthews drew a shooting foul and knocked down both free throws for a six-point advantage.
Harden then hit another free throw after a Tate technical, but Mathews then drilled a huge three-pointer to give Houston an eight-point lead.
He wasn't done defensively, though, diving on the floor and corralling a rolling ball after Harden tried to preserve some time off an inbounds pass. Harden fouled Mathews, who made two free throws to seal the game.
Credit also goes to D.J. Augustin for his work in lieu of Gordon. He had a late three-point play to give the Rockets a 14-point lead and also served up an alley-oop pass to Christopher to emphatically shut the door:
With that, the Rockets punctuated their seventh straight win.
The Nets may have been missing Durant and Aldridge, but the Rockets were without two of their best players in Green and Porter.
Despite being short-handed, the Rockets bottled up Harden and did more than enough offensively en route to an excellent performance from a young team that appears to be growing up quickly after a 1-16 start.
Off-Night for Harden and Nets
A win was there for the Nets despite playing without Durant and Aldridge after cutting the lead to four in the fourth.
Despite the turnovers and missed shots, Harden was bringing back some fond memories for Rockets fans as the king of foul-drawing went to the line 16 times, making 14 of his free throws. He also astutely drew Tate's fifth foul, forcing him to the bench in the third quarter.
Cam Thomas' hot shooting (7-of-15) kept the Nets in the game. He was impressive, as Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News wrote:
Cam Thomas is not and will never be Kyrie Irving, but he hits a lot of the same high degree of difficulty shots, like turnaround fading mid-range jumpers, floaters in traffic and pull-up mid-range shots.
For starters, this may have been a night where Harden and the Nets simply didn't have enough gas in the tank for four quarters.
One night earlier, the Nets overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat the Dallas Mavericks on the road 102-99.
That gave Houston a significant rest and travel advantage, with the team playing just one road game (a close jaunt to Oklahoma City) since Nov. 23. The Rockets also had two full days of rest before welcoming the weary Nets.
In addition, too many Nets shot poorly from the field for Brooklyn to stay in this game. Brooklyn made just eight of 33 three-pointers and hit just 39.3 percent of its field goals overall. That was in conjunction with a fast, hot-shooting Rockets team that simply out-hustled the visitors at times for loose balls and rebounds.
It also seemed as though the Nets were searching all night for some kind of player combination that worked.
Thomas ended up playing 32 minutes off the bench, more than anyone else on the team outside Harden. Brooklyn also gave over 21 minutes to rookie David Duke Jr., who made his NBA debut. Blake Griffin returned to the rotation after some coaching decision-related absences too.
Three starters (DeAndre' Bembry, James Johnson and Nic Claxton) all played under 20 minutes.
In the end, the Nets never led after Armoni Brooks hit a two-pointer to give the Rockets a 15-14 lead with 5:36 remaining in the first quarter. Brooklyn knocked on the door late, but the Rockets slammed it shut.
What's Next?
Both teams will play Friday.
Brooklyn will visit the Atlanta Hawks at 7:30 p.m. ET in State Farm Arena. Houston will host the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
James Harden Receives Tribute Video in Return to Houston; Nets Star Salutes Fans
Dec 9, 2021
Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden advances the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden received a warm welcome in Wednesday's road game against the Houston Rockets, as the team played a tribute video for its former star:
It's the second time that Houston gave Harden a tribute video, but the one they did for him in March was shown in front of a limited-capacity crowd because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After spending the first three seasons of his career as the Oklahoma City Thunder's sixth man, Harden was acquired by the Houston Rockets prior to the 2012 season. In his starting role, Harden blossomed into one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NBA.
The 2018 NBA MVP has been selected to nine straight All-Star Games since 2013. He led the NBA in assists in 2017 and won three consecutive scoring titles from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
Harden demanded to be traded in November 2020, and the Nets acquired him in January. He entered Wednesday's game averaging 20.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 9.6 assists this season.
Rockets Trade Rumors: Christian Wood Expected to Draw 'Significant' Interest
Nov 30, 2021
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 27: Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center on November 27, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets reportedly could be open to moving one of their best players.
Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer reported Monday that teams will be inquiring about Rockets center Christian Wood and that Houston is willing to listen.
"There is an expectation around the NBA that Christian Wood, who’s in the second season of a three-year contract, will receive significant trade interest and that Houston will entertain offers," O'Connor wrote.
O'Connor added that the Rockets do not have a good chance of retaining Wood once his contract ends in 2023.
"Wood is only 26, so Houston could keep him," O'Connor wrote, "but he’s no sure thing to stay come 2023; one of the reasons he signed with the Rockets over other interested teams was to play with James Harden, and Harden is long gone. Wood can offer a lot more to a team with playoff hopes than he can to the Rockets."
Wood leads the team with 16.4 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, but the Rockets are in the midst of a rebuild and are last in the Western Conference at 3-16. After shooting above 50 percent in each of the previous three seasons, Wood is shooting 46.1 percent this year.
Houston is Wood's sixth different team in his seven-year career. In his first season with the team last year, he averaged career highs of 21.0 points and 9.6 rebounds in 41 games.
Houston has made a conscious effort to focus on developing its young core. The Rockets' backcourt consists of 2021 No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green, who is 19, and 21-year-old third-year guard Kevin Porter Jr.
Wood is a versatile young big man who can be a strong contributor on a contending team. Houston could be best served by using him as a trade piece to acquire assets to continue building for the future.
