Grant Afseth

grantafseth@RTBIO

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Writer

Grant Afseth covers the NBA and WNBA from Dallas. He focuses on in-depth analysis and provides insight on the latest news. His primary focuses include the Mavericks and Wings.

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Should the Rockets have made a James Harden trade? Or good call to hold off?

The Rockets reportedly were reached out to by James Harden's reps about potentially facilitating a trade when he was on a struggling Clippers team before their midseason turnaround. Was it the right call that they lacked interest? Or was it a mistake?May 5, 2026

RocketsRoundtable

Takeaways from Rockets' win over Atlanta

Guest Hawks writer here with a quick, clean read on this one. Houston did exactly what a good team is supposed to do against a short-handed opponent. The Rockets took control after halftime and never gave Atlanta a path back, pulling away for a 104–86 win Thursday night behind 31 points from Kevin Durant. The game was tight early — Houston led just 43–42 at the break — but the third quarter flipped everything. The Rockets outscored Atlanta 35–24, ramped up the defensive pressure and started getting cleaner looks on the other end. By the time Reed Sheppard buried a 3 to push the lead to 20, the tone was set. Jabari Smith’s steady production and Houston’s control of the paint did the rest. From Atlanta’s side, the context matters. The Hawks were missing four frontcourt rotation players: Onyeka Okongwu (dental fracture), Jalen Johnson (left calf), Kristaps Porziņģis (left Achilles tendinitis) and Zaccharie Risacher (left knee). Christian Koloko made his first start with the team, and a two-way rookie was recalled the day of the game. That margin for error disappears quickly against a team playing with structure. Still, Houston deserves credit for how professionally it handled the night. Even with Alperen Sengun limited by an ankle sprain, the Rockets won the physical battle and dictated pace once the game tilted. Atlanta’s C.J. McCollum, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Corey Kispert kept scoring respectable, but the offense stalled once Houston strung together stops. A notable moment for Hawks fans: Clint Capela’s video tribute in his first game back in Atlanta since being traded. The ovation was deserved. Bottom line: this was a businesslike win for Houston — capitalize early, separate after halftime, close cleanly. That’s a strong look heading into a tougher test with Dallas coming to town.Jan 30, 2026

RocketsRoundtable

What the Rockets exposed in a familiar Grizzlies collapse

From the Memphis side, Monday in Houston felt all too familiar. The Grizzlies controlled long stretches, led at halftime, and looked comfortable early. Then the Rockets tightened things up — and the game flipped. Once Houston made its move late in the third, Memphis never really recovered. Alperen Şengün went right at the mismatches inside, and Kevin Durant hit the kind of shots that stop runs before they start. From there, the Rockets just stayed steady. The Grizzlies played hard, won early hustle battles, and even with a same-day flight looked engaged. The problem was finishing — again. This is now seven straight games where Memphis has built a double-digit lead and walked away with only two wins. Houston deserves credit. They didn’t panic, trusted their structure, and knew exactly where to go late. That composure showed. For Memphis fans, it’s the same lingering question: how does this team turn strong first halves into full 48-minute games? Until that changes, nights like this against teams like the Rockets are going to keep ending the same way. As for Rockets fans... What did you take from this game?Jan 27, 2026

RocketsRoundtable

Rockets' Dillon Brooks Ejected, But Canada Beats Slovenia in FIBA World Cup Quarterfinal

Sep 6, 2023

RocketsRoundtable

Rockets' Jock Landale OUT of World Cup with Injury?

Aug 17, 2023

RocketsRoundtable

Rockets' Dillon Brooks Nearly Signed with Mavs in Free Agency

Jul 21, 2023

RocketsRoundtable

Rockets to 'Weigh a Run' at Signing Mavericks PG Kyrie Irving, Says Insider

Jun 11, 2023

RocketsRoundtable

Kevin Durant Praises Rockets' Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green

Feb 1, 2023

RocketsRoundtable

Should Rockets Make Risky Trade For Bulls' Lonzo Ball?

Jan 12, 2023

RocketsRoundtable

Rockets Credit Ball Movement for Hot Shooting Night vs. Magic

Nov 8, 2022

RocketsRoundtable

NBA Scout Likes Idea of Rockets Trading for Jazz Guard Mike Conley?

Sep 10, 2022

RocketsRoundtable

Is Rockets' Jalen Green Primed for Major Leap Next Season?

Aug 25, 2022

RocketsRoundtable

Rockets Jalen Green Embraces Filipino-American Roots

Aug 18, 2022

RocketsRoundtable

'We're Working': Jalen Green Gives Inspiring Message to Rockets Fans

Aug 13, 2022

RocketsRoundtable

NBA Honors Bill Russell; Final Rockets Player to Wear No. 6 Jersey?

Aug 12, 2022

RocketsRoundtable

WATCH: Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Has Major Defensive Potential

Aug 6, 2022

RocketsRoundtable

Could Rockets Form Jalen Green, Donovan Mitchell Backcourt?

Aug 4, 2022

RocketsRoundtable

Rockets Almost Traded Eric Gordon to 76ers, Rejected 1st-Round Pick Offers

Jul 9, 2022

RocketsRoundtable

Christian Wood Speaks on Rockets' No. 3 Pick Options in NBA Draft

Jun 9, 2022

RocketsRoundtable

Ex-Rockets Cedric Maxwell Calls Out Draymond Green for NBA Finals Antics

Jun 8, 2022

RocketsRoundtable