Nobody Is Playing Better Than The Rockets, Says ESPN Analyst
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The Houston Rockets have a commanding 2-0 lead against the Utah Jazz as the series shifts back to Utah for games three and four. During the first two games in Houston, the Rockets have double-digits victories of 32 and 20 points, while MVP candidate James Harden average 30.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 10.0 assists per game.
The way the Rockets are playing as a whole, there is no other team playing better at this point according to their former coach Jeff Van Gundy.
“No one is playing better than the Rockets right now,” said Jeff Van Gundy.
No one is playing better than the Rockets right now, says Jeff Van Gundy #Rockets #NBAPlayoffs #NBAonESPN #NBA pic.twitter.com/LhGcxHYa7s
— Landon Buford (@LandonBuford) April 20, 2019
Van Gundy is currently an NBA Analyst for ESPN, but the former Rocket’s coach was walking the sideline from 2003-2005. He was let go after a game seven loss to Utah Jazz ironically, and then was let go after the series. Since his departure from the Rockets, he has been a member of ESPN’s broadcast team ever since.
As for the 2018-2019 version of Utah, they are currently having trouble on the offensive end to keep up with the Rockets with the first two games being double-digit defeats. Second-year shooting guard Donovan Mitchell is the only player on the roster that has averaged 16 plus points this season, but he has been registering abysmal numbers through the first two games. Maybe with some home-cooking, the Jazz can turn this thing around because they have combined 8-of-40 on wide-open threes in the first two games in Houston. Hopefully, they will also come up with a defensive strategy to contain James Harden enough to get their first victory in this series.
The Rockets and Utah play tonight at Vivint Smart Home Arena at 10:30 P.M. EST.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
