As the Houston Rockets push deeper into the season, rotation adjustments have become critical—and with Chris Paul sidelined, Eric Gordon stepped into the starting lineup while veteran Joe Johnson finally began to show his value. Much like an unexpected star emerging in a Live Cricket BPL match, Johnson’s resurgence is giving the Rockets new life at just the right moment.
Over the past three games, Johnson has returned to one of his signature strengths—backing down smaller defenders in the low post. It’s a move he’s relied on late in his career, and it’s exactly what the Rockets needed in a system that previously lacked low-post offensive variety. With the team planning further rest rotations, Johnson is getting more minutes, and in return, he’s rediscovering his rhythm. His clutch scoring potential remains an untapped asset. Considering Houston acquired him for just $750,000, the deal is turning out to be a bargain.
It’s easy to forget how close Johnson came to joining the Warriors or Thunder after his contract buyout. Had he landed with Golden State, the consequences could have been tough for the rest of the league. Instead, his decision to join Houston not only weakened a direct rival but also bolstered the Rockets’ depth. His impact is measurable—he has a +15.0 plus-minus rating over the last three games, second only to Gordon’s +17.0 among Rockets who played in all three contests. Once viewed as a liability, Johnson is now a key weapon in Houston’s winning formula.
Historically, the Rockets lacked a strong back-to-the-basket presence. Clint Capela thrives as a rim-runner, and James Harden prefers attacking the basket off the dribble. Nene had post-up skills earlier in his career, but with age, that element faded. Johnson’s low-post ability has added another layer to the Rockets’ offense. Earlier in the season, he appeared disconnected—limited touches, cold shooting, and defensive struggles exposed his slow foot speed, making him a defensive target.
However, with Paul out and Gordon moving into the starting five, Johnson has assumed the role of second-unit playmaker. Over the last three games, he’s scored 11, 9, and 9 points respectively. Against the Pelicans on March 25, he dished out three assists, followed by four assists on March 26. After more than ten games of adapting to Houston’s system, Johnson is finally shaking off the rust.
He’s now organizing the offense, posting up effectively, and hitting spot-up jumpers. Once labeled as dead weight, Johnson has become a stabilizer for Houston’s star duo, giving them the breathing room they need. With his more confident offensive play and improved defensive effort, Johnson is no longer a spectator—he’s a contributor.
Just as a veteran can flip the script in a crucial Live Cricket BPL contest, Johnson’s revival may be the unexpected twist that propels the Rockets forward in the playoffs. His renewed role deepens Houston’s bench and arms the team with another versatile threat. As postseason intensity builds, performances like his could make all the difference—on the court and in the standings, much like a game-changing over in a Live Cricket BPL thriller.