Rockets’ Garrison Mathews shows love to creator of ‘Garry Bird’ nickname

Less than two months ago, 25-year-old Garrison Mathews was released by Boston at the end of the 2021-22 preseason. The Houston Rockets claimed Mathews off waivers and assigned him to a two-way contract, which initially resulted in a stint in the NBA G League.

Over the past two weeks, as injuries have mounted to players on the surrounding roster in Houston, the third-year sharpshooter has taken advantage of the increased playing time and emerged as a critical piece for the NBA’s hottest team — which entered Friday with a historic winning streak of seven consecutive games and counting.

Mathews has also shown a penchant for coming through in pressure situations and on the big stage in the fourth quarter, as he did against former Houston superstar James Harden on Wednesday.

Understandably, for a fanbase that had witnessed 15 straight losses and an ugly 1-16 start to this season, Mathews quickly became a symbol of the turnaround and even a cult-like hero to some.

For instance, note the MVP chants that Mathews received at Toyota Center on Wednesday, as well as the “Garry Bird” and “Garry Legend” nicknames (tongue-in-cheek references to Hall of Famer Larry Bird) that have surged in popularity — particularly since the team’s lead television broadcaster, Craig Ackerman, began using them on game broadcasts.

But Ackerman is quick to note that he didn’t come up with the moniker. “Thank you for the kind words, but I didn’t come up with it,” Ackerman tweeted. “To my knowledge, (Winston Cadenas) is the originator and creator and deserves the credit for the incredible, organic nickname of ‘Garry Bird.’ I noticed it all over Twitter and so many fans enjoying it.”

Cadenas, who attends college at nearby Texas A&M University, first tweeted it out on his account at @the6foot5. Since then, it’s taken on a life of its own. On Friday, Mathews quote tweeted a Houston Chronicle story about the nickname and asked the Rockets to give Cadenas tickets.

Based on Mathews’ extreme popularity and strong on-court play, it should only be a matter of time until the Rockets follow through on that request. In his last seven games, Mathews is averaging 16.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in 33.8 minutes, including shooting percentages of 52.2% overall, 44.8% on 3-pointers, and 83.3% on free throws.

“Garry Bird” and the Rockets will look to keep the momentum rolling when the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks visit Toyota Center on Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central.

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