Houston Rockets Beat Dallas In Preseason Home Opener

The Houston Rockets defeated their I-45 rivals the Dallas Mavericks 109-82 in their preseason home opener.

169. 82. 79. . 109

The Rockets got off to a quick start behind James Harden‘s 12 first quarter points on 4-8 shooting. Getting things going early, Harden gave his first cookin’ action of the season.

.@JHarden13 just gave us his first cookin' action of the season. Many more ahead. 6p/2r/2a. Rockets lead 21-13. pic.twitter.com/Wv8roIhpjb

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 8, 2015

Harden was the only Rockets starter to play tonight, but he was only one of many Rockets who came ready to compete.

With the help of Clint Capela‘s nine points (3-3 FG, 3-3 FT), three rebounds, and a steal, all within the first six minutes of action, the Rockets took an early lead of 21-13 with 5:33 left in the first quarter.

The Rockets maintained their lead throughout the first two quarters, ending the half with a score of 67-47.

With James Harden on the bench the rest of the game, players still trying to make the squad got to show off what they can do. Rookie forward Sam Dekker led the way in the second half, finishing the game with 12 points and 4 rebounds on 5-10 shooting.

Along with second-year Rocket K.J. McDaniels, Dekker even got in on some action above the rim.

McDaniels & Dekker throwing them down. #Pursuit https://t.co/PREmiMvmZj

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 8, 2015

McDaniels added to the Rockets lead himself with 13 points, 2 steals, and 2 blocked shots. Rockets veteran Corey Brewer also added 16 points of his own. After gaining an early lead in the first quarter, the Rockets kept the Mavericks at a distance for the remainder of what turned into a sloppy game on both sides of the basketball.

Key Notes:

With Khloe Kardashian in attendance, Harden picked a great time to show off his game.

Khloe Kardashian just showed up for Mavs-Rockets. http://t.co/z7nYBtgwUd pic.twitter.com/4bgjmXwPXx

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) October 8, 2015

With 19 points and five assists in one half of basketball, Harden looks like he’s already in regular season form. After a mediocre performance against Memphis, Harden looked like the Harden of last season facing the Mavericks.

Sam Dekker also improved upon his previous night’s performance. It being his second NBA game, he started off the game looking a little bit nervous, but quickly got things under control, and put up a solid performance on both ends of the ball.

McDaniels also played nicely, demonstrating his athleticism by blocking shots and making offensive plays above the rim. Coach Kevin McHale noted his hustle plays during the post game interview.

Capela Denies Evans http://t.co/TJCZr1LCPo via @houstonrockets

— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) October 8, 2015

For the most part, though the majority of the Rockets key players didn’t see any action, the Rockets looked good on the court tonight. The team seemed to move the ball well, and there was a lot of hustle on the defensive end. Not having to play again until Sunday against Orlando, the Rockets will be able to find some time to rest, and the starters should be back to further develop their chemistry.

Next: James Harden Player Profile

Next: Dekker Player Profile

Next: SCS Round Table

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