Houston Rockets Game 15 of 2015-16 Season vs Grizzlies

Houston Rockets Game 15 of 2015-16 saw the squad tipping off versus inter division rivals the Memphis Grizzlies.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 15 of 2015-16 versus the Memphis Grizzlies.

Nov 20, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) talk during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets added draft picks and signed free agents to improve upon an especially mediocre 41-41 campaign. Big man Dwight Howard left for Atlanta while free agents Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, Nene Hilario and Pablo Prigioni joined Houston in free agency.

Therefore Houston hopes their free agent additions and the growth of existing assets will translate into a season similar to 2014-15. While fans wait for October 26th opening night versus the Lakers hopefully this series will appease your cravings.

To that end, this series showcases the Rockets 82 games noting the pregame analysis, post game grades, and relevant video. Furthermore, SCS will highlight significant changes made by their opponents this summer. So, here it is – – enjoy all 82 posts as SCS takes you back over the 2015-16 season.

Game 15 – Memphis Grizzlies

Pregame Analysis:

A week prior the Houston Rockets faced the Memphis Grizzlies after their first win under interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. They lost the game as well as the next one versus the Knicks amid turmoil on and off the court.

So, after several days of practice and reflection under their belts the Houston Rockets needed to approach this game versus the Grizzlies as if it were an elimination game. Sure, the West had gotten off to a rocky start on a whole, but the Rockets and it’s stars couldn’t afford to continue losing or they’d risk missing the post season. Furthermore the loss to New York offered the team looking their most cohesive on both ends of the court arguably to that point in the season.

The full pregame analysis article which can be viewed via this link.

Post Game Analysis:

At this point it was clear the Rockets team had plenty of work to do. Houston continued to be terrible defensively specifically making the fundamental error of not contesting shots. The Rockets ranked 24th defensively allowing 104.9 points per game, had a negative net ranking of minus -7.9 which ranked 26th, and they ranked 20th in perimeter defense allowing teams to shoot 35.3%. Notably the season prior the Rockets boasted the best perimeter defense.

SCS post game review offered 3 things learned in the game which can viewed via this link.

Stat Leaders:

James Harden posted 40 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and committed 4 turnovers while Jeff Green scored 20 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and had 1 assist.

NBA.com provides full box score which can be viewed via this link .

Rockets Games vs Grizzlies in 2016-17

December 23rd in Memphis at FedEx Forum
January 13th at home
January 21st in Memphis at FedEx Forum
March 4th at home

Draft Picks and Free Agents

Memphis certainly didn’t hold back in the offseason inking point guard Mike Conley to the richest contract ever on the first day of free agency. Consequently the big issue entering this season will be whether the aging core of Conley, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph can stay healthy. Sure the Grizzlies also added free agent Chandler Parsons, but he’s had his own health issues.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Wade Baldwin (17),

Round 2: Deyonta Davis (31), Rade Zagorac (35), Wang Zhelin (57)  & Davis and Zagorac come from trade with Celtics for a 2019 first-round pick

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

James Ennis

2-years, $6M