Houston Rockets Game 18 of 2015-16 Season vs Pistons

Houston Rockets Game 18 of 2015-16 featured the Detroit Pistons in yet another loss for the struggling Rockets.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 18 of 2015-16 versus the Detroit Pistons.

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 18 – Pistons

Pregame Analysis:

Houston Rockets game 18 offered an opportunity to extend the team’s win streak to three.

Jan 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) reacts while playing against the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Entering the contest there was still concern given the 2 victories had brought the Rockets win total to just 7. Furthermore, beating the 0-18 Sixers and Melo-less Knicks by close margins hadn’t instilled confidence in Red Nation.

Both instances took late game heroics in order for the Rockets to get the victories. Though franchise star James Harden had posted some heady numbers he was coughing up the ball far too often.. And, those untimely turnovers were hurting the team.

Perhaps Harden felt the pressure to carry the team and ultimately it may have left him exhausted from the energy he was having to expend offensively. But this writer wondered if that in itself spoke to the trust issues of the roster.

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

Jan 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) helps Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) off of the floor after falling while playing against the Detroit Pistons in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Post Game Analysis:

Post game player grades and thoughts on the contest by SCS writer Andre Cantalogo draw a conclusion via simple insight on the major issues shackling the Rockets. Cantalogo wrote:

Whether the team was fatigued from last night’s overtime game or just had an unfortunate night it’s hard to figure out. What’s plainly evident once again is the Rockets quizzical habit of just “forgetting about it” when things gets tough.

Cantalogo’s full post game review and player grades can be viewed via this link.

Stat Leaders:

James Harden posted while Robert Covington was stellar for the 76ers scoring 27 points, grabbed 8 steals and had 5 assists.

The Pistons led by 24 points at the half ultimately going on to win. This was accomplished primarily by the the leadership and production of 2 key players. Especially relevant were Andre Drummond (24 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks) and Reggie Jackson (31 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals).

For the Rockets Harden who was likely fatigued did he best to once again carry the Rockets, but ultimately came up short. Harden posted 29 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assist and 2 steals.

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

Rockets Games vs Pistons in 2016-17

November 21st in Detroit at the Palace
April 7th at home

Draft Picks and Free Agents

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Henry Ellenson (18)

Round 2: Michael Gbinije (49)

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

Jon Leuer

4-years, $42M exits Suns