Houston Rockets Game 36 of 2015-16 Season vs Jazz

Houston Rockets Game 36 of 2015-16  saw the squad tipping off versus the Utah Jazz.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 36  of 2015-16 versus the Utah Jazz.

Jan 4, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Trevor Booker (33) passes the ball against Houston Rockets forward Montrezl Harrell (35) an forward Clint Capela (15) in the third quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-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.

Hopes are these additions and the growth of existing assets will translate into a season similar to 2014-15. While fans wait for opening night on October 26th 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 36 – Utah Jazz

Pregame Analysis:

SCS pregame excerpt:

Funny how one week can change the dynamics of where a team stands. Christmas Day the Houston Rockets put out their best defensive effort winning a game over the Spurs; a game they were predicted to lose. It was thought after this win and coupled with the rapidly improving offense and slowing improving defense the Rockets were headed back up the ladder.

Following the Spurs win the Rockets then suffered 4 consecutive losses  featuring two games (Hawks/Spurs) who set this seasons’ record for most points scored against the Rockets. Worse in each of these losses to the Pelicans, Hawks, Warriors and Spurs the Rockets either had a double digit lead or were holding their own only to succumb to their opponent via an extended lapse in focus, energy and effort.  So, instead of arriving at the home and home Utah series with a burgeoning confidence the Rockets limp into Utah not riddled with injuries like the Jazz, rather with a sagging confidence and increased questions regarding the teams’ chemistry.

As they arrive in Utah the two teams are currently ranked seventh (Utah at 15-17) and eighth (Rockets at 16-19) and the Jazz a half game up. Suffice to say anything less than winning both games will only serve to increase the spotlight focus already on the team.

Full article avaiiable via this link

Post Game Analysis:

In what could be coined the ‘laser pointer’ game Coty Davis provided the  post game player grades and game analysis,  and offered the following:

In an emotional roller coaster game the Houston Rockets  mired in a 4-game losing streak rallied to beat the Jazz. The win moves the Rockets ahead of the Utah Jazz who started the day ahead of them as the seventh seed in the Western Conference.

Though just a third of the way into the season this game felt like a must win for the Rockets as they inched perilously closer to the outside of the playoff seeds.

Down 69-57 with five minutes left in the third, the Rockets looked like they were headed for their fifth straight loss. However, unlike their previous losses the Rockets didn’t give up, digging deep to overcome adversity. Harden’s hot second half of scoring coupled with Montrezl Harrell‘s defense culminated in a nail biting Rockets win.

Stat Leaders:

James Harden posted 30 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds while Rodney Hood led the way for the Jazz with 23 points, 7 assist.

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

Rockets Games vs Jazz in 2016-17

• November 19th at home
• November 29th in Utah at Vivant Smart Home Arena
• March 8th at home

Draft Picks and Free Agents

Taking a cue from the Minnesota Timberwolves who surrounded their youngsters with solid vets last season (Kevin Garnett, Kevin Martin, Tayshaun Prince) the Utah Jazz are seemingly following the same blueprint adding Joe Johnson, Boris Diaw and George Hill.

Utah is on the cusp of breaking through and could be the surprise in the West this season.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: N/A

Round 2: Joel Bolomboy (52), Marcus Paige (55), Tyrone Wallace (60)

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

• Joe Johnson 2-year, $22M with Jazz
• George Hill (traded from Pacers)
• Boris Diaw (trade from Spurs for Olivier Hanlan)

Exiting Free Agents/traded: 

• Trevor Booker 2-years $18.5M with Nets
• Trey Burke (traded for future 2nd round pick)

Unresolved:

• None

More Free Agent News

Next: Updated Free Agency Report

Next: Free Agency Profiles for all 30 Teams

Due to the large Houston Rockets fan base, SCS is always looking to add new talent to our writing team. To that end, we’re looking for individuals with a specialized focus.  Specifically, the first area  is perfect for someone who constantly surfs for breaking news on injuries, trades, insider info. Consequently this individual would select top news items providing timely quick hits to keep SCS readers in the loop.

The other writer would possess an especially strong social media background and would like to interact with Clutch City Fans. Therefore this person will promote SCS team content on facebook and twitter. As a result the successful candidate will  make sure to promote the best content coming from H-Town fans. In conclusion, if you’re a budding writer who possesses these qualities vist the SCS link, and fill out an application