Houston Rockets Game 40 of 2015-16 Season vs Timberwolves

Houston Rockets Game 40 of 2015-16 saw the squad tipping off versus the young upstart Minnesota Timberwolves.

Jan 13, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) dunks the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 40 of 2015-16 versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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 40 – Timberwolves

86. . 107. 169. 104

Pregame Analysis:

In the game day preview SCS noted the need not to take the young Timberwolves for granted as H-Town sought to continue their winning streak. Houston Rockets Game 40 offered the opportunity to post the squads longest win streak of the season.

Tonight marks the first of three meetings between the Timberwolves and the Houston Rockets this season. While the home town Rockets enter the contest on a 4-game win streak they need to learn from their season long inconsistency and not take these young T-Wolves for granted. The Atlanta Hawks lost both games to this upstart squad earlier this season and they’ve also surprised top teams on the road beating both Chicago and Miami. Simply put this Minnesota squad are on the rise and but for a call or one play here or there could be sitting in the playoffs.

This match has all the makings for a trap game and given Houston didn’t really rest anyone in their win last night they’ll need to proceed with caution as the Wolves don’t know any better than to bring 100% effort every night.

Post Game Analysis:

Coty Davis offered the post game analysis and player grades:

Okay to be honest, everyone thought this game would be a walk in the park for the Houston Rockets (well not everyone: our editor did call for this to be a close game…. but then again she’s Canadian). However, Minnesota Timberwolves guards Kevin Martin and Andrew Wiggins (yes he’s Canadian) made this one of the most entering games of the season.

With the victory, the Houston Rockets Game 40 resulted in the team extending their winning streak to a season high five games in a row!

Stat Leaders:

Houston Rockets game 40 led to the teams fifth win in a row and a highly entertaining contest.

JAMES HARDEN. A-. Midway through the fourth quarter, Harden recorded the 10,000 point of his career. Harden joins a small fraternity of 7 players who have over 10,000 points, 2,000 rebounds, 2,000 assist,700 steals, and 200 blocks in less than 500 games . With no one able to defend him on defense, Harden had one of his best shooting nights from the field. That said, Harden has to find a way to cut down on his nonsense turnovers. 27 points, 11 assists 3 rebounds.. SG. Houston Rockets

Minnesota Timberwolves. ANDREW WIGGINS. A. The only threat for the Rockets tonight, came from reigning Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins. This guy is going to be a top tier player in this league sooner than many expected. His style of play reminds me of an early version of Tracy McGrady during his days with the Raptors. After his performance in Houston, it safe to say this guy has a lot of potential to become a great player. Ariza nor Harden could stop Wiggins from scoring, and subsequently he was the main reason the Timberwolves had a legit chance at stealing a victory from the Rockets. Overall an amazing night for the second year player from Canada. 28 points.. SG

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

Rockets Games vs Timberwolves in 2016-17

December 17th in Minnesota at Target Center
January 11th in Minnesota at Target Center
February 25th at home
April 12th at home

Draft Picks and Free Agents

If there was a perfect draft prospect for a coach Kris Dunn could have been hand picked for Tom Thibodeau. With so much young talent on the roster it’s not surprising more moves weren’t made in free agency.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Kris Dunn (5)

 Round 2: N/A

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

Cole Aldrich 3-years, $22M exits Clippers
Brandon Rush to a 1 year $3.5M exits Warriors
Jordan Hill exits the Pacers to sign a 2-year $8M

Exiting Free Agents/traded:

Damjan Rudez has training camp invite with Magic

Waived:

Greg Smith

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

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