Houston Rockets Game 44 of 2015-16 Season vs Pistons

Houston Rockets Game 44 of 2015-16  featured the Detroit Pistons in another which resulted in a season series sweep.

Jan 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) and Detroit Pistons forward Ersan Ilyasova (23) reach for a rebound in the second half at Toyota Center. Pistons won 123 to 114. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 44 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.

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 44 – Pistons

Pregame Analysis:

After a solid 5-game win streak the Rockets again were on the down side in their roller coaster season as the game day noted.

The Detroit Pistons arrive in town to offer up the Houston Rockets next match following the overtime classic match (albeit a loss) to the Clippers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For the Houston Rockets who lost to the Pistons earlier this season Andre Drummond and his squads arrival should elicit the desire for revenge since the earlier match in Detroit ended in a bad loss on November 30th.

The other narrative will be the amazing Dwight Howard performance that went to the wayside due to the loss and his improving play throughout the past 4 to 6 weeks. He’ll be matched up versus his what in essence could be described as the player most likely to develop into a Dwight Howard type player.

In fact, you can be sure Stan Van Gundy saw that similarity when he began to sign players to surround Drummond with and didn’t seem too shocked by the departure of Greg Monroe this past summer to Milwaukee. The two never seemed to gel playing beside each other and Van Gundy added Ilyasova looking to replicate a stretch four with passing ability similar to … yep you got it Hedo Turkoglu.

Post Game Analysis:

Coty Davis provide the post game analysis and player grades in their second consecutive loss in a row.

During the first 12 minutes, Rockets fans thought they were in for another embarrassing and disappointing loss. Houston shot 34.5 percent to start the game. If their poor shooting wasn’t enough to begin on a bad note, the Rockets lost their all-star center just minutes after the opening tip.

While Houston trailed by nine at the half, it was JB Bickerstaff’s Hack-A-Drummond strategy that allowed the Rockets to get back into the game early in the third. Although they fought back to overcome adversity, the Rockets still managed to lose their second straight game in a row. 

Stat Leaders:

James Harden posted 33 points, 17 rebounds, 14 assists while  Pistons Ersan Ilyasova scored 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block.

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
• Ish Smith 3-years, $18M exits 76ers
• Boban Marjanovic 3-years $21M offer sheet (Spurs will not match)
• Ray McCallum Jr  to a 1-year league minimum deal exits Memphis

Exiting Free Agents/traded: 

• Anthony Tolliver 2-years, $16M to Kings
• Jodie Meeks (traded to Magic)

Re-upping:

Andre Drummond 5-years $130M

Unresolved:

• Steve Blake

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