Rockets Win in OT, Smith Brilliant in Debut

Tomorrow’s headline is likely to read: Rockets win in OT, Smith Sparkles in Debut:

In tonight’s  Southwest Division showdown the Rockets battled back from a slow start and early foul trouble to win in overtime.  With this victory Houston overtake Memphis as the division leaders and third place in the West.

Josh Smith was brilliant in his debut, making GM Daryl Morey look like a genius in back to back games.  In one of the best games we’ve witnessed this season Houston overcame a quiet night from Howard and witnessed an early hint of what type of damage this newly reconstructed team may be capable of moving forward.

THE STARTERS

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THE BENCH

Terry specifically benefits from Brewer’s presence since he provides increased defensive intensity and the constant threat of a Brewer steal allows Terry more open looks and freedom of movement on the court. Moving forward the Rockets Bench who have been cellar dwelling in almost every category become significantly better with Brewer.  With the addition of Smith and Motiejunas joining the reserves it’s reasonable to assume their bench stats will experience a rapid ascent.

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We didn’t get the same offensive explosion as his debut, but we can still see how much his energy picks up the team the minute he enters. He had a couple of bad air balls but ended with 13-points and made the bench players on the court with him better.

Terry specifically benefits from Brewer’s presence since he provides increased defensive intensity and the constant threat of a Brewer steal allows Terry more open looks and freedom of movement on the court. Moving forward the Rockets Bench who have been cellar dwelling in almost every category become significantly better with Brewer.  With the addition of Smith and Motiejunas joining the reserves it’s reasonable to assume their bench stats will experience a rapid ascent.