Houston Rockets Game 7 of 2015-16 vs Los Angeles Clippers

Houston Rockets Game 7 of 2015-16 found H-Town looking to extend their win streak to 4-games at the cost of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 7 of 2015-16 versus the Los Angeles Clippers.

November 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) controls the ball against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-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.

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 7 – Los Angeles Clippers

77. . 109. 169. 105

Pregame Analysis:

Entering the night the Rockets were on a 3-game win streak, and looking to take their win margin above .500 for the first time. This was also the first game the Clippers faced the Rockets after being unceremoniously ousted in the historical 2015 Game 6 comeback win.

To that end the full pregame analysis article can be found via this link.

Post Game Analysis:

November 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) moves the ball against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Rockets appeared to finally be humming along and to have found their chemistry after their fourth consecutive win. Little did Rockets fans know they were in for a roller coaster ride the rest of the season. Nor did head coach Kevin McHale know he was shortly headed for the unemployment line!

Furthermore stars James Harden and Dwight Howard both posted strong games which shielded how much turmoil was going on behind the scenes.

The full post game write-up can be viewed via this link.

ESPN’s box score can be reviewed via this link.

Stat Leaders:

James Harden’s had a phenomenal performance with 46 points as well as 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. More importantly he looked like the player of last season especially in terms of his shooting percentages with 53.8% from the field, 50% from 3 and 92.8% from the line (13 of 14).

The decision to rest Dwight Howard versus Sacramento turned out to be a very wise as he was active registering a 20-20 game with 20 rebounds (7 offensive) and 20 points as well as 3 assists and a block.

Blake Griffin had a solid night which was consequently over shadowed by Harden’s night. Hence Griffin’s 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists went for naught.

Rockets Games vs Clippers in 2016-17

December 30th at home
March 1st in Los Angeles at Staples Center
April 10th, in Los Angeles at Staples Center

Draft Picks and Free Agents

Despite a strong showing in 2015-16 the Clippers once again bowed out of the post season prematurely due to injuries to key players. Doc Rivers hasn’t made major moves in the off season electing to bring back the free agents from the existing roster.

It sure feels like this coming season has to be the ‘make or break’ season for the core players. Blake Griffin will enter free agency this summer and most assuredly not reaching the Western Conference Finals will dictate change.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Brice Johnson (25),

Round 2: David Michineau (39), Diamond Stone (40)

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

Marreese Speights

to the Clippers on a 2-year vets minimum deal