Houston Rockets Game 11 of 2015-16 Season vs Celtics

Houston Rockets Game 11 of 2015-16 found H-Town on a 3-game losing streak as they prepped for the Boston Celtics.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 11 of 2015-16 versus the “Boston Celtics.

Nov 16, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) comes off the floor after playing against the Boston Celtics at the end of the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-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 11 – Boston Celtics

169. 111. 18. . 95

Pregame Analysis:

Nov 16, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) fight for a loose ball in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Entering week 3 there was wide spread panic setting in for Houston Rockets fans as their home team have done something they avoided like the plague last season…. losing 3 games in a row. Sure, it happened, but not until the Western Conference Finals versus the Golden State Warriors who went on to win the Championship Title.

It was obvious there would be growing pains when Ty Lawson was added to the squad, especially since James Harden was used to having the ball in his hands. While some can point to the 4-0 week the Rockets displayed in week 2, there was warning signs of what occurred in week 3 because those wins came with Harden taking back control of the ball handling.

The full pregame analysis article can be viewed via this link.

Post Game Analysis:

Yet another “L” added to the Rockets loss column extending Houston’s losing streak to 4-in-a-row. Trouble was brewing in H-Town because each loss adding more stress to the team’s relationships.

This paragraph from Andre Cantalogo’s post game analysis summed up where the Rockets were in the season and their primary weaknesses:

"The Houston Rockets are still displaying the same mistakes from their last games, seemingly not learning from their mistakes. To wit, they are effortless on the defensive end. The number of unforced turnovers are ridiculous as they coughed up the ball 22 times tonight resulting in 39 points from the opponent. Furthermore the team insists on employing a three-point based strategy that is not working out this year. The third quarter resulted in the Celtics demolishing the Rockets as they opened a 20 point lead."

To view the entire post game article and player grades visit this link.

ESPN box score can be reviewed via this link.

Stat Leaders:

Trevor Ariza led production for the Rockets scoring 19 points while pulling down 9 boards.

Isaiah Thomas countered for the Celtics with 23 points and 6 assists.

Rockets Games vs Celtics in 2016-17

December 5th at home
January 25th in Boston at the Garden

Draft Picks and Free Agents

The team who beat out the Rockets for the services of Al Horford suddenly finds themselves being ranked second by almost every major pundit. Funny how Horford’s stock has risen so much he’s being credited as being an x factor to propel the Celtics ahead of other incumbents.

Though Jaylen Brown is somewhat of an enigma Guerschon Yabusele may end up being the prospect who turns into a quality producer.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Jaylen Brown (3), Guerschon Yabusele (16), Ante Zizic (23)