Houston Rockets Game 17 of 2015-16 Season vs Knicks

Houston Rockets Game 17 of 2015-16  resulted in a victory over the Knicks but took overtime to settle the game.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 17 of 2015-16 versus the Memphis Grizzlies.

Nov 29, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) looks to pass the ball with New York Knicks small forward Lance Thomas (42) defending during the 1st qtr of the game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-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 17 – New York Knicks

Pregame Analysis:

The Houston Rockets were seeking revenge after losing to the Knicks behind an especially solid effort from  rookie Porzingis just a few games prior. Heading into this game the Rockets had finally ended a 4-game losing streak with a narrow victory over the 76ers.

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

Post Game Analysis:

As per Coty Davis post game article:

The Houston Rockets had revenge on their minds as they traveled to New York to play the Knicks and fought back to take the game to overtime where they notched their 7th win.

The Rockets caught a break with Carmelo Anthony out due to an illness. Relevant in the victory was for the first time this season the Rockets, point guard Ty Lawson didn’t play a single minute. The Rockets came back from a terrible first half and took the game to overtime eventually winning the affair.

To read the complete article it can be accessed via this link.

Stat Leaders:

James Harden posted 26 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists while Porzingis had another huge game  with 20 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and 2 blocks.

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

Rockets Games vs Knicks in 2016-17

• November 2nd in New York at Madison Square Garden
• December 31st at home

Draft Picks and Free Agents

New York’s most noteworthy move in the offseason began with the early trade of Derrick Rose and was followed by the equally relevant additions of Joakim Noah and Courtney Lee. Questions remain regarding who’ll handle the ball with since both Melo and Rose prefer to handle the ball. Furthermore Noah is probably best suited to initiate the offense.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: none

Round 2: none

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

• Joakim Noah  from Bulls, 4-years, $72M
•  Derrick Rose (trade)
• Courtney Lee 4-years, $50M exits Hornets
• Brandon Jennings 1 year at $5M
• Willy Hernangomez (older brother of Juan who was drafted by Denver 15th this summer)
• Mindaugas Kuzminskas
• Maurice Ndour 2-year minimum deal with the Knicks

Note: Hernangomez and Kuzminskas come over from Spanish League where Porzingis played prior to joining Knicks as a rookie.

Exiting Free Agents/traded: 

• Robin Lopez (trade)
• Jerian Grant (trade)
• Jose Calderon  (trade)
• Arron Afflalo 2-years, $25M to Kings
• Langston Galloway 2-years (undisclosed financials) to Pelicans
• Derrick Williams to a reported 1-year, $5M deal with Heat

Re-upping:

• Lance Thomas to a 4-year $27M
• Sasha Vujacic accepted a  reported 1-year, minimum

Retires:

• Amar’e Stoudemire

Unresolved:

• Cleanthony Early
• Lou Amundson
• Kevin Seraphin

Next: Rockets Game 16 of 2015-16

Next up Game 18 versus the Pistons