Houston Rockets Game 19 of 2015-16 Season vs Pelicans

Houston Rockets Game 19 of 2015-16 saw the squad tipping off versus inter division rivals the New Orleans Pelicans.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 19 of 2015-16 versus the New Orleans Pelicans.

Dec 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) attempts to steal the ball from New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Pelicans 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-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 19 – New Orleans Pelicans

169. 101. 69. . 108

Pregame Analysis:

Dec 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a basket during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Pelicans 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

After a disappointing loss to the Pistons the Houston Rockets game 19 offered an opportunity to get back on track with a win. In an excerpt from the SCS pregame analysis:

Last season the Southwest Division sent all 5 teams to the playoffs and it was argued the Houston Rockets would have a shot to compete for a title this year after reaching the Conference Finals in 2015. Therefore the New Orleans Pelicans armed with new coach Alvin Gentry and franchise star Anthony Davis were tapped to be the team who could rise the farthest up the ladder.

Cut to present day and the two teams sit mired in the West’s basement searching for answers. New Orleans has some excuse given the injuries they’ve suffered early, but with Omer Asik, Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole all back in the line-up they’ll need to mount an extended win streak to erase their 4-14 start. The Rockets aren’t in much better shape sitting at 7-11, but also received positive news Tuesday that Donatas Motiejunas can finally return to practice.

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

Post Game Analysis:

Writer Andre Cantalogo offered “3 things we learned” in his post game analysis article with especially relevant insight on James Harden:

I’ll continue arguing that James Harden is more valuable for the Rockets moving the ball and drawing the defensive attention with his extraordinary drives and overall presence than continuously trying to take the game by assault, holding the ball for too long and iso plays.

Harden doesn’t have to drop 40+ for the Rockets to win a game rather his overall game matters more so. As a matter of fact he shouldn’t. First of all Harden’s over utilization is hurting the team, and it seems like that much is evident as Houston Rockets analysts pointed out.

James Harden can’t play over 38 minutes every night and people still expect him to be efficient on both ends of the court (Just ask him!). That’s why every week we get an even more hilarious “what’s James Harden doing?” on defense.

The full post game article can viewed via this link.

Stat Leaders:

First of all James Harden was much more effective on this night posting 24 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and in a rarity committed no turnovers. Consequently the Pelicans’ star Anthony Davis filled up the stat sheet scoring 29 points, grabbing 13 rebounds along with 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

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

Rockets Games vs New Orleans Pelicans 2016-17

December 16th at home
February 23rd in New Orleans at Smoothie King Arena
March 17th in New Orleans at Smoothie King Arena
March 24th at home

Draft Picks and Free Agents

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Buddy Hield (6)

 Round 2: Cheick Diallo (33)

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

E’Twaun Moore

4-year, $34M from