Houston Rockets Game 68 of 2015-16 vs Los Angeles Clippers

Houston Rockets Game 68 of 2015-16 found H-Town playing the Los Angeles Clippers looking to win the season series.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 68 of 2015-16 versus the Los Angeles Clippers.

Mar 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) directs his team against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center. The Clippers won 122-106. 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.

Hopes are these additions and the growth of existing assets will translate into a season similar to 2014-15. While fans wait for opening night on October 26th 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 68 – Los Angeles Clippers

. 106. 169. 122. 77

Pregame Analysis:

As long as their is a National Basketball Association there will be a rivalry between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers. That fact was already evident prior to last seasons semi final Western Conference battle, but became cemented after it.

All season it seemed the teams were heading in opposite directions with the Clippers picking up right where they ended last season as a top seed. Conversely the Rockets started the season flailing and have been mired in adversity and inconsistency all season.

Around mid season things began to change for the Clippers. Blake Griffin had been on the injured list with a torn quadriceps was preparing to return and subsequently was on the Clippers road trip which had them in Toronto a night early awaiting their game on January 24th. What occurred next felt more like the plot line of a movie than reality.

Griffin, some other players and the Clippers equipment Manager (Matias Testi) were out for dinner and got into a heated argument. The spat extended to the street where Griffin proceeded to pummel the Testi in the face. Obviously this wasn’t a minor verbal debate and shoving match as Griffin literally broke a bone in his hand. Based on the different accounts of the incident Griffin did hit Testi more than once. Bottom line the spiral fracture of his fourth metacarpal bone has kept him out of the line-up since that incident, or a total of 23 games and counting. The Clippers record over this time span is 14 wins and 9 losses, but their recent losses have been concerning as both Cleveland and San Antonio beat them by 20 plus points.

The odd statement out of the Clippers camp yesterday was the injury continuing to keep Griffin out of the line-up is the original quadriceps injury. Odd given he was slated to return when he broke his hand. So, did the fight re-injury the quadriceps muscle?

The full pregame analysis Houston Rockets Game 68 can be viewed here

Post Game Analysis:

With a chance to improve their positive record the Houston Rockets challenged their Western Conference Semifinal nemesis, the Los Angeles Clippers. And as annoying as it recently has become for Rockets fans, once more J.J. Redick started the game knocking down absolutely every ball he threw up in the sky.

Add to that Chris Paul having an off the charts night sharing the ball masterfully and grabbing a bunch of assists early and you had the Rockets in serious trouble.

With the Rockets lacking firepower in the offensive department the Clippers opened up such a big lead that Houston couldn’t overcome it despite their valiant run in the final quarter. – Andre Cantalogo

The full post game analysis Houston Rockets Game 68 can be viewed here.

Stat Leaders:

As per Cantalogo’s post game grades Harden and Paul were anointed the top performers.

A. <a href=. SG. Houston Rockets. JAMES HARDEN

PG. Los Angeles Clippers. CHRIS PAUL. A. One could definitely make an argument for Redick or Jordan as the best opponent. I’m going with Paul as I feel no one else in the Clippers can impact a game in so many ways as he does. He can shoot, open up the court with passes, create fast breaks with steals. Such a great maestro. You may argue about his antics but never with his results. 15 points, 16 assists and 2 steals.

Houston Rockets Game 68 NBA.com box score.

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

More Free Agent News

Next: Updated Free Agency Report

Next: Free Agency Profiles for all 30 Teams

Due to the large Houston Rockets fan base, SCS is always looking to add new talent to our writing team. To that end, we’re looking for individuals with a specialized focus. Specifically, the first area is perfect for someone who constantly surfs for breaking news on injuries, trades, insider info. Consequently this individual would select top news items providing timely quick hits to keep SCS readers in the loop.

The other writer would possess an especially strong social media background and would like to interact with Clutch City Fans. Therefore this person will promote SCS team content on facebook and twitter. As a result the successful candidate will make sure to promote the best content coming from H-Town fans. In conclusion, if you’re a budding writer who possesses these qualities vist the SCS link, and fill out an application.

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