Houston Rockets Game 56 of 2015-16 Season – vs Suns

Houston Rockets Game 56 of 2015-16 featured the Phoenix Suns who won to take a 2-0 season series lead.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 56 of 2015-16 versus the Phoenix Suns.

Feb 19, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets forward Clint Capela (15) dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Rockets won 116-100. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-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 56 – Phoenix Suns

Pregame Analysis:

The trade deadline passed and now the Houston Rockets will attempt to collect the pieces that fell during the unsuccessful negotiations in their final 27 games.

At the forefront it the need for the teams two stars and leaders to act like the latter despite the scuttlebutt out in the universe regarding their dislike of one another. Time to put on your big boy pants and act like real leaders gentlemen!

Avoid the urge to make this a track meet:  A quick look at the stat comparison above showcases the Rockets should be able to dominate the Suns offensively. Yet a closer look shows both teams are brutal defensively each allowing teams to score 106.8 points and shoot 52% from the field. Here’s the thing if the Rockets fall into playing a full out run and gun game they are asking for trouble as several Suns players like Booker, Goodwin and Teletovic could all get hot behind the line. It’s time for Houston to let their defense dictate how the game is played and tonight would be a great place to begin implementing those habits.

Full pregame article

Post Game Analysis:

Post game report and player grades article here

Stat Leaders:

From Andre Cantalogo’s grades:

NBA box score 

Rockets Games vs Suns in 2016-17

• December 21st in Phoenix at Talking Stick Arena
• December 26th at home
• February 11th at home
• April 2nd in Phoenix at Talking Stick Arena

Free Agents

Other than the draft the Suns have been relatively quiet in the offseason. Given the numerous assets Phoenix has stock piled it’s reasonable to assume moves are forthcoming whether prior to the season or shortly after the season begins.

Incoming Free Agents:

• Jared Dudley 3-years, $30M exits Wizards
• Leandro Barbosa  2-year, $8M exits Warriors

Exiting Free Agents:

• Jon Leuer 4-years, $42M to Pistons
• Mirza Teletovic 3-years, $30M to Bucks
• Cory Jefferson played summer league for Cavs
• Phil Pressey received training camp invite from Warriors
• Ronnie Price to Thunder

Unresolved:

• Chase Budinger

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.