Houston Rockets Game 78 of 2015-16 Season vs Dallas Mavericks

Houston Rockets Game 78 of 2015-16 found H-Town facing inter division rivals the Dallas Mavericks.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game78 of 2015-16 versus the Dallas Mavericks.

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 78 – Dallas Mavericks

79. . 86. 169. 88

Pregame Analysis:

Anthony Nguyen offered up the pregame analysis with his Rockets fan peeking through the copy.

Whether you’re reading this in the confines of your cubicle at the office while your boss is on lunch break or in the middle of your daily 2 hour restroom escape from work, one thing’s for certain. Well, actually two.

You hate your job.
You haven’t given up on Houston’s Sometimes Professional Most of the Time We Don’t Care NBA team.

Sitting a game back with half a stubbed toe in the door of the Western Conference Playoffs are the Houston Rockets. Sitting a game in front of the Rockets on a chair half broken are the Dallas Mavericks.

Both ball clubs with the addition of the Jazz are in a three way King of the Ring wrestling match for the final two playoff spots (sad isn’t it). The implications for tonight’s match up against the in state rivals could very well make tonight Houston’s biggest game of the season.

The full pregame analysis article can be viewed here.

Post Game Analysis:

Andre Cantalogo served up the post game review, and especially relevant player grades. Suffice to say the Rockets were desperate for a win versus a team sitting ahead of them and this loss was devastating as Houston fell further out of the playoff race.

With both teams still fighting for the final spots in the playoffs the game at Dallas this Wednesday had all the makings for an exciting and emotional match.

Motivated by the win against OKC and with a few tweaks to the rotation consequently the Houston Rockets started the game with a lot of intensity.

Riding on the back of J.J. Barea the entire game the Mavericks managed to stay in the game and due to some very dubious calls managed to win the game and likely Houston Rockets spot in the playoffs as well.

To view all Andre’s grades and his full post game report and player grades visit this link.

ESPN box score can be reviewed via this link.

Stats Leaders:

Dwight Howard notched a double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds while Harden continued to cough up the ball with 6 turnovers.

JJ Barea was on fire throughout the game providing constant energy at key moments and as a result produced 27 points and 8 assists.

Rockets Games vs Mavericks in 2016-17

October 27th in Dallas as American Airlines Arena
October 30th at home
December 10th at home
December 27th in Dallas as American Airlines Arena

Draft Picks and Free Agents

No team benefited more from Kevin Durant signing with the Warriors than the Mavericks. As a result Andrew Bogut was traded to clear salary cap and Harrison Barnes signed as a free agent. Furthermore youngsters Dwight Powell and Justin Anderson appear poised to take another step forward.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: N/A,

Round 2: A.J. Hammons (46)

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

Andrew Bogut (trade)

Harrison Barnes 4-years, $94M

Seth Curry

2-year $6M deal exits Sacramento