Houston Rockets 3-0 in preseason, player grades and game summary vs Pelicans

In another offensive showcase the Houston Rockets continued to roll besting the New Orleans Pelicans 123-117

Three games into the preseason it’s clear the Houston Rockets are going to be a difficult team to stop offensively.  The question is whether they will bring the defensive effort. Through the first 2 games that appeared to be a hidden gem as the Rockets had held their opponents to reasonable percentages from the field and from the perimeter.

Until today, when the New Orleans Pelicans gave them everything they could handle.

By the half it looked like the Rockets were well on their way to another 130 point effort. In the end, the Rockets need to lock down defensively to get the victory and fell just short of their 130 point average.

Still, through 3 games the Rockets are averaging 128 points per game.

Today’s match served up a number of players who switched jerseys in the off season and in hindsight a squad who looks to be poised to also put up some big offensive scoring nights.

Next: Quarterly Report

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) attempts to get control of the ball during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Quarter highlights:

First Quarter:

James Harden was sublime running the point with big men Clint Capela and Nene Hilario specifically benefiting:

Capela: 6 points, 2 rebounds

Nene Hilario: 8 points, 4 rebounds (3 offensive rebounds), assist

James Harden: 6 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds

Rockets led 37-30 in the frame.

Second Quarter:

Harden played fewer minutes, but in this frame the back court of Eric Gordon and James Harden took over.

By the half their stats were:

Harden: 15 points, 3 of 4 from deep, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, steal

Gordon: 12 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist

The Rockets at the half were on target to equal their previous efforts (130 points) leading 68-65.

Stats at the half of Rockets vs Pelicans in Shanghai, China: #Rockets #NBA pic.twitter.com/seMtAWk0Yk

— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) October 9, 2016

Second Half:

K.J. McDaniels continues to be one of D’Antoni’s early bench insertions and hasn’t disappointed. Now that he’s mixing in the 3-point shot with his jaw dropping dunks and defense he’s quickly becoming the x-factor on the team.

McDaniels: 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 of 1 three pointer and team high +4

Another element of the Rockets first 3 games has been Ryan Anderson playing better in the second half. Anderson came out shooting hot to start the third quarter hitting deep threes from well beyond the arc drawing ooh’s from the crowd.

The second half offered better defensive efforts from both sides with the Pelicans initially taking a lead they hung on to until the late stages of the game.

Final game stats in #Rockets win over #Pelicans pic.twitter.com/2qXYF4xtcF

— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) October 9, 2016

D’Antoni flirted with different line combinations specifically when Harden was off the court.  In spite of that, it was clear “The Beard” is the one who makes this team function at their utmost.

Of note, Harden collected half of the teams turnovers, a stat I’m sure he’ll want to take control of prior to regular season launch

Next: Player Grades - Starters

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Best Rockets reserve and opponent grades

Mar 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Houston Rockets guard K.J. McDaniels (32) dribbles the ball past Philadelphia 76ers guard Hollis Thompson (31) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The reserve unit for the Rockets is also taking shape with Nene Hilario, K.J. McDaniels, Corey Brewer and Pablo Prigioni drawing the first assignments.  In today’s game D’Antoni elected to use just 5 additional reserves, so expect to see Dekker and Ennis in Wednesday’s game.

Clearly with McDaniels showcasing his defense, energy and expanded range he’s become a player who may start to press D’Antoni for reasons to play him more than Corey Brewer.

On the opposite  end of the spectrum Montrezl Harrell still seems uncertain defensively and continues to make poor choices gambling to recover. Harrell did make up for his poor showing late in the game with energy plays. But he followed it up by getting in the players face requiring Ariza and Harden to back him off his verbal assault. Sure, he’s fighting for a job, but the more I see of him the more I wish Morey and D-Mo would find resolution to their contract conflict.

From the opponent’s side Anthony Davis is a fantasy players darling. That said, he doesn’t seem to be a captivating leader, and not sure these Pelicans will continue to put these type of numbers throughout the regular season.  Though Anderson and Gordon got the better of their old team it should also be noted Omer Asik grabbed a double-double of 14-14 with 5 blocked shots. In spite of these strong showings and the first sight of Hield who looks like he fits Gentry’s system, there was one Pelican who shone the brightest on this day.

Best Rockets Reserve:

Best Pelican:

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Next: Sam Dekker Player Profile

Next up the Rockets will play the Pelicans again this Wednesday again with an  early morning tip-off.