Houston Rockets: 3 things we learned on opening night

New additions, not named CP3, came up big

While CP3 was the big acquisition for the Rockets, there were a few other moves that oddly went under the radar. Two of them made some noise in that comeback win. P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah a Moute.

Both played some solid defense, and showed up offensively as well. Tucker scored 20 points and hit four  3-pointers while being the center in coach Mike D’Antoni’s small ball lineup. Mbah a Moute had 14 points, hit two 3-pointers, and showed how valuable his slashing ability is to this offense.

Both guys will undoubtedly provide some major backup to reining sixth man of the year Eric Gordon. In addition to their 3-point shooting, both guys are excellent perimeter defenders, and make the Rockets small ball line up versatile and tough to deal with.

Though it is only game one of a long season, these guys will become even more important as the season progresses. Come playoff time, the Rockets will be a team that no one wants to deal with. The depth and efficiency these guys bring to the table showed in the victory against the Warriors. When fully healthy, this is one scary squad.

Next: No. 1