Recap and analysis: Rockets begin the 2018 Summer League with a win

The Rockets were able to arise victorious today over the Pacers in the first game of the Summer League.

The Houston Rockets had a great performance today in their win against the Indiana Pacers. This was the official beginning of the Las Vegas Summer League for everyone and it was a great game to kick it off.

The Rockets won the game 92-89 in a game that was close from start to finish. Houston took control in the second quarter, winning it 28-19, but actually lost the second half despite coming out victorious.

There were several standout performers for Houston, from players drafted in the second round to guys who are looking to prove themselves after going undrafted. It showed on the court and was a huge reason why they were able to win.

There is a lot to discuss, so let’s hop right into it with the Player of the Game:

Player of the Game: Trevon Duval

As voted on by the people of Twitter, Trevon Duval is your Rockets Player of the Game:

Who is your Player of the Game for the #Rockets?

— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) July 6, 2018

The undrafted rookie out of Duke was a standout performer for the squad today. His talent was never in question, but it was still nice to see him get buckets this afternoon.

He finished the game with 20 points, 3 rebounds & 2 assists on a very-efficient 7/10 shooting overall. His biggest weakness going into the Summer League was his outside shooting, but that didn’t seem to stop him as he finished 2/2 from downtown, including hitting a contested 3.

Other standout players

The Rockets also had a few other players that really made an impact. Isaiah Hartenstein looks to be almost ready for NBA action. He had 12 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals & 4 blocks and was a team-high +14. Harty was incredible and made some great plays for the team. Could we see him in H-Town this year?

Danuel House also dropped 20 points for the Rockets. He also had 4 assists and 4 rebounds to go along with it. House had the play of the game, too:

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/1015329571426783232

Great finish by House! He’s another player that could potentially make the roster of an NBA team this year.

Zhou Qi showed some flashes of greatness today. He had 10 points and 5 rebounds, knocking down two 3s in the process.

The drafted rookies

De’Anthony Melton and Vince Edwards were both selected in the second round of this year’s draft. They also both are participating in the Summer League for the Rockets.

Melton played very well on the defensive end. He disrupted the Pacers and came away with 6 rebounds and 2 steals. His offensive game needs some work, though. He still had 4 assists and showed some playmaking skills, but overall he’ll need some help on offense.

Edwards had a quiet game, finishing with 5 points and 7 rebounds. He did have a 3, though, showing his potential from that range.

Next: The Rockets are interested in Melo

The next game

The Rockets will play on Sunday night at 6:30 CT against the Warriors on ESPN2. Be sure to tune in as Houston tries to move to 2-0!