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Summer League recap: Rockets rally from down 15+ to beat the Warriors

By Michael Knight

LAS VEAGS, NV - JULY 8: Chinanu Onuaku #21 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Golden States Warriors during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEAGS, NV - JULY 8: Chinanu Onuaku #21 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Golden States Warriors during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Rockets were able to come back to defeat the Warriors in some Summer League action tonight.

The Houston Rockets looked like they were going to lose to the Golden State Warriors in the Summer League contest tonight. They were down by 17 at one point, but persevered and came back to win.

The Rockets improved to 2-0 in the Las Vegas Summer League, winning against the Pacers and the Warriors. This game had a little bit more meaning, as Houston lost to Golden State in seven games during last year’s Western Conference Finals.

There was great play all around in the second half that led to the comeback. Let’s get into some of the standout players.

Player of the Game

Something new we’re starting after games is a Player of the Game voting on Twitter. Today, it’s looking like the poll will be won by rookie De’Anthony Melton:

Who is your #Rockets player of the game?

— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) July 9, 2018

Melton certainly went off tonight, making up for his first Summer League contest. He went for 17 points on 6/12 shooting and even knocked down 2 of his 5 shots from deep. Shooting is his main weakness, but he really proved that he has the ability to develop a shot. Will he end up doing just that?

De’Anthony also showed off on the defensive end, as per usual. He had 5 rebounds to go along with 4 steals. He can be an elite defender in the league.

Other standout performers

R.J. Hunter showed up to play tonight as well. He kept the Rockets in the game, dropping 24 points on 8/14 shooting, 5/11 from 3. His defense wasn’t fantastic, but he definitely lit it up on the other end of the court.

Isaiah Hartenstein had a great game, playing just 20 minutes. He still managed to put up 12 points, 7 rebounds & 1 block.

Zhou Qi also played limited minutes, just 19 mostly in the first half. He had 9 points, 6 rebounds & 4 rejections. He also knocked down two 3s, including this one:

Zhou Qi with the deflection/steal on one end, hits the three on the other. pic.twitter.com/S1GgVh4IPe

— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) July 8, 2018

One more shoutout to Chinanu Onuaku. He finished the game strong and was a huge reason why the Rockets were able to come back from down 17. His offense and defense helped propel the team in the fourth quarter. He had 9 points, 6 rebounds & 2 blocks.

Next: CP3 wants Melo in Houston

Next up

The Rockets play a late game tomorrow night at 10:30 p.m. CT against the LA Clippers on NBA TV. Be sure to tune in and cheer on the team as they look to improve to 3-0!

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