Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from Week 1

The Houston Rockets got off to a slow start in Week 1, but they should rebound and get back on the right track going forward, especially once Chris Paul returns.

Week 1 didn’t go exactly as planned for the Houston Rockets.

They started off the season losing 131-112 to the New Orleans Pelicans. Anthony Davis led the way with 32 points, 16 rebounds and 8 assists and Nikola Mirotic chipped in 30 points, 10 rebounds and 6 3-pointers. New Orleans dominated Houston on the glass 54 to 37 and they were able to get easy baskets throughout the entire game.

On Oct. 20, the Rockets were able to grab their first win in a 124-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Houston’s dynamic duo led the way as 36 points from James Harden and 28 points from Chris Paul helped Houston spoil LeBron James‘ home debut in LA. Unfortunately, a brawl involving Brandon Ingram, Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul overshadowed Houston’s win.

The next night, Houston fell to the Clippers 115-112. The Rockets were killed on the glass again and they gave up two offensive rebounds in the final 70 seconds of the game, which ultimately cost them an entire possession. However, you’d have to assume that Houston would’ve won the game if Paul wasn’t suspended.

Houston’s struggles to play quality defense and rebound has already made some question if they are still as good as they were last year. However, we’re just three games into the season, and this Houston team will look much different in April than they do now in October.

With that being said, here are three takeaways from Week 1 of the Houston Rockets season.

Next: No. 3