Houston Rockets: 6 takeaways from preseason opener against Shanghai

The Shanghai Sharks aren’t exactly the peak Golden State Warriors, but it was still a good show from the Houston Rockets in their 140-71 victory in the preseason opener. Here are six takeaways from the Rockets’ first performance in 2019-20.

6. James Harden’s one-legged three is his new move

In the offseason, Houston Rockets guard James Harden said he would be debuting a new move this season, and if it wasn’t already certain, then it is now: the one-legged three that we saw in offseason training videos is the new move. Houston fans, there is no longer any doubt; Harden’s one-legged three is here to stay.

He tried the move early in the game and didn’t go back to it, but the lone unsuccessful attempt was enough to send Twitter into a frenzy.

The Eurotrip certainly has my vote for the best name so far.

While it may not be an efficient shot compared to Harden’s other looks, it is worth toying with as  another move for the defense to worry about. If he can get this shot falling at even a tick above 30 percent it will be a legitimate look for the defense to guard, and that will give him more freedom in the rest of his isolation game.

Harden might be the most creative offensive player the league has ever seen, and this move showcases that as well as anything. Let’s see if he can get it going consistently against real NBA talent over the next few pre-season games.

Next: No. 5