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Houston Rockets Vs. Pelicans In Beijing: Post-Game Thoughts

By Brian K. Patterson

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) on the bench during a game against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) on the bench during a game against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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In just a couple of weeks, the NBA season will commence and the Houston Rockets will be in full swing of things.  I’m excited and you should be as well.  We’re all witnesses to this highly-charged offense that’s going to take this team into the stratosphere!

In just a couple of weeks, the NBA season will commence and the Houston Rockets will be in full swing of things.  I’m excited and you should be as well.  We’re all witnesses to this highly-charged offense that’s going to take this team into the stratosphere!

The Rockets continued their unbeaten preseason trek in China, taking their talents to Beijing where they indulged themselves in a rematch with the New Orleans Pelicans.

There was a lot to take in from their last meeting.

We know that the right players have been brought in to do work in Mike D’Antoni‘s seven seconds or less offensive scheme and it certainly showed as this team, unlike last season, quickly was able to transition back on offense and score.

However, their defense was a bit slow to react and that still concerns me to a tee because there’s no way one could last an entire season with the strategy of just trying to outscore the opponent as quickly as possible.

Eventually, decent defense has to be played in order to take down the stronger opponents.

I still feel that can happen but we’ll have to see as time passes by.

But as far as today, the Rockets checked all of the boxes in terms what works best for them and what they need to do to win.

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The offense got going early with K.J. McDaniels scoring the team’s first two buckets, taking a 4-0 lead capping it off with alley-oop assisted by James Harden.

With just 6:38 left in the 1st quarter, Anthony Davis fell awkwardly on his right ankle while driving to the left side of the bucket.

He did try to stay in the game but he was noticeably limping causing New Orleans head coach Alvin Gentry to pull him from the game for good.

And that’s when the crumble of the Pelicans’ flimsy facade began to commence.

The Rockets attacked and were able to force turnovers making the most out their opportunities that were in front of them despite not shooting the ball particularly well from the three-point line.

By the end of the 1st quarter, the Rockets were up over the Pelicans 31-14, completing a spirited 21-2 run.

The Rockets did not look back…

After seeing flashes of brilliance from Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell and even roster-bubble prospect Kyle Wiltjer, the team as whole did everything in their power to stay in front.

And did they ever…

They surreptitiously led the Pelicans 59-34 at the half.

The 2nd half offered the opportunity for the rest of the guys who are trying to make the team to show out.

Wiltjer continued his sizzle fo shizzle, connecting on 6-for-13 from the field and 3-for-7 on his treys finishing up with 15 points in 24 minutes of action.

He was quite impressive and it’s certainly going to be tough to make a decision on his fate going into the season.

He might slip on through though because he could be a valuable weapon to have in our arsenal.

Bobby Brown also made his mark, surpassing Harden as the team’s leading scorer — he finished with 18 points while also shooting 6-for-13 FG from the field and 3-for-6 from three.

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The Rockets’ transition defense was a lot better this game and it seemed that they made the most it, forcing 15 turnovers.

What’s noticeable about the team over previous ones is that they don’t necessarily live and die by three.

Despite shooting 10-for-36 from three for 27.8 percent, these Rockets continued to be innovative in finding ways to keep their opponent on its back, kicking and screaming.

Although the Pels did cut the Rockets’ lead to 11 after a Langston Galloway three with 3:41 left in the game, the Rockets held on to win 116-104.

I’m extremely impressed and I can’t wait for the start of this season.

Oh yeah, and the Beard threw in 14 points, six rebounds and eight assists in 24 minutes of action.

The Rockets didn’t need him as his teammates had the game in control.

We’ll do this again this Saturday as the Rockets return home to Toyota Center to face the Memphis Grizzlies.

Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

See you then — go Rockets!

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