Takeaways: Houston Rockets Vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Game 10

Can you believe it? The Houston Rockets did not step in it tonight!

Step in what, you ask?

You know what I mean.

The stuff that smells up to high heaven.

The Houston Rockets took on the now 1-9 Philadelphia 76ers as part of their semi-brief home stretch of games after being on the road for eight days the week previous.

Despite the wide differences in talent between both teams — I still had my concerns in regard to how the Rockets would respond to a team that is about as low in doldrums as one can get.

You definitely remember how things were last season — it was Nov. 27, 2015 and the Sixers had us on the ropes!

It took the offensive heroics of James Harden as well as the defensive prowess of Dwight Howard to ensure that the Sixers didn’t get their first win of the season in our house edging them 116-114.

It was an embarrassing moment of last season and it certainly was the prelude to the dismissal of Kevin McHale from his head coaching duties.

Now let’s fast-forward to this season…

My, how things have changed.

We have a new coach, new players and definitely a new attitude which is certainly is a recipe for success if the ingredients and the mix are just right.

This team has finally found their niche and could very well be the brainchild of Daryl Morey’s vision.

We’re a fast-paced team that loves to shoot the three-ball coupled with a passionate defensive effort on the other end of the floor.

With the exception of our contest against the Atlanta Hawks almost two weeks ago, the Rockets have been in every match up and did their utmost to make sure that they control the narrative.

No more rolling over and letting our opponents get confident.

We now try to get that first punch to the mouth and continue to not relent the rest of the way.

That was the case for the Rockets exhibition-like, lopsided 115-88 win over the Sixers last night.

With a game that involved just three lead changes, one tie with the Rox leading by as much as 29 points, they hit the gas early and never looked back.

Guys like Sam Dekker and Nene all made valuable, passionate contributions in additional minutes allotted because of the Rockets’ lead in the widest of margins.

Dekker crashed the boards with seven rebounds while Nene was able to drop 13 points in just 16 minutes of action.

And let’s not even discount the greatness of the Beard…

Harden did not play much of the 4th quarter but he was still able to conjure up 33 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in their blowout win.

Clint Capela had a career-high five blocks, further demonstrating that his future role as a dominant force in the paint is on the horizon.

Possibly sooner than we think…

He also added 13 points and Trevor Ariza/Eric Gordon dropped 17/16 points respectively.

Next: James Harden Being Brought Up On Assault Charges

For the Sixers, there were five players in double-figures but Joel Embiid led the pack with 13 points and 10 rebounds while Ersan Ilyasova chipped in 13/6.

All in all, it was a quality win over a team that they’re supposed to beat.

I feel a lot more comfortable that the Rockets aren’t complacent despite the type of opponents they face.

The Rockets will have another interesting test against the Oklahoma City Thunder — they’ll take them on the road Wednesday at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Tip-off is at 7 p.m. CST.

Let’s hope Patrick Beverley makes his seasonal debut at that time.

See you then — go Rockets.

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