Houston Rockets Shine; Shoot Down The New Orleans Pelicans

The new-look Houston Rockets made their debut tonight against another team sporting a new look in the New Orleans Pelicans.

The new-look Houston Rockets made their debut tonight against another team sporting a new look in the New Orleans Pelicans.

Both teams, part of trades that garner aspirations to get their teams even better were the narrative for this game.

To review, the Pelicans traded awayTyreke Evans,Langston Galloway,Buddy Hield, a first- and second-round pick in exchange forDeMarcus CousinsandOmri Casspi.

As for the Houston Rockets, they tradedCorey Brewerand their first-rounder for this year to the Los Angeles Lakers for sharpshooting guardLou Williams.

He certainly represented that insinuation tonight but we’ll certainly get to that later.

As both teams matched up in the circle to start out the game, things seemed quite sluggish at each time was trying to get their stroke back.

It appeared as if the Pels’ court had transmogrified to quicksand as both teams were restricted by their movements.

Cousins seemed to feel quite comfortable out there but it was apparent that both he andAnthony Daviswere still trying to figure how to co-exist.

Davis seemed to defer to Cousins on offense to help get him acclimated to their scheme but we all know that he’s not used to that and he needs the ball to thrive.

The game remained tight with the Rockets leading 16-14.

But with 3:15 left in the 1st quarter, Lou checked into the game for the first time and with his first attempt, he sunk it deeply in the corner.

And the rest is history…

Mike D’Antoniwent small with his lineup, insertingEric Gordon,Sam DekkerandClint Capelainto the fold along with Lou.

The pace of the game sped up tremendously with each Gordon and Williams trading opportunities to hit their threes.

One can obviously tell that this Rockets team needed rest after a schedule from hell and it certainly showed tonight.

They have their legs back as well as command from behind-the-arc.

The bench was the story for this game, having contributed more than half of the total points of this team.

They held the Pels to just 54 points after three quarters because of their limited options on offense.

They ended up sailing to a notable 129-99 win, earning their 41st victory of their season, matching their win total from last season.

If you think acquiring Lou was a mistake, then you’ve got to get your head examined.

I talked about how he’d fit with this teamand the testaments are certainly ringing true.

I was amazed at how he was able to energize the entire roster just by making his appearance.

He’ll be an exceptional component of the Rockets success as we move forward through the season.

Did I mention he led the Rockets in scoring tonight off the bench?

Yes, he did it once again, scoring27 pointsin just25 minutesof action.

In fact, the bench accounted for79of the Rockets129total points which is a remarkable feat.

Gordon followed with19 points,Capela with15andJames Hardenwas the4th-leadingscorer!

He finished with13 points and 14 assists in only 30 minutes of play.

The Rockets also knocked down 20 threes tonight with Lou nailing seven of those.

For the Pels, Davis led with 29 points/nine rebounds and Cousins had 27 points/14 rebounds while Casspi threw in 12 points.

Outside of that, the remaining31 pointsthey scored was spread out across that pitiful offensive roster just from my observations.

All I have to say is that I like the look of this team and Harden will not have so much pressure on him to perform.

Everybody looked relaxed out there and that’s what I like to see!

We’ll have to see more of this as this Rockets’ team takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves Saturday night.

It’ll be fun!

Go Rockets.

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