ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Pelicans 10/9/2016 in China (PRESEASON)

45 for Anderson and Gordon against their former team. They both missed quite a bit of time with injuries in New Orleans and received criticism, some fans were especially hard on Gordon, probably from the start when he said Phoenix was where his heart was, which he regretted later. That feels good to beat your old team.

 

Long way to go for this team to reach its potential. Looking forward to watching them get there.

 

Liking Harden at the PG. If he'd just take that pocket pass out of his game... I've given up on hoping his blackout spells on defense improve-- maybe he can play a few less minutes per game this year, and his overall efficiency will improve on both ends of the court.

Our O is so much more satisfying (and may that be true in all aspects of our lives!) with the additions of Anderson, Gordon, and Nene. Thank you, Maury!

MonstaTrezz's temper scares me.

Hope we'll see some Wiltjer, Ennis, and Payton Weds AM.

 

More highlights [from YouTube / XimoPierto]

Spoiler

 

I believe a change was needed for Gordon and Anderson to move on from New Orleans. Gordon with the injuries and not getting as much love from some of the fans because he wasn't the same player he was with the Clippers that the fans thought they were getting. People also questioned his commitment to New Orleans because of his comment about his heart being in Phoenix when New Orleans matched the Suns offer as a restricted free agent. Anderson had the two herniated discs in his neck, his girlfriend committed suicide in New Orleans, and Ryno was stuck behind AD at PF, and wasn't gonna start or get as many minutes. Houston is a fresh start for both Gordon and Anderson and it appears to me that they're both happy to be in Houston.

 

The amount of minutes Harden is already playing in the preseason I can tell D'Antoni will play him a lot in the regular season, which he is known to do. And with Harden running the point, expect the defensive lapses to continue.

 

If this game doesn't convince Mike D'Antoni to start Eric Gordon with James Harden, then I don't know what will. With James Harden and Eric Gordon playing together it makes our offense dangerous and competes against the Warriors. I don't like Patrick Beverley, he can't shoot, he doesn't qualify as a starter, he is better coming from the bench.

 

I'm guessing the D was bad and Harden was the main culprit? Going off comments and the box score?

Not encouraging if true

 

Shooting 40% from 3 somehow equals can't shoot? Hmm

 

Excellent close out to the game by Harrelll

Love his energy and hustle although he has plenty to work on skill wise

 

The game was very encouraging.

 

we got a steal with eric gordon!

 

This looked like last year's time, only with better shooting. We are gambling, reaching, fouling a lot after defensive break downs and just rely on our shooting. Lat year we couldn't and would've lost this game, this year we have Gordon & Ryan. Along with Nene our 3 veteran additions are just doing great!! Very positive sign.

Capela looked very good, Prigioni looks in great shape, KJ will get some minutes, Ariza was solid and Harden's shot and some passes were just crazy. However, defensively Harden was also just awful again. Brewer went full 1-on-4 at least twice and failed big time, so guess we will have to live with that since I don't expect MDA to be a disciplinary of any kind.

Lastly, Harrell is a knucklehead and though I love his energy, I don't see him every becoming a solid basketball player.

 

this rockets team has the potential to be the most exciting Houston rockets team in history to watch I really enjoy watching them
and Harden name's must change it should be James "MVP" Harden

 

Great game by Sam Dekker.

100% shooting. 0 Turnovers in 0 minutes.

 

I feel like montrezl was one of those rookies that you couldn't really comfortably tease.

 

The Rockets led the league in open 3s last year (with a guard over 6' of the shooter), and were number 25 in converting those shots.

Anderson by the way had a stellar 46% from his open 3's.

 

Ömer with 14 and 14

not bad

 

He got a little testy there at the end. "My ball, MFer!"

 

Defensive breakdowns and turnovers need to be cleaned up before the season starts

These guys can shoot