HOUSTON ROCKETS GAME NOTES PRESEASON GAME #4 HOME GAME #3 SHANGHAI SHARKS vs. HOUSTON ROCKETS (2-1) Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Toyota Center 7 p.m. CT AT&T SportsNet KBME 790 SPANISH: KEYH 850 AM / KNTE 101.7 FM Forward James Ennis MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TPG FG% 3PT% FT% #8 6-7 / 210 26.2 10.0 4.0 0.3 1.67 0.00 0.7.524.556.750 Last Game RESULT MIN FG/FGA 3FG/3FGA FT/FTA OR DR TR A PF ST TO BS +/- PTS 10/7/18 at SA W108-93 27:00 3-6 2-5 2-2 1 2 3 1 2 2 0 0 20 10 Notes/Career Highlights Averaging 10.0 points on 53.3% shooting this preseason shot 47.4% from the floor while playing for Memphis and Detroit last season played 23+ minutes 35 times in 2017-18, averaging 9.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 51.1% FGs and 37.8% 3FGs. Forward P.J. Tucker MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TPG FG% 3PT% FT% #17 6-6 / 245 33.9 19.0 7.0 0.0 1.00 0.00 0.0.467.375 1.000 Last Game RESULT MIN FG/FGA 3FG/3FGA FT/FTA OR DR TR A PF ST TO BS +/- PTS 10/7/18 at SA W108-93 33:56 7-15 3-8 2-2 1 6 7 0 2 1 0 0-2 19 Notes/Career Highlights Shooting 7-of-12 from 3-point range this preseason had a career-high 169 3FGM last season has 2 steals with just one turnover this preseason tied for the team lead in defensive rebounds (8) this preseason 10-time all-star 3rd-most points of active players. Center Clint Capela MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TPG FG% 3PT% FT% #15 6-10 / 240 21.2 7.5 6.0 0.5 1.00 1.00 1.5.429 --.429 Last Game RESULT MIN FG/FGA 3FG/3FGA FT/FTA OR DR TR A PF ST TO BS +/- PTS 10/7/18 at SA W108-93 21:35 4-9 0-0 2-5 2 4 6 0 2 2 2 1 19 10 Notes/Career Highlights Missed the game vs. Indiana on 10/4 with right foot soreness Rockets were 3-5 in games he missed last season in 2017-18, became the first player in NBA history to have averaged at least 13.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.80 blocks in fewer than 28.0 mpg. Guard Chris Paul MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TPG FG% 3PT% FT% #3 6-0 / 175 28.9 13.0 5.0 7.7 2.00 0.00 3.0.375.400.700 Last Game RESULT MIN FG/FGA 3FG/3FGA FT/FTA OR DR TR A PF ST TO BS +/- PTS 10/7/18 at SA W108-93 32:39 4-13 2-9 1-2 1 7 8 9 2 0 4 0 2 11 Notes/Career Highlights Has more steals (6) than turnovers (5) this preseason has 12th-most steals in NBA history (tops among active players) had 6 points while shooting 1-of-5 from 3-point range vs. Indiana on 10/4 after having 22 points (5-6 3FGs) vs. Memphis on 10/4. Guard James Harden MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TPG FG% 3PT% FT% #13 6-5 / 220 31.3 19.3 4.3 8.3 2.00 0.67 7.0.375.345.818 Last Game RESULT MIN FG/FGA 3FG/3FGA FT/FTA OR DR TR A PF ST TO BS +/- PTS 10/7/18 at SA W108-93 33:28 5-14 3-10 8-8 1 4 5 9 5 1 7 0 17 21 Notes/Career Highlights Had 17 points and 10 assists vs. Indiana on 10/4 over the past two seasons, recorded the 2nd-most point/assist double-doubles (68) of any player shooting 38.5% from the floor this preseason shot 37.2% in 2017 preseason (45.6% first 20 games of 2017-18). 6th Man Carmelo Anthony MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TPG FG% 3PT% FT% #7 6-8 / 240 27.4 13.7 5.0 0.0 0.67 0.33 0.3.536.500 1.000 Last Game RESULT MIN FG/FGA 3FG/3FGA FT/FTA OR DR TR A PF ST TO BS +/- PTS 10/7/18 at SA W108-93 28:32 5-11 2-6 0-0 0 6 6 0 3 0 0 0-4 12 Notes/Career Highlights Shooting 5-of-10 from 3-point range this preseason post All-Star break last season, shot 43.5% from behind-the-arc in 18 games played (33.4% his first 51 GP) has 6 turnovers without an assist this preseason past two seasons: 2nd-most 3FGM of any reserve. INJURY/STATUS REPORT Clint Capela (Questionable Right Hand Contusion); Michael Carter-Williams (Out Left Knee Soreness); Marquese Chriss (Out Left Ankle Sprain), Eric Gordon (Out Right Achilles Soreness); Isaiah Hartenstein (Out Left Ankle Sprain); Brandon Knight (Out Left Knee Injury); Nenê (Out Right Calf Tightness) PRESEASON SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time (CT) Location TV/RESULT Tuesday, Oct. 2 Memphis 7 p.m. Legacy Arena at The BJCC (Birmingham, Ala) Won 131-115 Thursday, Oct. 4 Indiana 7 p.m. Toyota Center (Houston, TX) Lost 100-110 Sunday, Oct. 7 San Antonio 3 p.m. AT&T Center (San Antonio, TX) Won 108-93 Tuesday, Oct. 9 Shanghai Sharks 7 p.m. Toyota Center (Houston, TX) AT&T SportsNet Friday, Oct. 12 Memphis 7 p.m. FedEx Forum (Memphis, TN)
Date Opponent Time/Result Oct. 17 vs. New Orleans 7 p.m. ESPN Oct. 20 at L.A. Lakers 9:30 p.m. ESPN Oct. 21 at L.A. Clippers 8 p.m. NBATV Oct. 24 vs. Utah 7 p.m. Oct. 26 vs. L.A. Clippers 7 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. Portland 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at Brooklyn 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at Chicago 7 p.m. Nov. 5 at Indiana 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at Oklahoma City 7 p.m. TNT Nov. 10 at San Antonio 7:30 p.m. NBATV Nov. 11 vs. Indiana 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at Denver 8 p.m. Nov. 15 vs. Golden State 7 p.m. TNT Nov. 17 vs. Sacramento 7 p.m. Nov. 21 vs. Detroit 7 p.m. Nov. 23 at Detroit 6 p.m. NBATV Nov. 24 at Cleveland 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at Washington 6 p.m. NBATV Nov. 28 vs. Dallas 7 p.m. ROCKETS 2018-19 SEASON SCHEDULE Nov. 30 at San Antonio 7 p.m. ESPN Dec. 1 vs. Chicago 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at Minnesota 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Utah 9:30 p.m. TNT Dec. 8 at Dallas 5 p.m. Dec. 11 Portland 7 p.m. NBATV Dec. 13 vs. L.A. Lakers 7 p.m. TNT Dec. 15 at Memphis 7 p.m. Dec. 17 vs. Utah 7 p.m. NBATV Dec. 19 vs. Washington 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Miami 7 p.m. TNT Dec. 22 vs. San Antonio 7 p.m. Dec. 25 vs. Oklahoma City 2 p.m. ABC Dec. 27 vs. Boston 7 p.m. TNT Dec. 29 at New Orleans 6 p.m. NBATV Dec. 31 vs. Memphis 6 p.m. Jan. 3 at Golden State 9:30 p.m. TNT Jan. 5 at Portland 9 p.m. Jan. 7 vs. Denver 7 p.m. Jan. 9 vs. Milwaukee 7 p.m. ESPN Jan. 11 vs. Cleveland 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at Orlando 5 p.m. Jan. 14 vs. Memphis 7 p.m. Jan. 16 vs. Brooklyn 7 p.m. Jan. 19 vs. L.A. Lakers 7:30 p.m. ABC Jan. 21 at Philadelphia 7 p.m. TNT Jan. 23 at New York 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25 vs. Toronto 7 p.m. ESPN Jan. 27 vs. Orlando 6 p.m. Jan. 29 vs. New Orleans 7 p.m. TNT Feb. 1 at Denver 9 p.m. ESPN Feb. 2 at Utah 8 p.m. Feb. 4 at Phoenix 8 p.m. Feb. 6 at Sacramento 9 p.m. Feb. 9 vs. Oklahoma City 7:30 p.m. ABC Feb. 11 vs. Dallas 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at Minnesota 8:30 p.m. ESPN Feb. 21 at L.A. Lakers 9:30 p.m. TNT Feb. 23 at Golden State 7:30 p.m. ABC Feb. 25 vs. Atlanta 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Charlotte 6 p.m. Feb. 28 vs. Miami 7 p.m. Mar. 3 at Boston 2:30 p.m. ABC Mar. 5 at Toronto 7 p.m. TNT Mar. 8 vs. Philadelphia 7 p.m. ESPN Mar. 10 at Dallas 6 p.m. Mar. 11 vs. Charlotte 7 p.m. Mar. 13 vs. Golden State 8:30 p.m. ESPN Mar. 15 vs. Phoenix 7 p.m. Mar. 17 vs. Minnesota 8 p.m. ESPN Mar. 19 at Atlanta 6:30 p.m. Mar. 20 at Memphis 7 p.m. Mar. 22 vs. San Antonio 7 p.m. NBATV Mar. 24 at New Orleans 6 p.m. Mar. 26 at Milwaukee 7 p.m. TNT Mar. 28 vs. Denver 7 p.m. NBATV Mar. 30 vs. Sacramento 5 p.m. Apr. 2 at Sacramento 9 p.m. Apr. 3 at L.A. Clippers 9:30 p.m. NBATV Apr. 5 vs. New York 7 p.m. Apr. 7 vs. Phoenix 6 p.m. NBATV Apr. 9 at Oklahoma City 8:30 p.m. TNT Home games in bold All Times Central RECENT TRANSACTIONS 6/21: Selected De'Anthony Melton with the 46th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft... Acquired the rights to Vincent Edwards, the 52nd overall pick in the draft, from Utah in exchange for cash considerations 6/27: Exercised the fourth-year option on Mike D'Antoni's contract 6/28: Exercised the 2018-19 team option for Aaron Jackson. 7/5: Signed rookie free agent Gary Clark and rookie Vincent Edwards... Waived Aaron Jackson 7/6: Signed free agent Michael Carter-Williams 7/8: Re-signed Chris Paul 7/9: Re-signed Gerald Green 7/13: Signed free agent James Ennis 7/25: Signed Isaiah Hartenstein 7/27: Re-signed Clint Capela 8/2: Traded Chinanu Onuaku, cash considerations to Dallas in exchange for the rights to Maarty Leunen; the Mavericks also received the rights to swap a protected future second round pick with Houston 8/10: Signed Rob Gray 8/13: Signed Carmelo Anthony 8/18: Waived R.J. Hunter 8/20: Signed Bruno Carboclo... 8/31: Traded Ryan Anderson and De Anthony Melton to Phoenix in exchange for Marquese Chriss and Brandon Knight 10/8: Waived Rob Gray. RECENT GAMES Houston 108, San Antonio 93 AT&T Center San Antonio, TX Oct. 7, 2018 DATE GAME FG-A PCT 3FG-A PCT FT-A PCT OR-DR-REB AST PF ST TO BS PTS 10/7 HOUSTON 37-90.411 17-53.321 17-21.810 9-38-47 27 24 8 14 4 108 18,326 @ San Antonio 34-89.382 4-21.190 21-26.808 10-34-44 16 22 10 12 8 93 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Half 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr 2nd Half Game Rockets 31 15 46 28 34 62 108 Spurs 25 16 41 31 21 52 93 Rockets never trailed in the first quarter and led by as many as 11 before settling on an 11-point lead entering the second quarter; Houston shot 11- of-14 from the line in the quarter San Antonio trailed 39-27 with 6:48 left in the second quarter but cut the deficit to five at the break; teams shot a combined 20.8% in the quarter Houston led 69-54 with 4:21 left in the third but was outscored 18-5 the rest of the quarter; San Antonio shot 70.0% in the quarter Rockets trailed 80-76 with 9:30 remaining before going on a 19-5 run to take control for good; Spurs shot 33.3% in the quarter Houston outshot San Antonio 41.1% to 38.2% and had 17 3FGM to 4 for the Spurs Seven Rockets scored in double-figures led by James Harden s 21 points DeMar DeRozan had a game-high 22 points Chris Paul: 11 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds P.J. Tucker: 19 points, 7 rebounds Indiana 110, Houston 100 Toyota Center Houston, TX Oct. 4, 2018 DATE GAME FG-A PCT 3FG-A PCT FT-A PCT OR-DR-REB AST PF ST TO BS PTS 10/4 @ HOUSTON 36-82.439 15-40.375 13-20.650 7-34-41 24 29 9 26 8 100 17,089 Indiana 40-91.440 8-26.308 22-26.846 13-35-48 18 26 11 21 6 110 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Half 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr 2nd Half Game Pacers 27 27 54 29 27 56 110 Rockets 25 23 48 34 18 42 100 Pacers jumped out to a 12-3 lead but the Rockets recovered to take a brief lead before settling on a two-point deficit entering the second quarter; Houston shot 3-of-11 from 3-point range in the quarter Second quarter featured four lead changes and five ties with Indiana pulling ahead by six at the break; Victor Oladipo had 12 of his game-high 24 points in the quarter Rockets trailed 71-55 with 8:50 left in the third before going on a 23-2 run but the Pacers took a one-point lead heading into the fourth; Carmelo Anthony had 10 of his 16 points in the quarter Indiana led 89-85 with 9:18 remaining before putting the game away with an 11-1 run; Rockets were outshot 64.3% to 31.6% in the quarter Indiana had 7 fewer 3FGM than Houston but shot 22-of-26 from the line while the Rockets were 13-of-20 Teams combined for 47 turnovers Harden: 17 points, 10 assists. Houston 131, Memphis 115 Legacy Arena at The BJCC Birmingham, AL Oct. 2, 2018 DATE GAME FG-A PCT 3FG-A PCT FT-A PCT OR-DR-REB AST PF ST TO BS PTS 10/2 @ HOUSTON 39-78.500 21-46.457 32-41.780 9-32-41 22 34 13 22 7 131 16,888 Memphis 40-85.471 9-24.375 26-34.765 13-27-40 24 37 11 23 2 115 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Half 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr 2nd Half Game Grizzlies 32 27 59 25 31 56 115 Rockets 31 33 64 36 31 67 131 Grizzlies led 25-19 with 2:42 left in the first quarter but the Rockets cut the deficit to one entering the second quarter; Eric Gordon had 10 of his 13 points in the quarter Memphis pulled back ahead by nine at 55-46 with 5:12 left in the second quarter but was outscored 18-4 the rest of the half; Grizzlies shot 34.6% in the quarter Rockets led 74-71 with 8:47 left in the third but extended their lead to 16 heading into the fourth; Chris Paul had 12 of his game-high 22 points in the quarter Houston led by double-digits the entire fourth quarter Rockets outshot the Grizzlies 50.0% to 47.1% and hit 21 3-pointers while Memphis had just 9 Teams combined for 75 FTA and 45 turnovers James Harden had 20 points but 8 turnovers Mike Conley led Memphis with 16 points Michael Carter-Williams had 19 pts (5-6 FGs, 9-11 FTs) in 21 minutes of play off the bench.
NEXT OPPONENT: MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES Overall Home Road All-Time Series Trends Last Season 2-2 1-1 1-1 Teams have split the past 5 season series 2-2; Houston hasn t won a series since 2010-11 All-Time 57-35 35-11 22-24 Rockets have won four of the past six after losing five of the previous seven meetings Streaks Won 2 Won 1 Won 1 Houston hasn t won three straight since a 7-game stretch from 3/8/09 through 12/17/10 HOU last loss: 10/28/17; HOU last home loss: 10/23/17 2017-18: 10/23 (H) L90-98, 10/28 (A) L89-103, 11/11 (H) W111-96, 11/18 (A) W105-83 2017-18 Season Series Stats and Notes 2018-19 Season Series Schedule: at MEM 12/15, at HOU 12/31, at HOU 1/14, at MEM 3/20 Rockets averaged 98.8 points on 42.2% shooting while Grizzlies averaged 95.0 ppg on 43.4% FGs Memphis averaged just 13.5 turnovers. Houston had 24 more 3FGM in the 4 games; Memphis shot 33.3% from downtown teams were separated by total of 4 rebounds in HOU s favor. Harden averaged 27.3 points and 7.8 assists but shot 40.5 from the floor Gordon: 21.7 ppg in 3 GP (38.3% FGs) Paul missed 3 of the 4 games Marc Gasol averaged 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 38.2% FGs Mike Conley: 12.3 ppg (35.5% FGs), 4.0 apg Parsons: 14.0 ppg PRESEASON NOTES SHARK WEEK: For the third straight year, the Rockets are hosting the Shanghai Sharks from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). The Rockets defeated the Sharks 144-82 in 2017 and 131-94 in 2016. Rockets legend Yao Ming played for the Sharks prior to joining the Rockets and became owner of the team after retiring from the NBA. Last year, Yao was named President of the CBA. The Sharks feature Luis Scola who spent his first five NBA seasons with the Rockets from 2007-08 through 2011-12, averaging 14.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 1.9 apg. Rockets forward/center Zhou Qi played in the CBA prior to joining the NBA and led his team, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, to the championship in his final season while earing Defensive Player of the Year honors. PRESEASON PONDERINGS (TEAM): Here are some team-based statistical observations from the Rockets preseason thus far: The Rockets are outscoring opponents by an average of 7.0 ppg this preseason Houston led the NBA in scoring differential last season (+8.5 ppg). Since scoring 131 points in the preseason opener vs. Memphis on 10/2, Houston has averaged 104.0 ppg over the past two games (113.0 ppg overall) the Rockets were 43-5 when scoring 110+ points last season and 22-12 when failing to do so. Since shooting 50.0% from the floor in the preseason opener vs. Memphis on 10/2, the Rockets are shooting 42.4% over the past two games (44.8% FGs overall) Houston was 43-5 when shooting 45.0% or better last season and 22-12 when failing to do so. The Rockets are 2-0 when outshooting their opponent this season and 0-1 when failing to do so Houston was 38-2 when outshooting the opposition last season and 27-15 when failing to do so. Since allowing Memphis to shoot 47.1% in the preseason opener on 10/2, Houston has held opponents to 41.1% shooting over the past two games the Rockets were 28-2 when the opposition shot below 45.0% in 2017-18 San Antonio shot 38.2% on 10/7 the Rockets held their opponent below 40.0% shooting 10 times last season (9-1 mark). Houston has hit at least 15 3-pointers in all three games this preseason and is averaging 17.7 3FGM the Rockets were 42-4 when having 15+ 3FGM last season. The Rockets shot 32.1% from 3-point range at San Antonio on 10/7 after shooting 41.9% the first two games of the preseason (38.1% 3FGs overall) Houston was 16-12 when shooting 33.3% or worse from behind-the-arc last season. Houston has held the opposition below 10 3FGM in all three games this preseason the Rockets were 30-5 when the opposition had fewer than 10 3FGM in 2017-18. Since allowing Memphis to shoot 37.5% from 3-point range in the preseason opener on 10/2, the Rockets have held opponents to 25.5% shooting over the past two games... Houston was 36-4 when its opponent shot 33.3% or worse from behind-the-arc last season. Since having 41 FTA vs. Memphis in the preseason opener on 10/2, Houston is averaging 20.5 FTA over the past two games the Rockets ranked third in the NBA with 25.1 FTA last season and were second in FTA differential (+5.5 per) Houston finished last season with just one fewer FTM than the opposition attempted. The Rockets are 2-0 when outrebounding their opponent this preseason and 0-1 when failing to do so Houston ranked 10th in rebounding differential (+1.5 per) last season and outrebounded opponents by 2.4 rpg in wins while being outrebounded by 2.3 rpg in losses. Houston had 27 assists with 14 turnovers at San Antonio on 10/7 after having 46 assist with 48 turnovers the first two games of the preseason the Rockets ranked tied for 26th in the NBA with 21.5 apg last season after ranking third with 25.2 apg in 2016-17 Houston averaged 13.1 tpg over the final 59 games of last season, down from 16.1 tpg the first 23 games. The Rockets have recorded an assist on 65.2% of their field goals made last season Houston assisted on 55.8% of its FGM last season, down from 62.6% in 2016-17. Houston is averaging 10.00 steals this preseason while forcing 18.7 turnovers per game the Rockets ranked fifth in the NBA with 8.52 spg last season and were 27-4 when having 10 or more. The Rockets only had 4 blocks at San Antonio on 10/7 after averaging 7.50 bpg the first two games of the preseason Houston was 17-0 when having 7+ blocks last season. PRESEASON PONDERINGS (PLAYER): Here are some player-based statistical observations from the Rockets preseason thus far: James Harden is averaging a team-high 19.3 points this preseason he led the NBA with a career-high 30.4 ppg last season Harden is averaging 9.5 assists over the past two games after having 6 assists in the preseason opener he ranked third in the NBA with 8.8 apg in 2017-18 Harden is averaging 2.00 steals this preseason he ranked seventh in the NBA with 17.75 spg last season. Chris Paul nearly had a triple-double with 11 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds at San Antonio on 10/7 he is averaging 7.7 apg this preseason Paul ranked sixth in the NBA with 7.9 apg in 2017-18 since having 22 points on 6-of-12 shooting in the preseason opener vs. Memphis, Paul has a total of 17 points on 6-of-20 shooting over the past two games Houston was 23-2 when he had 20+ points last season. Carmelo Anthony is averaging 3.0 3FGM on 50.0% shooting this preseason he had a career-high 169 3FGM last season and hit 3+ 30 times Anthony averaged 2.0 3FGM over the past six seasons after averaging 0.8 3FGM his first nine seasons he has only committed one turnover this preseason but has yet to record an assist Anthony enters the season averaging 3.0 apg for his career. Eric Gordon shot 1-of-6 from 3-point range at San Antonio on 10/7 after shooting 50.0% from behind-the-arc the first two games of the preseason over the past two seasons, he has the second-most 3FGM of any reserve (310 in 99 GP; Wayne Ellington is first with 335 in 124 GP) over the past five seasons, Gordon is one of six players to have averaged at least 2.5 3FGM while shooting 38.0% or better from behind-the-arc. Clint Capela is averaging 7.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.00 blocks while shooting 42.9% from the floor in two games played this preseason he averaged career-highs of 13.9 and 10.8 rpg last season while leading the league in FG% (.652) and ranking second in blocks (1.85 bpg).
MORE PRESEASON PONDERINGS (PLAYER): P.J. Tucker made his preseason debut at San Antonio on 10/7 after missing the first two games with a sore back he appeared in all 82 games last season since the start of 2012-13, he has played the most games (483) of any player in the league Tucker had 19 points and 3 3FGM against the Spurs Houston was 15-2 when he scored in double-figures last season and 29-2 when he hit at least 3 3FGM. James Ennis is averaging 10.0 points on 52.4% shooting (55.6% 3FGs) this preseason he shot 47.4% from the floor while playing for Memphis and Detroit last season Ennis played 23+ minutes 35 times in 2017-18, averaging 9.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 51.1% from the floor and 37.8% from 3-point range. Michael Carter-Williams missed the game at San Antonio on 10/7 with left knee soreness he averaged 17.0 ppg on 66.7% shooting the first two games of the preseason Carter-Williams high for Charlotte last season was 14 points but averaged 14.5 ppg across his three seasons from 2013-14 through 2015-16. Marquese Chriss is averaging 2.50 blocks in two games played this preseason he averaged 1.7 bpg per 36 minutes played for Phoenix last season Chriss played 24+ minutes 28 times last season and shot 50.0% in those games (42.3% overall in 2017-18). Gerald Green has taken 15 of his 18 shots from 3-point range this preseason 72.2% of his shot attempts were from downtown last season after signing with Houston on 12/28/17, Green had the third-most 3FGM (99) of any reserve over the remainder of the season. Rookie Gary Clark is shooting 4-of-9 from 3-point range this preseason he had 27 3FGM on 43.5% shooting as senior at Cincinnati last season after having a total of 27 3FGM on 34.2% shooting his first three seasons. PRESEASON SCHMESEASON: Since going 3-5 in the 2015 preseason (first losing preseason since 2007), the Rockets have gone 11-4 in the preseason under head coach Mike D Antoni, including 4-1 in 2017. Dating back to 2012 (six preseasons), Houston has compiled a preseason record of 31-14. 65!: The Rockets finished last season with a 65-17 mark, breaking the previous franchise record of 58 wins in a single season set in 1993-94. It also marked the first time Houston finished a season with the league s best record. The 65 wins were tied for the 18th-most in NBA history. Here are some other statistical odds and ends from the season: The Rockets advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the second time over the past four seasons. Houston captured its sixth division title in franchise history and its second over the past four seasons after not having any the 20 seasons prior. The Rockets had three winning streaks of at least 11 games, including 17 games from 1/28-3/7 (second-longest streak in franchise history) according to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Rockets were the sixth team to have three winning streaks of at least 10 games in a single season. The Rockets were 42-3 when Clint Capela, James Harden, and Chris Paul played together (all three losses were by six or fewer points) and 23-14 when they didn t Houston outscored opponents by 11.5 ppg in the 45 games that trio played together. Houston was 34-7 at home last season, including 20 straight wins from 1/10-4/5 that tied for the longest single season home winning streak in franchise history (first 20 home games in 1985-86). The Rockets won a franchise-high 31 road games last season, which tied for the sixth-most in NBA history... Houston won 10 straight on the road from 2/1-3/7, which was the second-longest streak in franchise history. Houston led the league in point differential (+8.5 ppg) and won by double-digits 38 times, including by 20+ 14 times the 38 double-digit wins were the most in franchise history, while the 14 20-point wins tied for the most. YOU RE THE BEST AROUND: During the second annual NBA Awards show back in June, James Harden became the third player in franchise history to be named MVP joining Moses Malone (twice) and Hakeem Olajuwon. Harden is the only player to be a unanimous All-NBA First Team selection in each of the past two seasons. He led the league in scoring (career-high 30.3 ppg), while ranking third in assists (8.8 apg). Harden joined Michael Jordan (1987-88) as the only players to have averaged at least 30.0 ppg, 8.0 apg, 5.0 rpg and 1.70 spg in a single season. PAUL BALL: On 7/8, the Rockets re-signed free agent Chris Paul. Last season the Rockets were 50-8 in games in which he played and 15-9 in games that he missed. The Rockets were also 23-2 when Paul scored 20+ points. Paul has averaged at least 18.0 points, 7.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds in fewer than 32.0 minutes per game in each of the past two seasons. No other player in league history has done so once. Paul is the only player in NBA history with career averages of at least 18.0 ppg, 9.0 apg, 4.0 rpg and 2.00 spg. IN LIKE CLINT: On 7/27, the Rockets re-signed restricted free agent Clint Capela. He was runner-up for the NBA s Most Improved Player award after averaging career-highs of 13.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.85 blocks. Capela was the first player in league history to average at least 12.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg and 2.00 bpg in fewer than 31.0 mpg in a single season. He led the league in field goal percentage (.652) while ranking eighth in rebounding and second in blocks. Capela had 42 double-doubles in 74 games played last season after having 25 in 154 games played across his first three seasons. QUITE RIGHTLY: On 8/13, the Rockets added 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony. Melo is one of 11 players in NBA history with career averages of at least 24.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He ranks 19th on the NBA s all-time scoring list with 25,417 points. Only 10 players have scored over 27,000 points in their career. Anthony is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and is USA Basketball s all-time leading Olympic scorer and rebounder. CHAMP 2 CHAMP: The Rockets feature two players, Carmelo Anthony (2012-13) and James Harden (2017-18), who have led the league in scoring. Recent pairings of past scoring champions haven t been as rare as they once were. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are approaching their third season together with Golden State. LeBron James spent a season with Shaquille O Neal in 2009-10 and four and a half seasons with Dwyane Wade (Miami from 2010-11 through 2013-14; Cleveland in 2017-18). Over a span of 23 seasons from 1986-87 through 2008-09, the only time a team had two players who had already won a scoring title was San Antonio with David Robinson and Dominique Wilkins in 1996-97. SCHEDULE NOTES: Here are some noteworthy items from the Rockets 2018-19 regular season schedule: Four of the Rockets first six games are at home from 11/2-11/10, Houston will play a season-high five straight on the road before having four of five at home from 11/11-11/21. After playing seven of nine on the road from 11/23-12/8, the Rockets close out the calendar year by playing eight of 11 at home, including Christmas Day vs. Oklahoma City (third Christmas game over the past four seasons). Following back-to-back road games to start the New Year, Houston closes out January by playing nine of 12 at home. Rockets open February with seven of nine on the road before playing seven of 11 at home from 2/25-3/17 seven of Houston s final 12 games will be on the road. Half of Houston s 12 back-to-backs come before Christmas with four sets falling post All-Star break Rockets close out March by playing 13 games without more than a day off between. Rockets will face every NBA team at least once at home and once on the road, including Western conference opponents twice both home and away, except for the following: L.A. Clippers (1 home, 2 road), Minnesota (1 home, 2 road), Phoenix (2 home, 1 road), Portland (2 home, 1 road).
RUN IT BACK: Here is a quick look at the Rockets returning from last season: Clint Capela: In 74 games (all starts), averaged 13.9 ppg (65.2% FGs, 56.0% FTs), 10.8 rpg and 1.85 bpg in 27.5 mpg led the NBA in field goal percentage and ranked eighth in rebounding and second in blocks was runner-up for the Most Improved Player award. Eric Gordon: In 69 games with 30 starts, averaged 18.0 ppg (42.8% FGs, 35.9% 3FGs, 80.9% FTs), 2.5 rpg and 2.2 apg in 31.2 mpg over the past five seasons, one of six players to have averaged at least 2.5 3FGM while shooting 38.0% or better from behind-the-arc. Gerald Green: In 42 games with two starts, averaged 12.1 ppg (40.7% FGs, 36.9% 3FGs, 85.0% FTs) and 3.2 rpg a in 22.7 mpg after signing with Houston on 12/28 over the past seven seasons is one of five players (400+ GP) to have averaged at least 10.0 ppg in fewer than 22.0 mpg. James Harden: In 72 games (all starts), averaged 30.4 ppg (44.9% FGs, 36.7% 3FGs, 85.8% FTs), 8.8 apg, 5.4 rpg and 1.75 spg in 35.4 mpg... joined Michael Jordan (1987-88) as the only players to have averaged at least 30.0 ppg, 8.0 apg, 5.0 rpg and 1.70 in a single season. Nenê: In 53 games with four starts, averaged 6.5 ppg (56.9% FGs, 63.6% FTs) and 3.4 rpg in 14.6 mpg would have ranked eighth in the NBA if he qualified has the seventh-highest field goal percentage among active qualifiers (.548) Rockets were 10-1 when he scored in double-figures. Chris Paul: In 58 games (all starts), averaged 18.6 ppg (46.0% FGs, 38.0% 3FGs, 91.9% FTs), 7.9 apg, 5.4 rpg and 1.66 spg in 31.8 mpg Rockets were 50-8 when he played and 15-9 in games that he missed only player with career averages of at least 18.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 4.0 rpg and 2.00 spg. P.J. Tucker: Appeared in all 82 games with 34 starts, averaging 6.1 ppg (39.0% FGs, 37.1% 3FGs, 71.7% FTs), 5.6 rpg and 0.95 spg in 27.8 mpg Rockets were 29-4 in games he started had a career-high 115 3FGM and Rockets were 29-2 when he hit two or more. Zhou Qi: In 18 games, averaged 1.2 ppg (18.8% FGs, 10.5% 3FGs, 66.7% FTs) and 1.2 rpg 6.9 mpg. in 22 G League games, averaged 11.0 ppg (51.0% FGs, 33.3% 3FGs, 56.4% FTs), 6.3 rpg, 1.1 apg and 2.3 bpg in 25.9 mpg... would have ranked third in G League in blocks had he qualified. TRICKLE IN: Here is a quick look at the players who joined the Rockets this offseason: Carmelo Anthony: Signed as a free agent on 8/13 10-time All-Star one of 11 players in NBA history with career averages of at least 24.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists 19th on the NBA s all-time scoring list USA Basketball s all-time leading Olympic scorer and rebounder. Bruno Caboclo: Signed as a free agent on 8/20 was the 20th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft spent his first 3 1/2 seasons with Toronto prior to being traded to Sacramento in February while assigned to the G League last season, averaged 14.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.3 spg and 1.5 bpg. Michael Carter-Williams: Signed as a free agent on 7/7 was the 11th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and was named Rookie of the Year since entering the league in 2013-14, is one of 10 players (90+ GP) averaging at least 11.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.0 apg and 1.40 spg (Paul & Harden also). Marquese Chriss: Acquired via trade with Phoenix on 8/31 was the 8th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft joined Durant and LeBron as only players under age of 21 by Feb. 1st of their second season to record at least 1,300 pts, 700 reb., 100 stl, 100 blk and 100 3FGM within first 2 seasons Gary Clark: Signed as a free agent on 7/5 was not selected in the 2018 NBA Draft following his senior season at Cincinnati dating back to 1992-93, joined David West as only Division I players with career totals of at least 1,400 points, 1,100 rebounds, 200 assists, 150 steals and 180 blocks. Vincent Edwards: Signed as a free agent on 7/5 was not selected in the 2018 NBA Draft following his senior season at Purdue dating back to 1992-93, was one of three Division I players with career totals of at least 1,600 points, 750 rebounds, 400 assists and 170 3-pointers made. James Ennis: Signed as a free agent on 7/13 was the 50th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft... in four seasons, has played for Miami, New Orleans, Memphis and most recently Detroit last season averaged 7.1 ppg (47.4% FGs, 83.6% FTs), 3.1 rpg and 1.0 apg in 22.3 mpg. Isaiah Hartenstein: Was the 43rd overall pick by Houston in the 2017 NBA Draft and signed on 7/25/18 after spending last season with the Rockets G League affiliate, Rio Grande Valley averaged 9.5 ppg (57.1% FGs, 34.3% 3FGs, 68.5% FTs), 6.6 rpg, 1.1 apg and 1.11 bpg in 18.7 mpg. Brandon Knight: Acquired via trade with Phoenix on 8/31 missed all of last season recovering from ACL surgery in his left knee over a threeseason span from 2013-14 through 2015-16, was one of 11 players to have averaged at least 18.0 ppg, 5.0 apg, 3.0 rpg and 1.00 spg. AROUND THE BEND: Here are some notable milestones within reach this season for several Rockets: Carmelo Anthony ranks 19th on the NBA s all-time leading scorers list with 25,417 points he s closing in on #18 Alex English (25,613), #17 Kevin Garnett (26,071), #16 John Havlicek (26,395), #15 Paul Pierce (26,397), #14 Tim Duncan (26,496), and #13 Dominique Wilkins (26,668). Carmelo Anthony has played 37,835 minutes 34 players have played at least 40,000 minutes in NBA history. James Harden is 191 points shy of 16,000 for his career Harden also needs 370 points to surpass Rudy Tomjanovich (13,383) for the third-most in franchise history. Chris Paul is 309 points shy of 17,000 for his career and needs 292 assists to reach 9,000 he is looking to become the fifth player with career totals of at least 17,000 points, 9,000 assists, and 4,000 rebounds (Paul 3,997 current) Jason Kidd, Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, and John Stockton are the only players to have reached those career milestones. Chris Paul ranks ninth in NBA history with 8,708 assists he is on pace to pass both #8 Gary Payton (8,966) and #7 Isiah Thomas (9,061) this season Paul also ranks 12th in NBA history with 2,008 career steals and can pass #11 Mookie Blaylock (2,075), #10 Karl Malone (2,085) and #9 Alvin Robertson (2,112) this season. 2017-18 WIN/LOSS STAT DIFFERENCES 2017-18 HOU PPG Opp. PPG HOU FG% Opp. FG% HOU 3PT% Opp. 3PT% RPG Diff Harden FG%/3PT% Wins 114.9 101.8.469.454.372.338 +2.4.455/.375 Losses 102.6 111.7.421.496.322.400-2.3.426/.328
Rockets SCORING Opponents Season PPG (Rank) 100+ pts 110+ pts Below 100 Below 90 PPG (Rank) 100+ pts 110+ pts Below 100 Below 90 2017-18 112.4 (2) 62-12 43-5 3-5 0-3 103.9 (6t) 33-14 15-9 32-3 5-0 2016-17 115.3 (2) 53-24 43-5 2-3 0-0 109.6 (26) 37-27 21-22 18-0 3-0 Houston led the NBA in point differential (+8.5 per) last season the previous largest point differential in franchise history was 5.8 ppg set in 2016-17. The Rockets were second in the NBA in scoring last season (112.4 ppg) Houston averaged 115.3 ppg in 2016-17, marking its first season averaging 110+ since 1985-86 the Rockets were 43-5 when scoring 110+ points (43-5 in 2016-17) and 22-12 when failing to do so (12-22 in 2016-17) Houston was 19-0 when scoring 120+ points last season after going 30-1 in 2016-17. Houston scored below 100 points eight times last season (3-5 mark) after doing so five times in 2016-17 the Rockets scored 100+ points in 25 straight games from 10/30-12/25/17 Houston scored 148 points vs. the L.A. Lakers on 12/31, tying for the fifth-highest total in franchise history and the most since scoring 149 on 2/6/93 the Rockets scored 100+ points through three quarters of play six times, but just once over the final 64 games The Rockets ranked tied for sixth in scoring defense last season (opponents: 103.9 ppg) after ranking 26th in 2016-17 (opponents: 109.6 ppg) from the start of January (47 games), opponents averaged 101.7 ppg, down from 106.9 ppg the first 35 games of the season. Houston was 50-8 when holding opponents below 110 points last season (34-5 in 2016-17) and 15-9 when failing to do so (21-22 in 2016-17) the Rockets held the opposition below 100 points 35 times last season (32-3 mark) after doing so 18 times in 2016-17. The Rockets averaged a league-high 30.0 first quarter points last season after ranking second with 30.4 ppg in 2016-17 Houston was actually 33-7 when scoring below 30 first quarter points last season and 32-10 when having 30+. Houston averaged an NBA high 58.6 first half points last season and was 34-5 when scoring 60+ (34-5 in 2016-17), including 5-0 with 70+ (9-1 in 2016-17) the Rockets had 90 first half points at Phoenix on 11/16/17 (2nd-most in a first half in NBA history). The Rockets held their opponent below 50 first half points in 13 of the final 23 games and 33 times overall last season (31-2 mark) after doing so just 19 times in 2016-17. Rockets FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE Opponents Season FG% (Rank) 45.0%+ 50.0%+ <45.0% <40.0% FG% (Rank) 45.0%+ 50.0%+ <45.0% <40.0% 2017-18.460 (15) 43-5 14-0 22-12 4-5.462 (16) 37-15 8-8 28-2 9-1 2016-17.462 (12) 39-6 19-2 16-21 1-7.463 (23) 21-26 10-18 34-1 10-0 Rockets were 38-2 when outshooting opponents (41-2 in 2016-17) and 27-15 when failing to do so (14-25 in 2016-17) Houston ranked 15th in the NBA in FG% (.460) and 16th in field goal defense (opponents:.462) the Rockets were 38-2 when outshooting their opponent last season (41-2 in 2016-17) and 27-15 when failing to do so (14-25 in 2016-17). The Rockets were 43-5 when shooting 45.0% or better last season (39-6 in 2016-17) and 22-12 when shooting below (16-21 in 2016-17) Houston was 14-0 when shooting 50.0% or better last season after going 19-2 in 2016-17 the Rockets were 4-5 when shooting below 40.0% last season after going 1-7 in 2016-17. Houston was 28-2 when holding opponents below 45.0% shooting last season (34-1 in 2016-17) and 37-15 when failing to do so (21-26 in 2016-17) the Rockets were 9-1 when holding the opposition below 40.0% shooting last season after going 10-0 in 2016-17. Eight of the Rockets 17 losses last season came when opponents shot 50.0% or better (Houston 8-8 mark) last season, 18 of Houston s 27 losses came when the opposition shot 50.0% or better (Rockets 10-18 mark). FREE THROW SHOOTING Rockets Opponents Season FT% (Rank) FTA Per 30+ FTA FT% FTA Per 30+ FTA 2017-18.781 (9) 25.1 13-7.746 (3) 19.6 4-5 2016-17.766 (20) 26.5 21-8.778 (23) 22.2 8-1 Rockets were 36-8 when having as many or more FTM as opponents (19-10 in 2016-17) and 7-4 when opponents had as many or more FTM as the Rockets had FTA (6-7 in 2016-17) Houston ranked third in the NBA with 25.1 FTA per game last season after averaging a league-high 26.5 in 2016-17 the Rockets were second in the NBA in FTA differential (+5.5) last season after finishing third in 2016-17 (+4.3 per)... last season marked just the second time Houston held the opposition below 20.0 FTA (2001-02). The Rockets finished the season making just one fewer free throw (1,609) than the opposition attempted (1,610) last season, Charlotte became the 19th team in NBA history to have more FTM than its opponent had FTA the Rockets were 36-8 when having as many or more FTM as their opponent had FTA last season (19-10 in 2016-17). Houston only had 30+ FTA 20 times last season (13-7 mark) after doing so 29 times in 2016-17 (21-8 mark) the Rockets were 4-5 when their opponent had 30+ FTA last season. The Rockets ranked ninth in the NBA in FT% last season (.781) after finishing 20th in 2016-17 (.766) the last time Houston shot 78.0% or better from the line in single season was 2011-12 the Rockets ranked third in free throw defense last season (opponents: 74.6% FTs).
Rockets 3-POINT SHOOTING Opponents 3FGM/A Per 3PT% (Rank) 10+ 3FGM 15+ 3FGM 40.0%+ 3FGs 3FGM/A Per 3PT% (Rank) 10+ 3FGM 15+ 3FGM 40.0%+ 3FGs 2017-18 15.3/42.3.362 (14) 64-14 42-4 19-2 10.1/28.8.351 (7) 35-12 7-4 16-11 2016-17 14.4/40.3.357 (15) 54-19 36-5 21-1 10.0/29.1.343 (4) 24-20 4-3 9-9 Rockets were 58-13 when having as many or more 3FGM as opponents (51-17 in 2016-17) and 7-4 when failing to do so (3-10 in 2016-17) Houston hit 1,256 3-pointers last season, breaking its own NBA record of 1,181 set in 2016-17 no other team has more than 1,077 3FGM in a season in NBA history. 50.2% of the Rockets shot attempts were 3-pointers last season that is the highest percentage in NBA history. The Rockets hit 10+ 3FGM in 78 of the 82 games last season (1-3 when having fewer than 10), including an NBA record 55 straight from 10/25-2/25 that was more than twice as long as the previous longest streak of 27 games by Houston in 2016-17 the 78 games with 10+ 3FGM broke the Rockets own NBA single season record of 73 set in 2016-17 Houston hit a franchise-high 10 3FGM in a single quarter twice last season. Houston was 42-4 when having 15+ 3FGM last season (36-5 in 2016-17) and 23-13 when failing to do so (19-22 in 2016-17) the 46 games with 15+ 3FGM broke the NBA single season record set by the Rockets last season (41) the previous mark was 27 games by Golden State in 2015-16. The Rockets recorded 20+ 3FGM eight times last season after doing so an NBA record 10 times in 2016-17 Houston has hit 20+ 3FGM 20 times in franchise history; no other team has more than 11. Houston was 58-13 when having as many or more 3FGM as the opposition (51-17 in 2016-17) and 7-4 when having fewer (3-10 in 2016-17) the Rockets averaged an NBA-best 5.2 more 3FGM per game than their opponents last season Houston hit 427 more 3-pointers than its opponent last season, which was the second-highest differential in NBA history. The Rockets attempted 3,470 3-pointers last season, breaking their own NBA record of 3,306 set in 2016-17 no other team has more than 2,924 3FGA in a season Houston recorded 40+ 3FGA 52 times last season (42.3 3FGA per) after doing so 41 times in 2016-17 (40.3 3FGA per) no other team has more than 20 games with 40+ 3FGA in a single season. Houston recorded 50+ 3FGA 12 times last season after doing so 11 times in 2016-17 the rest of the NBA has accounted for six games with 50+ 3FGA in league history (all coming since the start of last season). The Rockets ranked 14th in 3-point percentage last season (.362) after finishing 15th in 2016-17 (.357) Houston was 19-2 when shooting 40.0% or better from behind-the-arc last season (21-1 in 2016-17) and 16-12 when shooting 33.3% or worse (15-20 in 16-17). Over the final 29 games, opponents averaged 8.8 3FGM on 31.2% shooting after averaging 10.8 3FGM on 37.1% shooting the first 53 games of the season Houston ranked seventh in 3-point defense last season (opponents:.351) after finishing fourth in 2016-17 (opponents:.343). Houston was 30-5 when holding opponents below 10 3FGM last season (31-7 in 2016-17) and 35-12 when failing to do so (24-20 in 2016-17) the Rockets were 16-11 when opponents shot 40.0% or better from 3-point range (9-9 in 2016-17) and 36-4 when holding opponents to 33.3% shooting or worse (28-5 in 2016-17). Seven Rockets hit at least 110 3-pointers last season it was the first time a team had more than six players with 100+ 3FGM in a single season. Rockets REBOUNDING Opponents Season RPG (Rank) ORPG Reb. Diff. 10+ RPG (Rank) ORPG Reb. Diff. 10+ 2017-18 43.5 (18t) 9.0 10-1 42.0 (4) 8.7 4-2 2016-17 44.4 (8) 10.9 14-1 44.1 (19) 10.7 5-7 Rockets were 41-5 when outrebounding opponents (33-7 in 2016-17) and 24-12 when failing to do so (20-22 in 2016-17) Houston ranked 10th in rebounding differential last season (+1.5 per; +0.3 in 2016-17) the Rockets outrebounded opponents by 2.4 rpg in wins last season (+2.8 in 2016-17) and were outrebounded by 2.3 rpg in losses (-4.9 rpg in 2016-17). The Rockets were 41-5 when outrebounding opponents last season (33-7 in 2016-17), including 10-1 when doing so by 10+ (14-1 in 2016-17), and 24-12 when failing to do so (22-20 in 2016-17) Houston was outrebounded by double-digits six times last season (12 in 2016-17). Houston ranked 24th in offensive rebounding last season (9.0 per) after ranking ninth in the NBA in 2016-017 (10.9 per) the Rockets were tied for third in offensive rebounds allowed last season (opponents: 8.7 per) after ranking 22nd in 2016-17 (opponents: 10.7 per). Rockets ASSISTS Opponents Season APG (Rank) 25+ AST Below 20 AST APG (Rank) 25+ AST Below 20 AST 2017-18 21.5 (26t) 22-2 21-9 22.4 (11) 16-7 26-3 2016-17 25.2 (3) 42-9 2-6 24.1 (27) 21-17 15-0 Rockets were 33-4 when having more assists than opponents (39-7 in 2016-17) and 32-13 when failing to do so (16-20 in 2016-17) Houston recorded more assists than its opponent in 16 of the final 29 games after doing so 21 times the first 53 games of the season the Rockets were 33-4 when having more assists (39-7 in 2016-17) and 32-13 when failing to do so (16-20 in 2016-17). The Rockets ranked tied for 26th in assists last season (21.5 per) after finishing third in 2016-17 (25.2 apg) Houston was 22-2 when having 25+ assists last season (42-9 in 2016-17) the Rockets recorded fewer than 20 assists 30 times last season (21-9 mark) after doing so eight times in 2016-17 (2-6 mark). Opponents averaged 20.4 assists over the final 23 games, down from 23.2 apg the first 59 games of the season Houston was 11th in fewest assists allowed last season (opponents: 22.4 per) after finishing 27th in 2016-17 (opponents: 24.1 per) the Rockets were 16-7 when opponents had 25+ assists last season (21-17 in 2016-17) and 26-3 when holding the opposition below 20 assists (15-0 in 2016-17).
Rockets STEALS/TURNOVERS Opponents Season SPG (Rank) 10+ STL TPG (Rank) 12 or Fewer TO 20+ TO SPG (Rank) 10+ STL TPG (Rank) 12 or Fewer TO 20+ TO 2017-18 8.52 (5) 27-4 13.8 (11t) 28-2 4-0 7.41 (11) 11-5 14.6 (10) 15-6 5-1 2016-17 8.17 (8) 20-5 15.1 (26) 11-8 9-3 8.50 (24) 15-8 15.1 (4) 16-11 10-3 Rockets were 2-3 when having more turnovers than assists (1-1 in 2016-17) and 8-0 when opponents did so (4-0 in 2016-17) Houston ranked fifth in the NBA in steals (8.52 per) after finishing eighth in 2016-17 (8.17 per) the Rockets were 27-4 when having 10+ steals last season after going 20-5 in 2016-17 Houston ranked 10th in turnovers forced last season (opponents: 14.6 per) after finishing fourth in 2016-17 (opponents: 15.1 per) the Rockets were 15-6 when opponents had 12 or fewer turnovers and 5-1 when forcing 20+. The Rockets averaged 13.1 turnovers over the final 59 games, down from 16.1 tpg the first 23 games of the season Houston ranked tied for 11th in turnovers last season (13.8 per) after finishing 26th in 2016-17 (15.1 per) the Rockets were 28-2 when having 12 or fewer turnovers last season Houston was actually 4-0 when having 20+ turnovers last season. Rockets BLOCKS Opponents Season BPG (Rank) 7+ BLK 10+ BLK BPG (Rank) 7+ BLK 10+ BLK 2017-18 4.78 (15) 17-0 1-0 4.43 (5) 11-4 1-2 2016-17 4.29 (20) 10-2 2-0 4.99 (17) 11-11 0-2 Houston ranked 15th in blocks last season (4.78 per) after finishing 20th in 2016-17 (4.29 bpg) the Rockets were 17-0 when having 7+ blocks last season Houston only had 7+ blocks 12 times in 2016-17, including once over the final 37 games (season finale). Opponents averaged 3.63 blocks over the final 38 games, down from 5.11 bpg the first 44 games of the season the Rockets ranked fifth in having the fewest shots blocked last season (opponents: 4.43 bpg) after finishing 17th in 2016-17 (4.99 bpg) Houston was actually 11-4 when having 7+ shots blocks last season after going 11-11 in 2016-17. Season Bench PPG Points in Paint Per Rockets Second Chance Points Per MISCELLANEOUS SCORING STATS Fast Break PPG Pts Off TO Per Bench PPG Points in Paint Per Opponents Second Chance Points Per Fast Break PPG Pts Off TO Per 2017-18 30.5 (25) 40.7 (28) 11.5 (21) 11.4* (17) 17.4 (6) 35.3 (12) 48.0 (28) 11.9 (11) 11.9* (16) 15.8 (14) 2016-17 39.0 (5t) 46.7 (6) 14.3 (7) 16.7 (4) 18.6 (2) 36.8 (25) 49.0 (30) 13.8 (26) 14.3 (22) 17.5 (25) * Please note fast break scoring was not properly tracked for parts of the season due to an issue with the new NBA stats system Houston ranked 25th in bench scoring last season (30.5 per) after finishing tied for fifth in 2016-17 (39.0 per) the Rockets were 29-3 when their bench outscored the opponents reserves last season (36-8 in 2016-17) and 36-14 when their bench failed to do so (19-19 in 2016-17). The Rockets ranked 28th in points in the paint last season (40.7 per) after finishing sixth (46.7 per) in 2016-17 Houston was 28th in fewest points in the paint allowed last season (opponents 48.0 per) after ranking last in 2016-17 (opponents: 49.0 per). Houston ranked 21st in second chance points last season (11.5 per) after finishing seventh in 2016-17 (14.3 per) the Rockets were 11th in fewest second chance points allowed last season (opponents: 11.9 per) after ranking 26th in 2016-17 (opponents: 13.8 per). The Rockets ranked 17th in the NBA in fast break scoring last season (11.4 per) after finishing fourth in 2016-17 (16.7 per) Houston was 16th in fast break defense last season (opponents: 11.9 per) after finishing 22nd in 2016-17 (opponents: 14.3 per) please note tracking of fast break scoring was not properly tracked for parts of last season due to an issue with the new NBA stats system. Houston was sixth in points off turnovers last season (17.4 per) after finishing second in 2016-17 (18.6 per) the Rockets were 14th in fewest points off turnovers allowed last season (opponents: 15.8 per) after finishing 25th in 2016-17 (opponents 17.5 per) the opposition averaged 14.3 points off turnovers over the final 59 games, down from 19.6 the first 23 games of the season. HEAD COACH MIKE D ANTONI Mike D Antoni [dan-tone-ee] is in his third season as head coach of the Houston Rockets. He has over a quarter of a century of coaching experience, including 14 seasons as a head coach in the NBA with a career mark of 575-470 (.550) in the regular season and 43-44 (.494) in the playoffs. Last season, D Antoni led the Rockets to a franchise record 65 wins after picking up NBA Coach of the Year honors in his first season with Houston in 2016-17. He became the eighth coach in league history to win multiple Coach of the Year awards and joins Gregg Popovich as the only ones who are active. D Antoni s first Coach of the Year award came after leading Phoenix to a franchise-high tying 62 wins in 2004-05. Over a four-season span from 2004-05 through 2007-08, the Suns compiled a 232-96 (.707) mark, including back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals in 2005 and 2006. In addition, D Antoni served a pair of three-year assignments for USA Basketball as an assistant coach on Mike Krzyzewski s staff, highlighted with gold medal performances in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. USA Basketball National Teams posted a 49-1 mark with D Antoni on staff. A dual citizen of the U.S. and Italy, D Antoni enjoyed tremendous success as both a player and a coach in the Italian League, capturing numerous titles in both endeavors. Prior to embarking on his international career, D Antoni spent parts of four seasons playing in the NBA and ABA during the mid-70 s.
#7 CARMELO ANTHONY Forward 6-8/240 5/29/84 Syracuse/USA 15 Years Pro GP 78 SPG 0.60 PTS 29 at Cle 1/20/18 62 vs. Cha 1/24/14 OR 4 (2 times) 12 at Hou 12/20/07 GS 78 BPG 0.63 FGM 12 at Uta 10/21/17 23 at Cha 1/24/14 DR 12 vs. LAL 2/4/18 15 at Pho 11/15/10 MPG 32.1 FG%.404 FGA 26 at Uta 10/21/17 36 at Atl 1/27/13 TR 14 vs. Bos 11/3/17 22 at Pho 11/15/10 PPG 16.2 3FG%.357 3FGM 7 (2 times) 9 vs. Atl 1/27/13 AST 4 vs. Tor 12/27/17 11 at OKC 2/4/09 RPG 5.8 FT%.767 3FGA 12 (3 times) 13 at Ind 4/10/11 STL 4 at NO 11/20/17 6 at Chi 11/21/06 APG 1.3 TPG 1.3 FTM 11 vs. Chi 11/15/17 19 (3 times) BLK 3 (4 times) 4 (3 times) FTA 12 vs. Chi 11/15/17 24 at Atl 12/18/05 MIN 46:14 at Phi 12/15/17 55:27 at Mil 12/18/13 PRESEASON: 13.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 27.4 mpg 53.6% FGs, 50.0% 3FGs, 2-2 FTs 10/2/18 vs. MEM W131-115 23:00 4-8 3-6 2-2 0 4 4 0 2 2 0 0 8 13 10/4/18 vs. IND L100-110 30:40 6-9 4-6 0-0 1 4 5 0 1 0 1 1-2 16 10/7/18 at SA W108-93 28:32 5-11 2-6 0-0 0 6 6 0 3 0 0 0-4 12 In 78 games (all starts) for Oklahoma City, averaged 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 32.1 minutes per game while shooting 40.4% from the floor, 35.7% from 3-point range and 76.7% from the line. Missed one game with a sore lower back (11/12/17), two games with a right ankle sprain (2/8-2/11/18) and one game for rest (3/3/18). Scored 20+ points 28 times and recorded six double-doubles (all point/rebound). Hit 2+ 3FGM 47 times, including 3+ 30 times, 4+ 15 times, and 5+ seven times... Has averaged 2.0 3FGM over the past six seasons after averaging 0.8 his first nine. At Memphis on 12/9/17, became the second player in NBA history to start each of his first 1,000 games played, joining Patrick Ewing who started the first 1,118 games of his career (Anthony 1,054). Scored his 25,000th career point at Detroit on 1/27/18, becoming the 21st player in NBA history to reach that mark. Has scored the 19th-most points in NBA (25,417) and is third among active players... is looking to become the 11th player in league history to reach 27,000 career points. One of 11 players in NBA history with career averages of 24.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists... Only other active players accomplishing that feat are Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Ten-Time All-Star... Has been named All-NBA Second Team twice and Third Team four times. Led the NBA in scoring with 28.7 ppg in 2012-13, marking one of three seasons in which he averaged at least 28.0. Shooting 81.2% from the foul line for his career. One of 10 players with more than 70 career playoff games to have averaged at least 24.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg and 2.0 apg. Three-time Olympic gold medalist and is USA Basketball's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. #5 BRUNO CABOCLO Forward 6-9/218 9/21/95 Pinheiros/Brazil 4 Years Pro GP 10 SPG 0.20 PTS 7 vs. GS 3/31/18 11 at Cle 4/12/17 OR 2 (2 times) 2 (3 times) GS 0 BPG 0.40 FGM 2 (3 times) 5 at Cle 4/12/17 DR 3 vs. Atl 3/22/18 3 vs. Atl 3/22/18 MPG 10.0 FG%.310 FGA 7 vs. Min 2/26/18 11 at Cle 4/12/17 TR 4 vs. Atl 3/22/18 4 (2 times) PPG 2.6 3FG%.200 3FGM 1 (3 times) 2 at Cle 4/12/17 AST 1 (4 times) 2 vs. Atl 12/3/16 RPG 2.1 FT%.833 3FGA 1 (3 times) 3 (3 times) STL 1 (3 times) APG 0.3 TPG 0.4 FTM 3 at Den 3/11/18 3at Den 3/11/18 BLK 1 (4 times) 1 (7 times) FTA 4 at Den 3/11/18 4 at Den 3/11/18 MIN 18:31 vs. Min 2/26/18 35:03 at BKN 4/13/16 PRESEASON: 3.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 6.8 mpg 42.9% FGs, 33.3% 3FGs, 1-2 FTs 10/2/18 vs. MEM W131-115 9:49 2-3 1-2 1-2 0 3 3 2 3 1 0 2-1 6 10/4/18 vs. IND L100-110 7:03 0-2 0-2 0-0 0 3 3 1 3 1 1 0-3 0 10/7/18 at SA W108-93 3:27 1-2 1-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 3 In 12 games for Toronto and Sacramento, averaged 2.2 points and 1.8 assists in 8.9 minutes per game while shooting 29.0% from the floor, 17.6% from 3-point range and 83.3% from the line. Appeared in two games for Toronto prior to being traded to Sacramento on 2/8/18 and saw action in 10 games for the Kings over the remainder of the season. In 36 G League games while on assignment with Raptors 905 and Reno, averaged 14.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.28 steals and 1.53 blocks in 30.2 minutes per game while shooting 39.9% from the floor, 34.1% from 3-point range and 83.1% from the line... Also averaged 2.4 3-pointers made.