The Houston Rockets and New York Knicks played in Houston for the Knicks' first preseason game.
Many NBA fans expected this game to be a much tougher game for the Rockets, mainly because their only game prior was against a team from China that is not as well-rounded as NBA teams. The other factor offering a challenge was that the Rockets and Knicks both acquired assets in the offseason that ultimately shifted their rosters into high gear.
The Knicks were without Joakim Noah, arguably their best defensive piece on the roster, due to hamstring soreness. Jeff Hornacek played it safe by declaring him a DNP for a preseason game.
Likewise, the Rockets did not have Patrick Beverley active for the matchup.
Opening minutes
Both teams were aggressive off the dribble immediately after tip-off. Derrick Rose showed signs of his old self as he drove to the basket relentlessly trying to draw fouls and finish had at the rim. He hit his first jump shot as a Knick a few minutes into the first quarter, and continued to distribute the ball to open shooters when he could.
The Houston defense was superior in the first quarter, however, as they only gave up 15 points to their 27 first quarter points.
Harden take over
Not too long after the opening tip, James Harden began to exert himself and wound up being a force all over the court. He did what he does best and drove to the rim at an almost unstoppable rate. He took 12 free throws by the end of the game, indicative of his offensive toughness off the drive.
He was finding a lot of his teammates for open threes and shots in the paint. Ryan Anderson in particular was Harden's favorite target for the game. He ended with 26 points off 50 percent shooting, most of his shots coming from beyond the arc.
Their chemistry displays just how little the Rockets have changed their offense, as they ranked second in three point attempts in the NBA last season. With Harden, Anderson, Trevor Ariza and Eric Gordon in the starting five -- all notable three point shooters -- the Rockets are poised to mirror their three point shooting from previous seasons.
Porzingis shows up
Despite being down 26 at the start of the third quarter, the Knicks still came out of the locker room ready to play ball.
Kristaps Porzingis was quite possibly the biggest part of the Knicks' offense in this game, and he wasn't afraid to prove it. Though he was quietly scoring in the first half, Porzingis returned to the third quarter shooting 4-of-4 from the three point line, notching 12 points back-to-back in only a few minutes.
His defensive presence also showed up as he secured a few blocked shots during the earlier portions of the game. Players like Carmelo Anthony and Courtney Lee, both perceived to be some of the most crucial vets on the team, were not as effective on offense, but it's not the end of the world for New York.
Even though Porzingis shot lights out for a few minutes, the Rockets' shooting was unmatchable, as Anderson continued to drain shots from deep and Harden pushed the ball the entire game. By the fourth quarter, the game became out of reach for New York.
Their next game is scheduled for October 8 at MSG against the Brooklyn Nets.