First Preseason Action!

Woohoo! The preseason is finally here... aptly filling the deep void left by lack of basketball action over the course of the offseason, being kept alive purely by the thin joys of offseason speculation. Let's get some Rockets analysis going!

Game1 vs New Orleans Hornets

I was so giddy at the beginning of this game, and the Rockets 1st quarter did not disappoint. We ran that offense like Steven Colbert runs his mouth; perfectly. Surprisingly enough, in addition to our newfound offense, our defense did not let up one bit, with all of T-mac, Rafer, Chuck, Scola, Yao, and James rotating effectively and giving substantial amounts of effort. Yes there were some errant passes (I'm looking at you, T-mac) that didn't exactly cover up a certain players piss-poor offensive showing (I'm still looking at you, T-mac), but overall, you can't complain with a 30-9 lead going into the second. Unfortunately, that's about the peak of the happiness that night. The rest of the game was sloppy and turnover infested, not to mention the incredible free throw shooting display. From the 2nd to the 4th quarter, it was about what I originally expected to see. But man, for that 1 quarter of pure unadulterated Rockets joy, it really makes a Rockets fan feel good about the season. On the winners and losers of Tuesday's game.

Winners!

Rockets: Rafer Alston and Bonzi Wells

We all knew this day could someday come. The day when Mr. Brick and Bouncy Whales have the best game out of a roster that is deeper than my affection for raw cookie dough. Rafer put on a display of tremendous court awareness, pinpoint passing, and solid shot selection without one turnover. What has this world come to?? With Rockets fans everywhere refusing to blink in anticipation of both Mike James and Steve Francis, all they saw was the brilliance that was Alston. Good work Rafer, in one game you've stapled the mouths of haters everywhere shut.

The second winner is our lovable bundle of unpredictability, Bonzi Wells. We had all heard the rumors that Wells had lost a ridiculous amount of weight (somewhere around 30 pounds... jeez!) and we could definitely see that the ground didn't shake the same way when he walked, but none of us could have anticipated a 32-year-old Bonzi Wells to show the quickness and athleticism he did after his lackluster, hungerbuster of a year last year. Making 5 of his 7 shots while running the floor like a madman, Wells really showed the importance of coaching Tuesday night. Here's to a seasons worth of that, my friend.

Hornets: Hilton Armstrong and Tyson Chandler

I didn't think I'd be including Armstrong in this category for a few more years, but DANG does he make for a valuable addition to the Hornets frontcourt! Both he and Tyson locked down the lane, frustrating the Rockets roster hopefully into near tears. If both these players reach their potential, it could be a downright mess down in New Orleans, where the Hornets do the swatting.

Losers!!

Rockets: Tracy McGrady

Oh boy. It was in the back of my mind that Tracy might start slow, but wow, did he look off Tuesday. Making a dismal 1-5 shots (with his misses not being close) and 2-6 from the charity stripe (I cannot say how much this annoys me), T-Mac also showed a surprising lack of judgment by throwing some very questionable passes that became turnovers. I don't doubt that T-Mac will find his rhythm, but let's hope for his sake it's sooner rather than later, with these Kobe rumors and all.

Hornets: David West

To whom much is given, much is expected. And everyone in the Ford Arena expected much more out of the Hornets star forward. Going 1-6 from the field with 4 turnovers, DWest will most definitely have to shake this one off.

Other notes:

Yao looks very solid. The way he ran the break and stretched the defense was extremely impressive. He nailed an 18-footer that made me grin ear to ear, and his ability to see over the defense and make correct passes (see his highlight to rafer) should be a deadly weapon for Rick Adelman to utilize this season. Luis Scola looked great as well, very active on defense and a perfect role player on offense. Who knew we got the Argentinian power forward counterpart of Shane Battier? Between Hayes, Scola, and Battier, the Rockets could lead the league in charges taken this year.

Overall I was satisfied. We broke down in the second half and ultimately lost due to some insane shooting by a guy called Huluska? who?? Oh well. Very promising game for both teams.

I don't know how I'm going to survive a week without Rockets Basketball. I'll do the Panathaikos game tomorrow! Until then, GO ROX!!