Preseason Game 2

T-MAC VS V-SPAN!!! THE MCGRADY'S OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES!!

...errr... or not.

It's too bad V-span didn't play against us, it would of made for some spicy preseason tv. But I digress, what we got to see was some very solid all around game from the Rockets, minus Tracy McGrady. Not only did the Rockets score 107 points, but they also help Panathinaikos to only 70 points, though their perimiter defense was suspect at some points, with the Greek teams excellent 3 point shooting being somewhat troublesome for the good guys in white. Anyway, on to the winners and losers.

Winners!

Rockets: Luis Scola and Rafer Alston

What a game for Luis! 8-10 from the floor with several key defensive plays and excellent fast break awareness. He really stole the show playing against his European rivals. I can't say enough how excited I am to have Luis on this team; he, like Battier, are perfect role players, exactly what the Rockets need to surround T-mac and Yao.

Rafer had yet another excellent game, with teals, assists, and *gasp* 4-5 from downtown! Building on what he had in the first preseason game, he showed amazing court savvy and really took care of the ball well. It's no wonder that Adelman has called him a "perfect fit" for his offense.

Panathinaikos: Batiste

This man was a BEAST all night long. He showed range, defensive prowess, and solid post play. It's a wonder why this man isn't in the NBA.

Losers!!

Rockets: Aaron Brooks

It's too bad the little man's first NBA game had to go like this. He did show speed on that fast break layup, however he had several good looks from the outside, and missed them all, sometimes badly. I'm sure the nervousness of a first game had some to do with it, and we are all hoping lil Brooks can bounce back next game.

Panathinaikos: Zelimir Obradovic

The coach just got the bad end of not properly preparing for an NBA style game. Poor guy was frustrated with the rules all night, however it's hard to have much sympathy for him when Panathinaikos had several weeks to prepare. Oh well, it'll be worse when they lose to the Spurs =P

Until next time... GO ROX!