The Dream Shake - Rockets Vault Past Hornets, 97-90The best footwork on the Internethttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/34031/32x32.png2012-10-24T22:12:48-05:00http://www.thedreamshake.com/rss/stream/33152192012-10-24T22:12:48-05:002012-10-24T22:12:48-05:00FINAL: Rockets Cruise In Second Half, Win 97-90
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<figcaption>Chris Graythen</figcaption>
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<p>Kevin McHale unveiled an entirely reconstructed rotation and game plan tonight in New Orleans which was largely responsible for a seven point win tonight in New Orleans. Rookie Terrence Jones and second year player Chandler Parsons played great.</p> <p>The Rockets won their fourth preseason game tonight on the road in New Orleans, propelling their record to 4 and 2. <span>Chandler Parsons</span> (18 points, 7 for 15 shooting), Terrence Jones (15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals), and <span>Carlos Delfino</span> (20 points) carried the bulk of the offensive load, while <span>Omer Asik</span> mirrored that passion (14 rebounds, 1 block and 2 steals) on the defensive end.</p>
<p>In watching the Rockets preseason thus far I have stumbled upon a not-so-subtle-dichotomy in this season's <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> construct: Asik anchors defense and Martin, as the ying to Omer's yang, anchors the offense.</p>
<p>Chandler Parsons, who had 13 points from beyond the arc alone, really flaunted his offensive prowess in New Orleans tonight. It's a little early to jump the gun, but so far Parson's jump shot has looked like a vastly improved weapon for McHale to tinker with. Unfortunately, we have yet to see how much that stroke will translate to the foul line where Parsons carries the majority of his offensive criticisms.</p>
<p>Early on, <span>Jeremy Lin</span> looked honed in on defense but Lin really struggled to make any further impact. The former New York sensation has yet to hit a three point shot in the preseason and the only thing more embarrassing for Lin tonight than his assist to turnover ratio was his shooting percentage. We haven't even come close to approaching the appropriate time to comment on Lin's contract and role, but tonight's performance punctuates what critics will continue to refer to as a poor preseason run.</p>
<p>The first half of the game was dominated by missed opportunities at the rim and a reinvigorated defense. Shaun Livingston and <span>Royce White</span> were substituted into the game early on and initially neither player had a real impact. <span>Greg Smith</span> was another early sub. However, Smith's presence was felt rather quickly by virtue of being in the right place at the right time in the flow of the offense. The underlying principle in the first half for the Rockets was defense and the defense was good. By the end of the second quarter the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">Hornets</a> had twice as many turnovers as the Rockets.</p>
<p>Houston borrowed some grand performances from <span>Kevin Martin</span> and Terrence Jones to start things off with a bang in the third quarter. Chandler Parsons, among others, was another welcomed contributor on the perimeter. If you're able to ignore Terrence Jones' three point shot, the rookie forward from Kentucky's latest championship core was relatively flawless. Jones easily outplayed <span>Anthony Davis</span>. Feel free to read that last line again. Jones was able to convert from a variety of different offensive situations and his defense was stellar. The third quarter turned into a bit of a three point shootout but when the smoke cleared, the Rockets held an easy lead.</p>
<p>I was very curious tonight to see what Shuan Livingston brought the table. After a timid start, Shuan was readily able to create offense in a vacuum and stick the mid range jumper tonight. His contribution was largely felt beyond the extent of the box score.</p>
<p>As far as the Hornets were concerned, <span>Ryan Anderson</span> showcased his entire arsenal off the bench and he looked great. Vasquez and Davis both contributed average games.</p>
<p>Carlos Delfino was really able to exploit his maturity tonight and I think that the Argentinian is going to have an important role on this team early on in the season as the voice of experience.</p>
<p>After a week of practice, I was hoping to see a bit more cohesion but I suppose a win is a win. The Rockets starting five looked out of sync but every other combination of the roster looked pretty good. We're one preseason game away from the season and this team still looks like a work in progress.</p>
https://www.thedreamshake.com/2012/10/24/3551614/rockets-find-their-groove-in-the-second-halfthomasfenoglio2012-10-24T18:45:06-05:002012-10-24T18:45:06-05:00GameThread: Rockets vs. Hornets: Preseason Round 2
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<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USPRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Kevin McHale has spent the past week introducing new offensive sets, defensive schemes, and team concepts. Will the Houston Rockets integrate the plan or is it back to basics?</p> <p>Almost two weeks ago, the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a> rode <span>Kevin Martin</span>, <span>Omer Asik</span> and to some extent <span>Jeremy Lin</span> to an easy 20 point win over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Hornets</a> in Houston. A lot has changed since then and this time around the Hornets will have <span>Anthony Davis</span> to protect the paint.<br><br><br>Think of the next string of games as preseason part two. The coaching staff has had a second chance to reiterate their philosophy, emphasize fundamentals, and evaluate talent. <span>Royce White</span>, <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/2012/10/23/3544838/royce-white-the-rockets-and-the-nba-cement-travel-plan/in/3214079">who has a logistics plan in place that he can work with</a>, has really had his first week of training camp practice. We've been hearing murmurs of lesser valued Rockets like <span>Shaun Livingston</span> and <span>Gary Forbes</span> making an impact. Maybe today Kevin McHale has a better idea of what his rotation is going to look like come October 31st; it's more likely that he doesn't.</p>
<p><span>Patrick Patterson</span> will be a game time decision tonight with a left quad strain.</p>
<p><span>Marcus Morris</span> has been shooting during practice and might see the floor tonight.</p>
<p>Get excited Rockets fans, the season is right around the corner.</p>
https://www.thedreamshake.com/2012/10/24/3549956/houston-rockets-vs-new-orleans-hornets-round-two-featuring-anthonythomasfenoglio2012-10-24T17:28:28-05:002012-10-24T17:28:28-05:00Preview: Rockets vs. Hornets Preseason Round Two
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<figcaption>Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Rockets will travel to New Orleans tonight to take on an Anthony Davis-equipped Hornets team.</p> <p>Tonight I get my first chance to watch number one pick Anthony Davis on national television as the Rockets attempt to pull off the ever coveted and extremely meaningful preseason sweep.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> have were given a chance to catch their breath and collect their thoughts half way through the preseason. McHale and company have flooded the team with new information. Let's see if any of the coaching sticks.</p>
<p><b>The Matchups</b></p>
<p>At the point: Jeremy "<i>100%</i>?" Lin vs. Greivis "<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Grievous">General Grievous</a></i>" Vasquez</p>
<p>At the two: Kevin "<i>I Thought They Stopped Calling That</i>" Martin vs. Austin "<i>Daddy's Little Man</i>" Rivers</p>
<p>At the three: Chandler "<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ladies_Man_%282000_film%29">Leon Phelps</a></i>" Parsons vs. Al-Farouq "<i>The Chief Has Arrived</i>" Aminu</p>
<p>Down low: Terrance "<i>Best Rookie</i>" Jones vs. Anthony "<i>Lowbrow</i>" Davis</p>
<p>In the middle: Omer "<i>Black Hole</i>" Asik vs. Robin "<i>Shaq's Choic</i>e" Lopez</p>
<p><b>Players To Watch - Houston<br></b></p>
<p>With <span>Patrick Patterson</span> out, Terrance Jones has another chance to showcase his all around game. <span>Royce White</span> is a week further along with the coaching staff and has yet to see significant minutes or showcase his game. <span>Jeremy Lin</span> is always on everyone's radar. <span>Shaun Livingston</span> has impressed this week behind closed doors, can he impress in New Orleans? Will Marcus Morris get a chance to follow up his impressive 2012-13 Rockets debut?</p>
<p><b>Players to Watch - New Orleans</b></p>
<p><span>Anthony Davis</span>. On Monday Davis had 17 rebounds. You never know how Davis is going to impact the game and I don't think that's something Davis has quite figured out either but whether it's on one end or the other he will find a way to contribute.</p>
<p><b>TDS readers: Who makes in impact tonight?</b></p>
https://www.thedreamshake.com/2012/10/24/3550740/houston-rockets-new-orleans-hornets-game-previewthomasfenoglio