The Houston Rockets brought the San Antonio Spurs to the Toyota Center in a 112-98 win for the season.
Tonight’s big story was, of course, the long-awaited return of James Harden. Harden, who only made his training camp debut last Monday, had a solid game in his first preseason play. In 21 minutes of play, Harden scored 12 points, four assists and three rebounds.
Harden’s first points back in the lineup came, as expected, through his patented step-back jumper.
Arguably the most important takeaway from Harden’s game tonight wasn’t his stats, but his body language. Throughout the game, Harden was vocal and animated. After playing, good and bad, he took the time to coach the younger players, and he would go one-on-one with guys like DeMarcus Cousins on the bench.
Even if Harden is still determined to leave the Rockets, he remains a pro.
A highlight of tonight’s game that isn’t among the big Rockets names was Jae’Sean Tate’s impeccable play.
In just 18 minutes of play, Tate recorded 11 points, seven rebounds and a bargain after shooting 5-7 from the field. Tate is quickly becoming a favorite among Rockets fans for his great defensive play and well-rounded offensive play.
Tate also had the game of the game with this nifty move:
Sadly, the younger Rockets members’ great play was overshadowed by an unfortunate injury to watch over Chris Clemons. After a cleared basket and a back drop to the other side, Clemons limped to his feet and couldn’t put pressure on his right leg. Clemons had to be helped in a wheelchair.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the first diagnosis on Clemons is a torn Judge Achilles. Clemons will receive an MRI on Wednesday morning.
Other notables from tonight’s game:
PJ Tucker scored eight points on 2-4 deep shooting, 2-2 FT, in his first game back with Houston. John Wall continues to look healthy and explosive, scoring 15 points on 6-13 shooting to go along with three assists and three steals.
We also have our first Wall-to-Harden highlight.
Cousins had seven points, 11 rebounds, and four steals on 3-of-8 shots in 21 minutes of play. Ben McLemore scored 15 points on 6-10 shooting from the field, 2-5 from three.
With this win, Houston improves to 2-1 in the preseason. The Rockets will take on the Spurs in Houston again on Thursday for their last game of the preseason.