NBA: Outstanding Davis Shocks Rockets at Hartenstein Debut

Anthony Davis has brought an unexpected away win for his New Orleans Pelicans at the Houston Rockets with a gala. The Big was everywhere and was together with Nikola Mirotic decisive for the 131:112 victory. James Harden, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony remain inconspicuous for Houston, while Isaiah Hartenstein makes his NBA debut.

As announced, Carmelo Anthony’s debut for the Houston Rockets came first from the bank, the free spot on the grand piano that Trevor Ariza (Suns) had left behind, and James Ennis III. The New Orleans guests also had a newcomer in their ranks in Elfrid Payton and got a better start first thanks to a hot Nikola Mirotic. The Pels scored 64 percent out of the field in the first twelve minutes and led with 35:29.

The problems of the Rockets continued, the frontcourt of the Pels dominated the zone. Anthony Davis and former Lakers player Julius Randle (17 points at break!) also had a double-digit score in the first half. Houston also made it far too easy for the guests, however, unpressurized, completely open basket layers were not uncommon.

So the front court had collected 50 points after 24 minutes, the Pels achieved 42 points in the zone. The Rockets seemed lethargic, the tuning was missing and many easy Leger went against the Pelicans Defense so scolded in the Preseason beside it.

With a gap of 15 points, coach Mike D’Antoni’s team was still well served and nothing was lost. A rebellion was not to be recognized however, on the contrary, it went exactly in such a way further. The Monobraue was able to switch in the zone and rule as he wanted and dismantled the Rockets Defense in all parts.

It was not until the end of the third quarter that there was a little hope again when Houston shortened the score to 84-101 with a 16-4 run. But the Pels didn’t lose their nerve and so the hosts just couldn’t get close. This was also due to the fact that MVP James Harden remained quite inconspicuous. The bearded guy missed a triple-double with 18 points (6/15 FG), 9 rebounds and 10 assists, but still seemed far away from his last year’s form. In the process, praise must also be given to the pels, which defended well against the Guard in the group – especially without fouls.

Backcourt-colleague Chris Paul (19, 6 Assists) also set only sporadic accents, best scorer for the hosts was Eric Gordon (21). On the other hand, it was AD (32, 13/21 FG, 16 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks) who underpinned his MVP ambitions in the first game and scored past a triple double. Payton succeeded in this feat with 10 counters, rebounds and assists each. Mirotic finished the game with 30 points (6/8 threes), Randle with 25 (9/15 FG).

Pleasing from a German point of view: Isaiah Hartenstein made his NBA debut in the last two minutes, but was not able to register in the boxing score.