After becoming the first team in the NBA to postpone a game this season over COVID protocol breeches and concerns, the Rockets were finally able to begin their season against the Portland Trailblazers. The Rockets were missing key players in DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Gordon, Ben McLemore, and John Wall. This also marked the very first game for new head coach Stephen Silas. Though the Blazers were favored to win against a depleted Rockets team, Silas’ coaching, along with some big shots from James Harden and Christian Wood took them to double overtime before they lost 128-126.
“He did a great job,” Harden said. “Very confident, knew what he was drawing up, knew where to put his guys at. It was up to us to go out there and execute.”
P.J. Tucker shared his thoughts saying, “I thought he was good. He had a good spirit about himself, a swagger you look for in a head coach. Still, cool and calm as he always is.”
Tucker went on to say, “He’s always cool, man. He’s one of the coolest coaches I’ve ever seen in my life. He’s just super cool. It seems nonchalant, but it’s not; it’s just his personality. You get to know that by being around him.”
All in all, the team looked pretty good considering. It will be interesting to see what the season brings.