Houston Rockets’ new look squad had a solid debut in their first pre-season game with all four projected members of the starting five scoring in double digits. Kevin Durant led everyone in the 140-127 win over the Utah Jazz with 20 points in 23 minutes followed by Amen Thompson who had 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Alperen Sengun had 13 points and 13 assists while Jabari Smith Jr. had 18. Reed Sheppard, who is a candidate for a fifth starting role as replacement for injured Fred VanVleet scored 11.
Rockets’ strength showed against a young Jazz although one rookie made sure he will put the league on notice. Ace Bailey did everything to for Utah in his pre-season by scoring 25 points in 31 minutes. That’s the most points anyone had in that game.
NBA X thought he was impressive with his deep bag and courageous moves. Even Kevin Durant had to tell to his face that he’s just new in the league.
It was just Bailey’s brazen character that KD noticed. The Rockets star thought the 19-year-old played well and that is a sign of great freshman year for him. Maybe a great pro career.
“Dynamic player,” Durant said of Bailey.
“I think he’s gonna be a hell of a player. I love the coaching staff that he’s with, I love that he got drafted to Utah. Good development program over there that I’m looking forward to see how he progresses.”
Kevin Durant thinks his team is stacked
Durant had plenty of support in that victory. Aside from Smith Jr., the expected starters also came out. Alperen Sengun had 13 points and 13 assists in limited minutes while Amen Thompson, who is expected to have a breakout year, finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
The 2014 MVP is confident with what his team can do.
“When you’ve got your 5 man that can handle at the top of the key the spacing just opens the floor up so much for us and then makes us unpredictable because he can iso up there, he can go set the screen, dribble hand off, we can screen for him,” Durant said.
“So, it throws the defense off when he has the ball up there and we trust he’s gonna make the right play every time.”
As for his personal performance, he believes there’s more he can do.
“It’s a different feel when you’re underneath the lights, the whistle, and a real game,” said Durant. “I want to get that conditioning back.”
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
