Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Rockets beat Spurs 128-106, finish preseason with 3-1 record

ROCKETS NOTES

With the win tonight, the Rockets finish the preseason with a 3-1 mark. Going back to 2016, Houston has posted a preseason record of 20-6.

Houston scored a preseason-high 128 points, marking its second game with 120+ this preseason. The Rockets scored 120+ points 29 times last season (26-3 mark) and are 97-8 when doing so going back to 2016-17. Houston averaged 114.0 ppg this preseason.

The Rockets outshot the Spurs 52.7% to 40.9%. Houston was 25-3 when outshooting the opposition in 2019-20. The Rockets were 15-1 when shooting 50.0% or better last season and are 59-5 going back to 2016-17. Houston held opponents to 41.0% shooting this preseason.

Houston hit 17 3-pointers on 39.5% shooting tonight while San Antonio had 7 3FGM on 21.2% shooting. The Rockets were 24-1 when shooting 37.0% or better from behind-the-arc in 2019-20 and hit 10 or more 3-pointers than their opponent 11 times (11-0 mark). The opposition shot 30.4% from 3-point range this preseason.

The Rockets had 26 assists with 11 turnovers tonight after recording 38 assists with 36 turnovers the two games prior. Houston recorded 25+ assists in two of its four games this preseason. The Rockets had 25+ assists 18 times in 72 games played in 2019-20.

Christian Wood had a game-high 27 points with a game-high tying 10 rebounds in his preseason debut. He scored 20+ points 15 times for Detroit last season and recorded 12 double-doubles. Wood averaged 24.2 ppg and 9.8 rpg over his final games played for the Pistons last season.

James Harden had 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting tonight after having 12 points while shooting 3-of-10 in his preseason debut against the Spurs on 12/15. The Rockets were 21-5 when he shot 50.0% or better in 2019-20. Harden scored 32 points in 48 minutes of play this preseason. He had 2,335 points in 2,483 minutes of play in 2019-20.

Eric Gordon had 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range. He scored 20+ points six times during the 2020 playoffs after doing so six times in the regular season. Gordon shot 40.7% from 3-point range this preseason.

Bruno Caboclo led the Rockets bench with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 19 minutes of play. He averaged 9.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.8 bpg in 20.4 mpg this preseason. While playing for Memphis in 2018-19, Caboclo averaged 8.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.5 apg and 0.97 bpg in 23.5 mpg.

Dejounte Murray had 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the Spurs. He grabbed 10+ boards six times in 2019-20, including a career-high 14 in the season finale vs. Utah. Last season, Murray joined Alvan Adams (1985-86) as the only players in NBA history to have averaged at least 10.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 4.0 apg in fewer than 27.0 mpg in a single season.

Rockets sign forward Trey Mourning, son of Alonzo Mourning

The Houston Rockets have signed free agent forward Trey Mourning.

Mourning (6-9, 220) was eligible for the 2019 NBA Draft following his senior season at Georgetown. He spent last season playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G League and shot 55.6% from the floor in 36 games. Mourning was also a member of Miami’s summer league roster in 2019.

While at Georgetown, Mourning wore the coveted No. 33 jersey which once belonged his father, Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning. In his final season with the Hoyas 2018-19, Trey played for another one of Georgetown’s fabled big men, Patrick Ewing.

Houston Rockets will allow partial fan attendance at home games

FROM THE HOUSTON ROCKETS

In anticipation of the start of the 2020-21 NBA season and the goal to return with a limited number of fans and guests, the Houston Rockets and Toyota Center have established health and safety protocols to create a safe, yet fun environment for fans.

The Rockets and Toyota Center have developed the following protocols and guidelines in partnership with the City of Houston, the Houston Venue and Event Task Force, Memorial Hermann, and the NBA:

Reduced capacity will be enforced for Rockets games and all other arena events to allow for proper distancing between sets of guests.

Ticketed fans will be required to answer a series of health questions before entering the arena. Fans seated in close proximity to the court will require additional league mandated testing protocols.

Proper face masks will be required for ages 2 and up and must be worn at all times inside the arena, unless actively eating or drinking.

No bags are permitted, however lockers will be available for rent.
All tickets will be digital. Guests will manage and scan their touchless tickets through the Houston Rockets mobile app.

To promote social distancing and sanitization, floor markers and signs promoting social distancing and hand sanitization stations will be placed around the arena.

Frequent sanitization of all high touch surface areas during games and events such as seats, handrails, door knob, restrooms, countertops, etc.
All staff will receive additional health and safety training. In addition, staff will also have their temperature checked and will wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

All point of sales at Toyota Center will be cashless. Plexiglas barriers will be installed at all concession and retail stands to reduce direct contact between guests and staff. A touchless food and beverage ordering system option will allow fans to receive their orders at their designated seat to maximize social distancing and the overall fan experience.

Nets cut Kaiser Gates

The Brooklyn Nets have requested waivers on forward Kaiser Gates.

Gates had just signed with the Nets yesterday. This likely means we should not be surprised if Gates winds up playing for the team’s G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, when that league resumes action.

The Nets roster now stands at 19 players.

Giannis Antetokounmpo signs massive contract extension with Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo yesterday signed a multi-year extension with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Per multiple reports, Giannis’ contract extension is a “supermax” deal for five years, $228 million.

“This is a big moment for me and my family and I want to thank the Bucks organization for believing in us,” said Antetokounmpo. “You took a chance on us eight years ago and now putting my signature on a contract like this is unreal – but it’s all because of hard work. This is my home and I’m going to continue working hard and do my best to make the Bucks, our fans and the city proud. Let’s have fun, win and make these years count.

“Giannis is a once in a generation player and we are beyond excited for him to remain with the Bucks,” said Bucks Co-Owners Marc Lasry, Wes Edens and Jamie Dinan. “Giannis positively impacts everyone around him on and off the court and he brings a staggering dedication to winning and leadership to our organization. His work ethic and desire to be the best epitomize what the Bucks stand for and what our future holds. We thank Giannis and his family for their long-term commitment to Milwaukee and we look forward to many years of success. This is a momentous day for the Bucks, our fans and the state of Wisconsin.”

“Giannis’ NBA career began as an 18-year old from the Sepolia neighborhood north of Athens, Greece,” Bucks General Manager Jon Horst said. “Through hard work, determination and an unequaled desire to be the best, Giannis has developed into a relentlessly driven, 26-year old, two-time Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-Star for the Milwaukee Bucks. He’s an incredible teammate, a kind and caring person, an affable member of the Milwaukee community, and the leader of our team who sets the tone for our organization. We are thrilled for Giannis and his family and are tremendously proud to sign him to this well-deserved contract extension.”

Grizzlies exercise contract options on Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke and Grayson Allen

The Memphis Grizzlies have exercised their 2021-22 contract options on guard Ja Morant, forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr., forward Brandon Clarke and guard Grayson Allen.

For in the 2021-22 season, Morant will reportedly make around $9.6 million, Jackson around $9.18 million, Clarke around $2.73 million, and Allen around $4 million.

Morant was named the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year and received 2019-20 NBA All-Rookie First Team honors after averaging 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists in 31.0 minutes in 67 games (all starts) last season. Selected by the Grizzlies with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the 21-year-old was chosen for the 2020 NBA Rising Stars as part of NBA All-Star Weekend 2020 alongside Jackson Jr. and Clarke.

Jackson Jr. has averaged 15.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.51 blocks in 27.3 minutes in 115 games (113 starts) over two seasons since he was selected by Memphis with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. The 21-year-old, who received 2018-19 NBA All-Rookie First Team accolades, averaged 17.4 points and 1.61 blocks (10th in the NBA) during the 2019-20 campaign, scoring a career-high 43 points on Dec. 13, 2019, against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Clarke appeared in 58 games (four starts) as a rookie last season and averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 22.4 minutes while shooting an NBA rookie-record 61.8 percent from the field (fourth in the NBA). Clarke, who was selected 21st overall in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, was named to the 2019-20 NBA All-Rookie First Team alongside Morant and finished fourth in the 2019-20 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year voting.

Allen has competed in 76 games (two starts) and has averaged 7.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 14.9 minutes for the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. Selected by Utah with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, Allen appeared in 38 games as a reserve and averaged 8.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 18.9 minutes while shooting 40.4 percent from 3-point range last season, his first with the Grizzlies.

Nets sign Elie Okobo and Kaiser Gates

The Brooklyn Nets have signed guard Elie Okobo and forward Kaiser Gates.

Okobo (6’3”, 190) joins the Nets after spending the first two seasons (2018-20) of his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns. In 108 games (19 starts), Okobo recorded averages of 4.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 15.5 minutes per game. This past season, the 22-year-old saw action in 55 games (three starts), averaging 4.0 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 13.1 minutes per contest. The Bordeaux, France, native was originally selected with the 31st overall pick (second round) in the 2018 NBA Draft by Phoenix. Prior to beginning his NBA career, Okobo spent three years (2015-18) with Élan Béarnais of France’s Pro A league. He has also represented France in international competition, earning a bronze medal in 2017 in the FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship.

Gates (6’7”, 225) joins Brooklyn after spending the 2019-20 season in the NBA G League with the Maine Red Claws, where he averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 32.6 minutes per contest in 36 games (all starts). In 86 career NBA G League games (45 starts) with Maine and the Windy City Bulls (2018-19), Gates has recorded averages of 12.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 28.7 minutes per contest. The Alpharetta, Ga., native was also named to USA Basketball Men’s AmeriCup Qualifying Team in November 2020 and played three collegiate seasons (2015-18) at Xavier.

Heat waive Breein Tyree and Paul Eboua

The Miami Heat waived guard Breein Tyree and forward Paul Eboua today.

Both players were signed on November 25.

Tyree played a few minutes in one preseason game. Eboua didn’t get any preseason minutes.

There are just a few days left to preseason, then the regular season tips off on Tuesday. Teams around the league will steadily be releasing players and trimming their rosters down in the coming days.

Rockets notes after 112-98 preseason game win over Spurs

Win the win tonight, the Rockets improve to 2-1 this preseason with their final game also hosting the Spurs on Thursday. Since going 3-5 in the 2015 preseason, Houston has posted a 19-6 preseason mark.

The Rockets scored 112 points tonight after having just 91 at Chicago on 12/13. Houston was 40-13 when scoring 110+ points last season and 4-15 when scoring below.

Houston held San Antonio to 98 points. The Rockets have not allowed more than 104 points in a game this preseason. Houston was 21-3 when holding opponents below 110 points last season.

The Rockets outshot the Spurs 44.9% to 42.9%. Houston was 25-3 when outshooting its opponent last season and 20-5 when holding the opposition below 45.0% shooting.

Houston outrebounded San Antonio 51-43 tonight after being outrebounded by an average of 9.5 rpg in the two games vs. Chicago. The Rockets were 20-6 when outrebounding their opponent last season.

John Wall had a team-high tying 15 points with 3 steals tonight. He has scored a total of 49 points in 69 minutes of play this preseason. Wall led the NBA in total steals with 157 in 2016-17 and has ranked top-10 in that category four times.

Ben McLemore led all reserves with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting. He is averaging 11.7 ppg in 20.6 mpg while shooting 52.2% this preseason. McLemore has hit 2 3-pointers in all three games this preseason while shooting 40.0% from behind-the-arc. He averaged 2.5 3FGM on 40.0% shooting in 2019-20.

James Harden and P.J. Tucker both made their preseason debuts tonight. Harden had 12 points and 4 assists in 21 minutes of play while Tucker also played 21 minutes, scoring 8 points with two 3-pointers made. Harden led the league in scoring in each of the past three seasons. The Rockets were 21-8 when Tucker had 2+ 3FGM in 2019-20.

DeMarcus Cousins had game-highs of 11 rebounds, 4 steals and a block tonight. He is averaging 7.3 rpg, 2.0 spg and 1.7 bpg in just 17.7 mpg this preseason. Cousins averaged 8.2 rpg, 1.3 spg and 1.5 bpg in just 25.7 mpg in his last season played which was for Golden State in 2018-19.

Rookie Jae’Sean Tate had 11 points and 7 rebounds in 18 minutes of play off the bench. He is second on the team in rebounding with 17 boards this preseason. Tate was eligible for the 2018 NBA Draft following his senior season at Ohio State and spent the past two seasons playing overseas.

Lonnie Walker IV had a game-high 17 points for the Spurs. He averaged 11.3 ppg in eight games for San Antonio during the seeding games in Orlando after averaging 5.6 ppg in his first 53 games played in 2019-20.

For now, Toronto Raptors will allow partial fan attendance at games

As the Toronto Raptors prepare to play home games for the opening of the 2020-21 NBA season at Tampa’s Amalie Arena, the team announced plans to host a limited number of fans beginning with its pre-season game against the Miami Heat on Friday, December 18.

Tickets for the pre-season game, and the first 11 regular-season games, will go on sale Thursday morning, Dec. 17.

Fan attendance protocols will involve extensive health and safety measures, including socially distanced seat availability. There will be fewer than 3,200 seats available for the pre-season game, and 3,800 seats for regular-season games. There will be no floor seats, and no seats sold within 30 feet of the court.

Additional measures include: all fans two years of age or older being required to wear a mask for the duration of their time within the venue; enhanced surface and air disinfection systems; physical distancing in the stands and while navigating the venue; a health survey screening for all guests as they enter the facility; cashless payments in the parking lot and for food and beverage services; and bags are prohibited for all Raptors games at the arena.

“In these unique and challenging times, the Raptors are grateful to be able to work closely with the NBA, the Lightning organization and local public health officials to create a safe opportunity for a limited number of fans to take in games,” said Tom McDonald, Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service for MLSE. “As the Raptors call Tampa home for the start of the NBA season, the team looks forward to the opportunity to thank the community for their support while continually emphasizing the important steps required of all of us for a full return of fans when it is safe to do so.”