Warriors vs Rockets Recap - Your Summer League Kickoff

The Rockets came from behind in the 4th quarter to knock off the Warriors in the opening game of the NBA Summer League presented by EA Sports.  Former Spur, and championship ring wearing, James White lead the Rockets with 14 points and iced the game with two free throws in the final seconds.

The Rockets had a balanced attack with 7 guys giving them between 7 and 14 points.  The Warriors on the other hand, had Randolph with 20, Stephen Curry with 16, Cartier Martin with 14, and Acie Law IV with 8.

Joey Dorsey had 12 rebounds to go with his 8 points as the Rockets out rebounded the Warriors 45-29.    The Warriors were able to lead for long stretches because of the Rockets 27 turnovers.

That's the game recap, but not many people care about the outcome.  They care about the players.

The big name in this game was #7 pick Stephen Curry of the Warriors.  In the first half, he looked like he wasn't quite ready for the physical nature of the game.  He wasn't able to create for himself and get in a rhythm.  He was 2 of 6 from the field with 6 points.  He picked up 4 fouls in the first quarter.  The Warriors coaches had him start on James White who the Rockets were making the focus of their offense.  Curry was off enough that he airballed an 18 footer and barely drew iron on another long attempt.  He just never looked comfortable on the offensive end.  He ended with 7 fouls, 4 turnovers, and 3 assists.

One year pro Anthony Randolph is also playing.  He filled up the stat sheet.  20 points, 10 rebounds, 9 fouls, 3 turnovers, and 3 assists.  He was dominant when he got the ball on the move within 10 feet of the basket.  Nobody on the Rockets could stay with him.  On the defensive end, he didn't  have the bulk to handle Joey Dorsey in the blocks and picked up lots of fouls going for pump fakes.

Acie Law IV did not stand out in this game.  He split time at point with Curry and Jared Jordan.  He's a very guard who bulled his way into the paint for 4 assists and 4 turnovers.

Joey Dorsey was the most impressive Rocket to me.  He did a great job of protecting the paint.  He finished with only 4 fouls which is amazing given how many collisions he was involved in.  He had zero plays run for him and had to work for his points.  He had a pair of very nice assists on backdoor cuts to Will Conroy.  They were his only 2 assists to go with 5 turnovers.

Our man James White had a very uneven game.  He was aggressive enough taking the ball to the rim to get to the line 8 times.  He seemed to get frustrated in the first half and copped a bit of a prima donna attitude.  He came around in the second half and played a good game for the Rockets.  Something to keep an eye on for the rest of the week.

Chase Budinger is going to have a hard time in the league.  The Warriors were attacking him with whoever he was covering.  He isn't quick enough to get in front or strong enough to hold his position.