While not playing their full roster due to injuries and scheduled maintenance of superstar Russell Westbrook, the Houston Rockets appeared to be having fun on the way to a dominant 140-71 win over the Shanghai Sharks. It was made clear from the getgo that Coach Mike D’Antoni was emphasizing picking up the pace for his team, as they raced off to a 36-14 first-quarter lead.
The Rockets also started off sharing the ball well, particularly James Harden, as he continuously pushed the pace whenever possible and found teammates in transition for easy buckets.