Rockets Beat Shanghai Sharks 131-94

(photo credit: Houston Rockets/Twitter)

The Houston Rockets opened up their preseason against the Shanghai Sharks on Sunday night in front of 12, 313 fans at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX. Houston certainly didn’t show any rust, as they crushed the Sharks, 131-94, to open their preseason slate with a demanding win. 

Former Rocket and Hall of Famer Yao Ming was on site to watch the team he owns, the Sharks, play against his former NBA team. Ming played for Shanghai before playing for Houston. Ming was given a huge round of applause and a standing ovation when he was shown on the video board. 

Houston showcased its offensive firepower on Sunday night, as they 72 points at halftime in their first game under new head coach Mike D’Antoni. Houston kept it going, as they outscored Shanghai by nine points in the second half to pick up the victory in their first exhibition game of the new season. 

James Harden scored 16 points for Houston, which led the team. Ryan Anderson and Nene both scored 12 points in their first game in a Rockets uniform. Shanghai had some players that fans could easily recognize. Jimmer Fredette, who became a fan-favorite at BYU, started and played 42 minutes for the Sharks. Fredette scored 33 points, while also having eight assists and eight rebounds.

 Guerschon Yabusele, who the Boston Celtics drafted in the first round, played 44 minutes for Shanghai. Yabusele scored 24 points and added 14 rebounds, and he shot 9-18 from the field. Houston will play its first NBA team of the season when they take on the New York Knicks on Tuesday in Houston. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN.