Rockets utilize small lineup
net, Harden told Smith, “Happy to have you back.”
Smith said, seeming almost embarrassed, “He was just happy.”
There was a lot of that going around, with Smith inspiring the Rockets’ play far more than his 1-of-10 shooting would indicate. It was clear there was a reason the Rockets had sent a private jet to get him out of New York before the storm hit.
He had a rushed warmup, arriving at about 5 p.m. with his physical and a few other details needed to complete the trade back to the Rockets. But when he returned to the floor, the team felt like last season’s Rockets again.
Harden hits 30
“The thing that is important for us is Josh’s ability to pass the ball is infectious,” interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “When he makes the extra passes over and over and over again, everybody is a recipient of it. For us, a team that wants to move the ball, wants to move our bodies, that wants to create open shots that way … you need a guy who can move the ball.
“He’s one of the few guys that can find everybody on the floor. The more involved everyone is, the more energy we have on the defensive end of the floor. When you’ve got multiple playmakers, everybody seems to touch it more and then they’re willing to get off of it and move it.
“When the ball moves like that, we’re hard to guard because we have so many weapons offensively.”
Harden had 30 points with eight assists, but he seemed most pleased about having playmaking help when trapped. He did not press, taking only 15 shots and committing just two turnovers.
“It feels great, actually,” Harden said. “He’s smart enough to know, in the pick-and-roll, he gets it in the pocket, corner 3s are open. It changes everything. The cuts are available. Just better shots, open shots, easier shots — similar to last year.
“The trap, kick it to him; he’s going to make the right play nine out of 10 times.”
Smith’s six assists were his season high, and he would have had more if some shots he set up were not missed in the first half. After playing in just four of the Clippers’ past 14 games, Smith said he was “rusty” during his 21 minutes on the court. But he also felt comfortable.
“It felt natural being around my teammates and being able to play in the same system,” Smith said. “These guys are great. I actually had some really good teammates in L.A., too. I am more familiar with the core guys that are here and being able to talk to them and give my insight on the game … it keeps me engaged.”
Unselfish play
Smith providing playmaking, but Terrence Jones offered a jolt of energy every bit as significant, starting breaks with four blocked shots and finishing them by beating the Bucks down the floor. After moving to a small lineup, with Ariza at power forward and Corey Brewer getting his second start, the Rockets put up a season-high 44 3-pointers.
It all seemed very 2015 and the Rockets — especially Smith — enjoyed it nearly as much.
“It felt good.,” Smith said. “When you are able to play unselfishly, it becomes contagious. … Tonight was a great example. We were having fun out there.”