Anderson scores with attitude

When asked if his revised lineup, with P.J. Tucker starting and Ryan Anderson coming off the bench, was a temporary experiment or plan going forward, Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni considered it neither. He did not want to commit one way or another but said he was most pleased that Anderson expressed no concern with the role.

“That’s the only way you have a chance to win at a very high level, go very deep in the playoffs: to have guys who play for the name on the front of the jersey instead of the back of the jersey,” D’Antoni said. “We have those guys. I appreciate what he says. We’ll try to keep the lines of communication open and try to put guys in the right spots. Everybody’s going to have to sacrifice. Everybody is going to have to play a role they’re maybe not comfortable with. If we do that, we have a real chance this year.”

Without mentioning pending roster additions, D’Antoni seemed to be suggesting that players will have to accept reduced playing time.

“I kind of want to get away from who starts, who doesn’t,” D’Antoni said. “We’re in a rhythm. We want to stay in a rhythm. If we need to change it, we will. Nothing is written in stone. We’re just trying to figure everybody out, the combinations. What works, what doesn’t.”