It helps to nix Knicks on glass
As much as the Knicks are known for the talents of Kristaps Porzingis, the fourth-leading scorer and top shot blocker in the NBA, the Rockets’ game against New York on Saturday pits strengths versus strengths that generate far less attention for both teams than the scoring of their headliners.
The Knicks lead the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage and are No. 2 in second-chance points per game. The Rockets are third in defensive rebounding percentage and allow the fourth-fewest second-chance points.
Though defending Porzingis might be the top priority, it would not be enough if the Rockets do not rebound well.
“Porzingis is a great player,” forward Ryan Anderson said of the Knicks’ young star, held to 19 points on 7-of-18 shooting in the first meeting. “He can score all over, crash the glass.
“It’s one of those games we need to grind, eliminate their offensive rebounds, keep Porzingis from getting offensive buckets. If we do that, we’ll win.”
In the first meeting at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks scored just two second-chance points in a 119-97 Rockets win.
Full participation becomes reality
This time when the Rockets expected to be at full strength for a practice, they finally were.
They had often thought they would have their first full-squad practice of the season several times over the 10 days since Chris Paul was cleared. Either last week’s schedule, injuries or illnesses kept them from having every player available for one of the few full workouts.
On Thursday, however, Eric Gordon returned after missing a game with tightness in his right calf, and Ryan Anderson was back after missing Wednesday’s game and the previous practices with an illness. Last week, after Paul returned, Luc Mbah a Moute was out with an illness.
“That’s the best part about this team,” Gordon said. “Whoever is out, we still have a great chance of winning. I never worry about that. I always want this team to win. We have a winning mentality and attitude. But if something is injured, it’s a long season. I don’t want to damage (it) long-term.”
Gordon returned to practice in part to test the calf but said he was “feeling better.”