HAMILTON HAPPY TO BE IN HOUSTON PLAYING FAST PACE

houston Jordan Hamilton’s move to the Houston Rockets was something akin to going back to the future.

The Nuggets traded the young forward to Houston in exchange for Aaron Brooks at the trade deadline. Thus Hamilton joined an offensive system that instantly reminded him of his days with former Nuggets coach George Karl.

“A lot of up and down,” Hamilton said, referring to fast breaks. “A lot of 3s. They like layups. They don’t really like tough 2s or pull-up jump shots. Those were some of the things that I learned from last year, bringing it to this team.”

He has found court time sparingly with the Rockets but has made the most of when he has played, scoring at least 12 points in five of his 17 games. When Hamilton has played at least 18 minutes in a game, he has averaged 12.0 points and made 12-of29 shots (41.3 percent) from 3-point range.

“Came off with a hot start,” Hamilton said. “I’m getting back into the routine, getting back in the rhythm, and I feel good.”

Lawson plan.

As expected, Nuggets guard Ty Lawson did not play in Sunday’s game because of a sprained left ankle. He remains day to day but will not be rushed back, coach Brian Shaw said.

Asked what the plan for Lawson was, Shaw said: “Just to rehab his ankle and get healthy, as healthy as possible. If he can come back and he feels strong enough to come back and it’s not going to do any further damage, then I want him to come back. But if he can’t, it’s really not a big deal. I think the most important thing is his health going forward.”