Trick or treat: Rockets return home

October 31, 2:54 PMHouston Rockets ExaminerDavid Hartnett

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After a two game West coast road trip that consisted of a valiant — yet unsuccessful late-game rally — a ferry ride, and a come-from-behind victory sparked by an Argentinean, the Rockets finally return to the friendly confines of the Toyota Center for their first regular season home game.

And in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers — an opponent who lost all five games in the Toyota Center last season — momentum can be built with a Rockets’ win tonight with upcoming games against both the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Nevertheless, as the home opener is met on the same day as the most appropriate day to wear a costume, with the game’s telecast bound to have allusions to Halloween throughout, it’s appropriate through two games that some of the Rockets’ play has been a pleasant surprise, while plenty of mistakes have been apparent.

Trick

Trevor Ariza’s turnovers: The former Laker has played well (see below), but as one of the league leaders in turnovers per game (5), it’s not the type of way to start his career in Houston. He’s dribbling into traffic, and still seems a bit timid.

Team Defense: In a small sample size, the Rockets — a team in recent years known for its suffocating defense — have struggled in pick-and-roll and in rotations. Too often in both the Golden State and Portland games was the Rockets’ defense allowing uncontested 3-point attempts. It’s understood that the defense should take a hit with the absence of a 7-foot 6-inch force in the middle of the paint, but the interior defense has done relatively well. Yet, with added speed on the perimeter, they have failed to make rudimentary defensive rotations along the perimeter.

The offense: With Luis Scola continuing to develop as the “go-to-guy” in the post, the offense has yet to function without a player who can consistently to take and make the high percentage low post shot. Until that happens, the offense will continue to shoot poorly (under 42% to this point). Too often is the offense going for stretches without making a basket.

Treat

Trevor Ariza’s offense:  Ariza — brought in following his championship run with the Lakers — is tied as the Rockets’ leading scorer at 18.5 ppg. To some (namely me) this may come as a bit of a surprise. He was viewed as a support piece, not as necessarily the headliner. So far he has flourished from beyond the 3-point line (something he began demonstrating in the playoffs), while his mid-range game continues to improve. At this time he isn’t the dynamic scorer that can beat an opponent off the dribble, but works well in the open court, and in the fast break.

Shane Battier: Last year, alongside Yao, Tracy and Ron, the former Duke standout was a supplementary player. He stood in the corner, waited for an uncontested shot, and took it. Now, as one of the team’s captains, Battier has begun to assert himself on both ends of the court. On offense, he’s aggressively pursuing his own shot, posting up, and driving to the basket. While on the defense, he’s flying around the court, deflecting passes, and guarding the opponent’s top scorer. Truly one of a kind.

The Rockets’ tendency for forcing turnovers: Led by Chuck Hayes with three steals per game, the Rockets lead the NBA in forcing turnovers (21 per game). And as they continue to make strides on the defensive end, their propensity in forcing mistakes can go a long way to circumventing poor shooting, and lapses on the defensive end.