Rockets fall short in pre-season
Steve Francis' homecoming wasn't quite as one would want it. The Rockets fell in pre-season to the new Trail-Blazers with new face Greg Oden. Francis had 15 4th quarter points which took the Rockets who were at one point down by 27 to 10 points with just over 2 minutes to play.
Houston was badly outboarded with newcomer Greg Oden being a major factor in that.
"That's not something we have to worry about. We had Mutombo and Hayes sitting out this game. Those are our 2 best rebounders." says head coach Rick Adelman.
"The biggest problem of this game was fouls. We were fouling way too much, the next biggest problem was that we weren't hitting from outside. We have a lot of good shooters on the team but tonight wasn't any of their nights." says Rick Adelman
On the brighter side, a rare pre-season sell out crowd welcomed Steve Francis back home.
The Rockets wore their older jerseys, affectionately dubbed as 'pajamas' to this game in Francis' return.
"It's great to be back. The fans all accept me, it's just great." says Steve Francis.
The Rockets will open up their season against the Los Angeles Lakers where Tracy McGrady will go head to head with Kobe Bryant.
McGrady soars in for the slam.
Just like old times, Steve Francis opens up the game with an alley oop to Yao.
Francis shows he hasn't lost a touch.
One of Blake's many fouls drawn.