I’ve wondered for years if elite shooters like Kevin Durant even see or notice defenders when they take jump shots or if they only see the basket. I asked KD about that after the game “Sometimes when I lose focus I look at my defender and look for a split second back at the rim and I miss. I try to stay conscious no matter what keep my eye on the rim stay with my fundamentals.”

The Rockets had 32 assists tonight and I asked KD how much easier dies it make it on everyone when the ball is moving like that.

Here KD talks about how it was being on the court with Fred for the first time. “It was amazing just his calming force.” Went on to say it makes his life easier.

The Rockets ran a inverted pick and roll a few times tonight with Fred and AlP that led to points. I asked Fred about the chemistry between him and Sengun. “It really was natural from the first time we did it. Its some chemistry that yo have with players where it doesn't take all that back and forth to figure it out he's a great player he knows how to make the reads.”

CJ Stroud and Foster Moreau in the building

Jabari said this season he was going to be alot more aggressive and that's exactly what he is doing. 20 points on 7-12 shooting

That inverted pick and roll with AlP and Fred is going to be a big part of the Rockets' offensive game plan this season

The last time the Rockets won opening night was against KD and the Warriors 9 years ago

Rockets up 70-38 at the half. Looking for their first season opening win since the 2017-18 season

Only negative so far is five miss free throws but hard to complain when you are up 30

Another thing that stood out to me so far is that Marcus takes some of the on-ball defensive pressure off Amen so he isn't the only above average/elite perimiter defender.

Rockets are swarming the Mavericks who already have 13 turnovers compared to only 6 for the Rockets.

Are you having fun yet, Rocket fans. Rockets up 27. Of course, this is the NBA no lead is safe

The think you have to like about Marcus Smart is he is not going to settle for bad shots. He is goign to put pressure on the basket

Bogdan is such an underrated signing this offseason

Ime said all offseason that he wanted them to push the pace, and so far, that's exactly what they have been doing so far

Wow, I have seen a lot more than that; not called a flagrant 2. Eason has been ejected less than a quarter

Mavs are doing whatever they can to get Reed on Kyrie

So far it seems a lot easier for KD in gsme 1 he doesn't have to be the first person to initiate the offense nearly as much.

Something that we may see more this season as the Rockets go with Jabari at center to have shooting at all 5 spots