HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- A day after taking part in his first training camp practice, James Harden made scored 12 points in his preseason debut as the Rockets beat the San Antonio Spurs 112-98 Tuesday night at Toyota Center.
"He was good," Rockets head coach Stephen Silas said. "He's obviously a great player and can do so many things on the floor, on and off the ball. Defensively, he has good hands and makes plays and is smart, so to have him out there was great."
Harden missed the Rockets first two preseason games last weekend in Chicago after reporting late to training camp, which came after he reportedly told the team he'd like to be traded. He participated in Monday's light practice, and Silas said it was good to have him out there in a game setting.
"It seemed like the camaraderie is pretty good, and to have a talented player out there on the floor doesn't hurt anybody. It's an adjustment for some guys, but the more talent you have in the NBA the more games you win."
Harden shot 3-of-10 from the field, 2-of-6 from behind the three-point line, and 4-of-5 from the free throw line in 21 minutes. He was not made available to reporters after the game and hasn't spoken to the media since the Rockets were eliminated from the Western Conference Semifinals by the Los Angeles Lakers on September 12.
