Fast-starting Rockets try to blitz woeful Nets

HOUSTON -- It marked another blistering start in a young season full of them for the Rockets, a burst from the starting gate that both propelled Houston to victory and put its opponent in a hole that proved impossible to escape from.

The Rockets attempted to blitz another foe when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.

Even on the second night of a back-to-back the Rockets (17-7) found the energy to muster a 36-point first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night, a surge strong enough to carry them through lulls in the second and third periods en route to a 109-87 home victory.

Houston has made a habit of fast starts and paces the NBA in first-quarter scoring at 31.5 points per game, nearly a full point ahead of the Cavaliers who rank second averaging 30.8 points in the first quarter this season.

"We played well in the first quarter," said Rockets reserve guard Eric Gordon, who tallied six points in six minutes off the bench in the opening period. "I think teams are trying to figure us out. We score a lot in the first quarter.

"With James (Harden) being the point guard, it's always going to be trouble for the other team."

Harden played the entire first quarter against Dallas and posted 13 points (on 3-of-4 shooting) and seven assists to lead the Rockets on their opening kick. In nine home games this season Harden is averaging 11.4 points (on 67.4 percent shooting) and 3.7 assists in the first period.

Setting such a blistering early pace has enabled the Rockets to weather all variations of opposing storms, and that consistent first-quarter production is behind their fast start out of the gate.

"Yeah, we're starting to find (balance). We're getting better but we're still not where we want to be," Harden said. "Especially in the first quarter. We want to get off to a really good start."

The Nets (6-16) dropped to 1-9 on the road with their 130-101 loss in San Antonio on Saturday night. They continue to trudge on without guard Jeremy Lin, who has been sidelined for 17 games with a left hamstring strain. The Nets have missed 50 games due to injury this season.

Lin was off to a solid start in Brooklyn, averaging 15.0 points and 6.2 assists over five games before being sidelined. He returned to practice late last week but the Nets have not set a date for his return, choosing instead to follow a cautious path.

"I wanted to come back as early as I can obviously but we're taking a healthier approach in terms of making sure that this won't bother me again," Lin said. "Sometimes that takes a little bit longer.

"I really appreciate this staff and what they've done to try to help me in terms of everything."

While showcasing patience, Brooklyn also needs the reinforcements. The Nets have dropped 11 of 13 and are struggling mightily to pair their hastened style of play with any semblance of defensive functionality. Brooklyn leads the NBA in pace at 101.6 possessions per 48 minutes and ranks 29th in defensive rating at 112.1 points allowed per 100 possessions.