The Houston Rockets defeated the Chicago Bulls 125-104 on Friday night.
After the game, newly-signed Rockets center DeMarcus Cousins delivered a not-so-subtle message to disgruntled team star James Harden: you’ve got some legit help this year.
“It’s a fun offense to be a part of,” he said. “Everybody gets to touch the ball. Everybody’s involved.”
Cousins didn’t stop there, though.
“If you were watching the game, you could see the energy. It was a good vibe.”
Harden was forced to miss Friday’s outing after showing up late for Rockets training camp. He must have six straight negative COVID-19 tests before the league will clear him to practice or play with the team.
Yikes Klay. https://t.co/xh2s7olPJs
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 12, 2020
The former MVP was engaged in something of a holdout for a few weeks in hopes that Houston would oblige his trade request and send him elsewhere. Thus far, it looks like team brass is refusing to comply.
Over the offseason the Rockets went out and acquired John Wall in a trade with the Washington Wizards and signed Cousins in free agency.
“I think it was a good showing, whoever’s watching, whoever’s interested,” Cousins said after the Bulls game. “It shows that it’s still a really good team here, regardless of the circumstances floating around the team right now.”
Travis Scott sent Kyrie a little gift. https://t.co/eUPJ3B8lNp
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 12, 2020
Cousins finished with 14 points and five rebounds in 15 minutes of action against Chicago, while Wall chipped in 13 points, five rebounds, and nine assists in 19 minutes.
“We’re not rolling over because a few pieces are missing. We’re going to go out and perform. Hopefully those pieces join us and we continue to improve as a team,” Cousins added.
Rockets head coach Stephen Silas echoed Cousins’ thoughts, and admitted that he liked what he saw from his two new players.
Actions have consequences. https://t.co/5I71xkLToo
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 11, 2020
“It’s step by step with those guys,” he said.
“We really didn’t know what to expect when those guys walked through the door, both of them coming off of injuries. They both played very well tonight. They both looked really good. They were fun. Hopefully, this is something we can build off of, but it’s a day-by-day thing.”
Will Cousins’ message ultimately resonate with Harden? Time will tell.
Related: Kyrie Irving Gets Very Special Gift From Travis Scott (Photo)
Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
