No James Harden? No problem. Rockets Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik recorded double doubles in the 111-103 win against the Orlando Magic Monday night.
Lin finished with 18 points and 11 assists, while Asik chipped in 22 point and 18 rebounds.
Both young players in their first season with the Rockets with All-Star James Harden are going to be tough come playoff time.
As for the Magic, they found themselves in a heap of trouble from jump street, falling behind 32-14 after one quarter.
Maurice Harkless led Orlando with 28 points and 6 rebounds.
“I played ok, but its about getting the win and we didn’t do that,” Harkless said of his career high 28 points.
The Magic who trailed the entire game by double digits cut the deficit to within 6 points late in the fourth quarter but it was too late.
“We came out slow and with no energy, can’t afford to do that,” Magic Head coach Jacque Vaughn said.
Orlando isn’t playing well but are showing a ton of heart with this young group. The veteran leadership of Jameer Nelson has been huge.
It’s not easy to lose almost your entire roster in one offseason and rebound, but Coach Vaughn is teaching this group resolve.
“They have to learn, to be a great player and team; sometimes you have to experience hardships and that’s what this is,” Vaughn said.
The Magic’s next game is Wednesday in San Antonio against the Spurs, tip off set for 830pm.
