By Josh Cohen July 7, 2013
ORLANDO -- Just two days after learning that Dwight Howard would bolt Hollywood for Space City, the Rockets youngsters offered even more excitement to the fans in Houston.
Behind 24 points and 12 rebounds from Terrence Jones, the Rockets cruised past the Sixers, 88-80, in the opener of the 2013 Southwest Orlando Pro Summer League on Sunday.
The Rockets also got major contributions from two other standouts from last season’s playoff campaign.
Patrick Beverley, who played in 41 games last regular season and started in five of the six playoff games for Houston against Oklahoma City, pitched in 10 points and six assists, while Greg Smith added eight points and six rebounds.
Houston led by double figures for most of the game, though Philadelphia’s prized draft pick, Michael Carter-Williams, kept the Sixers hanging around. Carter-Williams posted a game-high 26 points and dished out eight assists. He did commit nine turnovers, a weakness of his during his time at Syracuse.
Up next for the Rockets is a matchup against the Jazz on Tuesday, while the Sixers return to the practice court of Amway Center on Monday when they clash with the Pacers.