New Rockets head coach Stephen Silas received the game ball after Thursday’s home win (box score) over the Sacramento Kings, which represents the first of the 2020-21 regular season for Houston.
That also makes it the first of Silas’ career with the Rockets, and as a permanent NBA head coach. While Silas had won games previously in a temporary “head coach” capacity due to an absence, the victory on New Year’s Eve was his first on a team that was formally his.
“After the game, the team gave me the game ball, so I’ll keep that,” said Silas, who noted that John Wall presented him with the ball. “That’ll be one to remember, hopefully one of many. I’ll cherish it.”
The #Rockets, led by John Wall, gave Stephen Silas the game ball for his first win as Houston’s head coach. pic.twitter.com/ct08xQWX5y
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 1, 2021
It was quite a gesture by Wall, a five-time All-Star who made a triumphant return to the NBA after more than two years off due to injury. Even though Wall played well Thursday with 22 points and a team-high nine assists, he deferred to the first-time head coach in Silas.
“I definitely wanted to keep it, but it was coach’s first win,” Wall said. “I think he deserved it. I got the opportunity to keep my jersey.”
Fellow All-Star guard James Harden led the Rockets in Thursday’s win with 33 points and a dominant closing run. Like Wall, Harden saluted his new head coach in his postgame comments.
“He’s been doing it at a high level [as an assistant] for a very long time,” Harden said. “Obviously, this year is his first year as a head coach. We had a lot of pressure on him, 0-2 the first two games. We’re happy for him to get his first win. Now let’s see how many more we can get.”
James Harden on the #Rockets players giving Stephen Silas the game ball: “We had a lot of pressure on him, 0-2 the first two games. Just happy for him to get his first win. Now let’s see how many more we can get.” pic.twitter.com/fXmgab1gqB
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 1, 2021
Silas and the Rockets (1-2) will look to keep the positive vibes rolling in Saturday’s rematch with the Kings (3-2) from Toyota Center in downtown Houston. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Central.
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Harden praised Coach Silas for putting him in positions to be effective without having the ball in his hands at all times.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) January 1, 2021
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