When he was through for the night after three quarters, he had 10 points and nine rebounds in 22 minutes.

"Anyway, it's just a first preseason match. We have time to deal with all the problems. We will play much better basketball match after this match."

For the Rockets, the most encouraging sign, perhaps, was the energetic and effective play of Carl Landry, the last player added to the Rockets roster when they matched the offer sheet he signed with the Charlotte Bobcats days before the start of training camp.

Landry led the Rockets with 18 points, making 7 of 12 shots in 23 minutes.

While much of his scoring was reminiscent of his mid-season run last season, with Landry finishing inside and often above the rim, he also hit four jumpers.

Based on the pivotal lineup from last season and with the major signing of Ron Artest, more can be expected in the new season from Houston, which has been unable to advance into the second round of the playoffs since Yao joined as the top pick in the 2002 draft.

Artest, who played for Rockets head coach Rick Adelman in Sacramento when Adelman was the Kings head coach, proved he has the ability to deliver more, as he gave the Rockets a much needed early offensive lift, scoring 12 of his 15 points in the first quarter.

Though making just one of five shots in the second half, four of 12 overall, Artest insisted he will improve and unite with the team soon.

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