Expect stronger Rockets

James Harden scored 23 points and Chris Paul and Clint Capela had double-doubles as Houston cruised at Memphis, 121-103, in an NBA preseason game over the weekend.

Paul had 14 points and 11 assists and Capela 12 points with 13 rebounds. Seven players scored in double figures for Houston, which made 20 of 47 3-pointers.

In the Philippines, sports apparel giant Adidas has released the newest signature sneaker of Harden, the reigning league Most Valuable Player.

Putting emphasis on balance, stability and traction, the Harden Vol. 3 is designed to suit Harden’s game that relies on quick and sudden movement.

“This shoe means a lot to me,” said Harden. “Our challenge is to come back and [get] better every year, and I really think we’ve been doing that.”

Adidas Philippines unveiled the Harden Vol. 3 in a trial run that involved select cagers, including Chris Tiu of Rain or Shine, Ginebra forwards Kevin Ferrer and Aljon Mariano, University of the Philippines’ Bright Akhuetie and Diego Dario and Kobe Paras.  —AP, CEDELF P. TUPAS