The new-look Houston Rockets proved to be in mid-season shape, putting up 131 points against the Memphis Grizzlies in their first preseason game with new acquisition Carmelo Anthony, who shined in his Clutch City debut. The perennial scorer put up 13 points in an efficient 4-of-8 shooting from the floor in 23 minutes, encouraged by how he fit with this Rockets offense.

“It was just a natural fit,” said Carmelo Anthony, according to Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. “Sometimes you can try too hard to fit in and get things done. It was just a natural fit. That comes from training camp and the time we put in and everybody feeling comfortable out there with what we have to do.”

Anthony found his spots on the floor comfortably, almost seamlessly, which longtime friend Chris Paul quarterbacked with ease.

“It’s a feel for the game,” Anthony said. “It’s understanding who you’re out there with on the court, understanding what they do in their game and them understanding what I do out on the court. It’s game recognition. We’re only going to get better at that.”

Clearly Melo feels he's now got the rapport he lacked with Russell Westbrook and Paul George in Oklahoma City, after being traded merely days before the start of the preseason.

With a full offseason in his hands, Anthony was able to bond with his new teammates with several pick-up runs alongside Paul and James Harden, as well as a bonding trip to the Bahamas, further reinforcing the chemistry with his new teammates.

Anthony got the start at power forward after likely-starter P.J. Tucker was out with an injury, owner of the second-highest plus-minus of the starting lineup after Paul's ridiculous plus-21 through 26 minutes. Not a bad start at all.

As for the Grizzlies, they have a solid combination of vets and youth for this season.