Jan. 1, 2008, 11:53PM
ROCKETS SUMMARY
By MOISEKAPENDA BOWER
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Novak steps up
For the first time since his recent recall from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League, Rockets forward Steve Novak got off the bench, pairing eight points with five rebounds in 18 minutes in Monday's 112-95 loss to Golden State.
"It felt great to be back out there," Novak said. "The big step for me was going to the D-League, playing in game situations, being back out there on the floor, and playing long stretches like I hadn't all of last year. That was great for me, and I felt good out there."
Novak, 6-10, averaged just 5.5 minutes while playing in 35 games as a rookie last season and was assigned to Rio Grand Valley at the end of training camp this season.
Novak sank two 3-pointers against the Warriors and has the potential to provide the Rockets perimeter scoring as they wait for Tracy McGrady to recover from a sore left knee.
"You can't make shots and you can't win games when you're sitting on the bench," Novak said. "So for me, it definitely felt good to get out there and make a couple (shots)."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/5418044.html