Carmelo Anthony apologized to the Rockets bench as he trotted down the court after taking — and making — a long-range two-pointer. The Rockets are known under GM Daryl Morey for their analytical approach, which emphasizes threes and layups.

So is this a sign that Carmelo is buying into the culture in Houston in exchange for a championship? Paul Pierce thinks he will have no problem fitting in down in Texas.

“Melo wants to win a championship, obviously,” Pierce said. “He’s going to buy into the culture. He’s around guys he respects. Not that he wasn’t last year with guys like (Russell Westbrook) and Paul George, but Chris Paul and him — we already know the history with them — and then James Harden is the reigning MVP.”