Monta Ellis tied a career high with 46 points Wednesday night and the host Golden State Warriors earned a 132-128 victory over the Houston Rockets in a successful debut for coach Keith Smart.

Ellis scored 27 points in the first half and shot 18-for-24 overall. Backcourt mate Stephen Curry had 25 points and 11 assists.

Houston's Luis Scola had 36 points and 16 rebounds. Teammate Kevin Martin scored 28 points, including 17-of-17 from the line.

In addition to a new coach in Smart - a Golden State assistant the past seven seasons who took over in September after Don Nelson was forced out - the Warriors sported a new logo on their uniforms.

They also controlled the backboards, holding a 45-36 edge. Newcomer David Lee had 17 points and 15 rebounds and Andris Biedrins swept 11 boards.

Houston had a huge edge at the free-throw line, going 42-of-52 to Golden State’s 22-of-26.

The Rockets played without center Yao Ming, who played in Tuesday's season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and will be limited throughout the season as he recovers from foot surgery.