Houston Rockets Annihilate Knicks – Player Grades and Summary

Nov 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) controls the ball against New York Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee (5) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets completely annihilate Knicks on their home floor. The Rockets improve to 1-1 on their five-game road trip.

Following a hard fought loss against the world champs, the Houston Rockets rolled into Madison Square Garden, Wednesday, the second stop of their five-game road trip.

The Rockets did not have time to enjoy the bright lights of Broadway, coming off the first half of their back-to-back. While in the Mecca of basketball, Houston got their first look at the revamped New York Knicks.

Houston got off to a blazing hot start behind a combined 23 points by James Harden and Ryan Anderson. They were able to jump out to a 12 point lead, but the Knicks battled back to close the gap within five, behind 2011 MVP Derrick Rose.

Unfortunately for the Knicks, they had no answer for Harden who lit Madison Square Garden up with 18 first half points. With their offense performing at their best, the Rockets led the Knicks 68-51 by halftime.

During the second half, Houston continued to click on all cylinders as they annihilated the Knicks on their home floor. After their 19 point win, the Rockets extended their winning streak to seven in the Big Apple.

Next: Rockets Starters Player Grades

Nov 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) drives past New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose (25) and New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets Starting 5 Player Grades:

Next: Best Rockets Reserve, Best Opponent

Nov 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is fouled as he shoots by Houston Rockets small forward Trevor Ariza (1) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Best Reserve:

Best Opponent:

During the game in our chat room I called the Dekker mishap citing it as a likely Shaqtin-A-Fool Candidate and sure enough the YouTube folks agreed.

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Next up for the Houston Rockets they travel to Atlanta to face former Rockets big man Dwight Howard. The game is at 6:30PM CT/7:30PM ET Saturday, November 5, 2016.

Next: SCS Film Room - 3 lessons (with video break down) from loss in Cleveland

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