Houston Rockets Dethrone Kings in Annihilation- Player Grades

Dec 14, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after making a three-point basket during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets earn their eighth straight victory over the Kings behind James Harden’s triple-double night.

84. . 132. 169. 98

Following a narrow victory over the Brooklyn Nets, the Houston Rockets cruised to their eighth consecutive win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday at the Toyota Center. Against a Kings team who played without DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay, it is no surprise that the Rockets obliterated Sacramento in Houston.

The Rockets came out and manhandled the Kings early. Houston shot 65.0 % percent from the field to build a 36-25 lead after the first quarter. As they clicked on all cylinders on offense, the Rockets played one of their best defense quarters of the season. Houston only gave up 25 points and held the Kings to 35.5 % percent shooting from the field.

And after outscoring Sacramento 28-18 in the second quarter, the Rockets led 64-43 at halftime.

Although the Kings tried to make a run of their own early in the third, Sacramento never made it a competitive game.

During the second half, the Rockets continued their hot scoring and cruised to their easiest win of the season. Not only did Houston annihilate the Kings, but set a team record for most threes in a game with 23.

Next: Starting frontcourt grades

Dec 14, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) dribbles the ball as Sacramento Kings guard Garrett Temple (17) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets Starting Frontcourt

Houston Rockets. CLINT CAPELA. A. Much more productive than Monday night, it was a great performance from the future all-star. With no DeMarcus Cousins to battle down low, Capela had a field day scoring against the Kings. One of his best offensive games of the season. 14 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block. Plus/Minus (+4). C

RYAN ANDERSON. A. Much like Capela, Ryan Anderson had a field day scoring without battling DeMarcus Cousins down in the low post. He had a great night shooting the ball, perhaps his best of the season. With fingers crossed, let us hope that Anderson’s shooting can become more consistent. 22 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assists, Plus/Minus (+25). PF. Houston Rockets

Since there was no need to defend one the NBA’s top perimeter players in Rudy Gay, Trevor Ariza had a great night on the offensive end. And one could argue that this was his most efficient night from the field. Overall, another great game for the Ironman. 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, Plus/Minus (+24). SF. Houston Rockets. TREVOR ARIZA. A

Next: Starting backcourt grades

Dec 14, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) attempts to drive the ball past Sacramento Kings guard Garrett Temple (17) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets Starting Backcourt

A. Much like his teammates, it was another productive game for Patrick Beverley. He had a well-rounded game on both ends of the floor. As well as showing that he can also be a playmaker on the floor alongside James Harden. 10 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, Plus/Minus (+31). SG. Houston Rockets. PATRICK BEVERLEY

A+. What is there left to say about James Harden? Even on a quiet night where he only scored 15 points, it was still an exploding performance coming from The Beard. With his 14th career triple-double, James Harden tied Hakeem Olajuwon for most in Rockets history. 15 points 14 assists, 11 rebounds, Plus/Minus (+29). PG. Houston Rockets. JAMES HARDEN

Next: Best bench player/best opponent

Dec 14, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Garrett Temple (17) scores a basket as Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Best Bench/Opponent

A. It was a solid performance for the Rockets’ bench as a whole. However, Sam Dekker stood out the most. While on the floor, Dekker provided the Rockets with a consistent scorer and rebounder in the low post. 19 points, 7 rebounds, Plus/Minus (+9). SF. Houston Rockets. SAM DEKKER

For Kings fans, there was not much to cheer for. Thankfully, Garrett Temple gave the people of Sacramento something nice to see. Throughout the full 48 minutes, Temple was the only player who came ready to play a competitive game. 20 points, Plus/Minus (-21). SG. Sacramento Kings.. GARRETT TEMPLE. B

Up next for the Houston Rockets, they will take their eight-game winning streak against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Next: Quarter Season Awards: James Harden for MVP

Enjoy the season Red Nation and be sure to stay connected with Space City Scoop as our amazing team of writers keep you abreast of all things Houston Rockets.

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