Houston Rockets: Grading Chandler Parsons’ Performance Against The Grizzlies

By Bryson Jones
facebooktwitterreddit

The Houston Rockets went into Monday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies looking to go 10-5 in the still young NBA season.  While they started the game off to their usual selves (turning the ball over 11 times before the end of the first half) they finished even stronger.  After being down by 12 points to the Grizzlies at half time, the Rockets faced an all too familiar territory.  Going into last night’s game, the Grizzlies were 4-0 when leading after halftime and the Rockets just 1-3 when trailing after halftime.

Nov 25, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Houston Rockets small forward Chandler Parsons (25) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies small forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

However, Chandler Parsons showed up in the 4th quarter, as well as Houston’s bench to not only come back on the Grizzlies, but close the door on them as well.  Parsons finished with 17 points on 8 for 9 shooting, and 1 for 2 from behind the 3-point line.  His biggest field goal however, was the corner 3 he made to seemingly put the dagger in the Grizzlies and seal the W.

Parsons, since the beginning of this season, has been the most consistent player on the Rockets.  While he’s only shooting 31 percent from three, he’s still averaging 16.7 points per game.  That’s is big for Parsons because not only is the Rockets offense predicated from 3 point land, but also in his contract year, he’s been everything but a disappointment.

While the season is still young, and many teams haven’t even gotten their 2nd wind yet, Parsons (and the Rockets) have gotten off to a great start.  If this continues, or better yet, if Chandler breaks out of his slump from 3-point land, the Rockets will become a force throughout the regular season.  With James Harden being out last night, and Dwight Howard not playing the entire 4th quarter, the team showed that they can not only compete, but win as well.

Grade: A-

facebooktwitterreddit