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Rockets Turnover Division Lead in Sloppy Game Versus Spurs

By Tamberlyn Richardson

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. 106. 169. 11o. 29

Houston entered their match Sunday facing inter-division rival San Antonio leading the Southwest,  but by night’s end a season high 24- turnovers led to a loss and them dropping behind Memphis again into second and fourth in the West.

San Antonio began the game featuring their 20th different starting line-up in 30 games. For most teams this lack of consistency would result in an automatic loss, but these are the World Champions and one should never discount their ability to rise to an occasion.

While the Rockets showcased great moments specifically on contributions from their bench ultimately turnovers, fouls and a lack of practice time together resulted in the loss.

THE STARTERS

JAMES <STRONG>HARDEN</STRONG>. B. <p>San Antonio did a great job on Harden and while he scored 28-points most of them were earned the hard way. In addition while they made him work they did so for the most part without fouling. The extra pressure the Spurs applied on the ball resulted in nine turnovers by the beard. With less than a minute on the clock and a tie within reach Harden’s final turnover was self induced and virtually handed San Antonio the win.</p><p>Like the true leader he is after the game he shouldered all the blame saying his indecision cost them the win. In truth, it wasn’t his best outing, but given the season he’s had I think we’ll forgive him. Unfortunately there isn’t time to lick wounds as they play Washington Monday, so a quick dust off and refocusing is all there’s time for. </p>. SG. Rockets

PATRICK <STRONG>BEVERLEY</STRONG>. C.  <strong><br /></strong><p>Pat Beverley had the type of night he’s notorious for handing out to his opponent. The Spurs kept him frustrated and got under his skin. So much so that he went after a ref which got him a Tech. Apparently post game he was still trying to go at the refs for the foul he felt was missed. The play which had him so upset was a screen Tiago Splitter set that could easily have been called a moving screen. Beverley was unable to let it pass and spent the rest of the game letting it effect his play. </p>. PG. Rockets

B-.  <strong><br /></strong><p>It wasn’t one Ariza’s best games, but he does such a great job on the defensive end every game it’s hard to harp on him for having an off night. Having witnessed his ability to recover this season I suspect tomorrow vs. Washington we’ll have a better offensive effort. He was a team high +13   </p>. SF. Rockets. TREVOR <STRONG>ARIZA</STRONG>

C+. <div class=. PF. Rockets. JOSH <STRONG>SMITH</STRONG>

We have to remember this is only Smith’s second game and he’s yet to be able to practice with the team. Versus a strong team like San Antonio it was more obvious that he needs time with his new teammates to understand their sets. Unfortunately he won’t have that opportunity yet as the team plays a back to back versus Washington tomorrow.

Of note, while he was lost a few times on the defensive end it’s obvious his size will be an asset moving forward. In addition his ability to drive the paint and send out razor sharp passes to waiting teammates on the perimeter is going to pay huge dividends when the team has more time together to incorporate that talent.

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C+

We have to remember this is only Smith’s second game and he’s yet to be able to practice with the team. Versus a strong team like San Antonio it was more obvious that he needs time with his new teammates to understand their sets. Unfortunately he won’t have that opportunity yet as the team plays a back to back versus Washington tomorrow.

Of note, while he was lost a few times on the defensive end it’s obvious his size will be an asset moving forward. In addition his ability to drive the paint and send out razor sharp passes to waiting teammates on the perimeter is going to pay huge dividends when the team has more time together to incorporate that talent.

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