Houston Rockets Beat Grizzlies and Extend Win Streak: Player Grades

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Houston Rockets. DWIGHT HOWARD. A. Perhaps it was the match up with the so call “best defensive center” in the league, but Howard got off to a hot start in Memphis. Neither Gasol nor Randolph could provide kryptonite to slow  Superman down on the first half. However in the second, the ref became Howard’s kryptonite with the ridiculous calls that kept him in foul trouble throughout the game. As of late, Howard has done a great job of not allowing the refs to effect his performance, but tonight was a different story. Hopefully Superman will be back tomorrow night, but overall Howard still had a nice game. 17 points, 14 rebounds.<span style=. C

Houston Rockets. CLINT CAPELA. D+. Tonight was a tough one for the second year forward. Zach Randolph proved to be too much for Capela to handle down low (then again ZBo is notorious for taking all young PF to task). While he could have defended Randolph better, as a student still learning to play at the highest level, there wasn’t much Capela could do. Overall, kudos for never giving up on defense. 1 point, 7 rebounds. . C

SF. Houston Rockets. TREVOR ARIZA. B-. <span style=

B. Don’t let his numbers fool you, James Harden had a tough night in Memphis. Yeah he scored 10 points in the first half, but give credit to the refs for sending him to the line. The bearded one committed a few silly turnovers and fouls that could have been avoided. While his offensive game was in a rut, he did a better job keeping himself engaged while on the floor. There were times where Harden did a solid job defending players which is always a positive. His rotations were better and did a good job contesting shots.  However when the Rockets needed him to step up in the fourth, chef Harden was ready to cook. 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists.. SG. Houston Rockets. JAMES HARDEN

Overall, Beverley had a solid game in Memphis. While he did not have the same impact on offense as the last game, Beverley still managed to score when the Rockets needed him the most. Although it has been fun watching Beverley’s offensive game rise to a new level, it has been frustrating defensively. He could have defended Memphis’ backcourt better than he did. 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists.. PG. Houston Rockets. PATRICK BEVERLEY. C-

A. If it had not been for T-Jones performance in tonight’s games, the Rockets may have came up short. This was one of Jones’ best game of the season. While the Grizzlies focused their defensive attention on Harden and Howard, they had no answer for Jones. 20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals. . PF. Houston Rockets. TERRENCE JONES

Memphis Grizzlies. MARC GASOL. A. Next to Dwight Howard, Marc Gasol is my second favorite big man in the league, and tonight he showed why. Not only did he kill the Rockets in the post, but had a great all around game. At this moment in his career, he is way better than his big brother Pau Gasol of the Chicago Bulls. 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals. . C