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James Harden Ignites for 46 in Houston Rockets Victory – Player Grades

By Coty Davis

Feb 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) high fives Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) high fives Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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 It’s never over until it’s over! – – Houston Rockets come back from 20 down to beat Blazers

Following an overtime heart breaker to the Utah Jazz, the Houston Rockets (29-29) got a much-needed win, Thursday, against the Portland Trail Blazers (30-28). Down by 21 points during the first half, it seemed like the Trail Blazers were ready for another blowout win against the Rockets.

However, in the second half, Houston lived up to their nickname as Clutch City! James Harden and Dwight Howard carried the load on offense, while Trevor Ariza and Corey Brewer became their defensive stoppers

The Rockets have now concluded their five-game West Coast road trip, in which they went 2-4. Although it will be nice to see the Rockets return to Clutch City Saturday, it will not get any easier, as they welcome the relentless San Antonio Spurs to the Toyota Center.

Rockets Player Grades

A. When you feed your big man the ball, great things tend to happen for your team! Playing against the Blazers has always brought the best out of Dwight Howard, and tonight was no different. Howard was effective on both ends of the floor. He not only dominated on offense but played a solid defensive game. 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks.. C. Houston Rockets. DWIGHT HOWARD

F. Fans were excited to bring Josh Smith back Because??? This was one of his worst games in a Rockets uniform ever! 4 points. . PF. Houston Rockets. JOSH SMITH

In a game where Houston needed his offensive abilities, Ariza was non-existent. However, in the second half, he made an incredible impact on the defensive end. One of his best all-around games of the season. 6 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals.. SF. Houston Rockets. TREVOR ARIZA. B-

A+. After one of his best scoring night against the Jazz, the beard had another sensational game against the Blazers! It was a tale of two halves for James Harden. In the first 24 minutes, it was a quiet night. He struggled to take care of the ball, and the Blazers’ defense made it tough to put the ball in the basket. However, the second half Harden turned the heat up in the kitchen. Playing more of a mid-range game, he scored 15 third quarter points and became Houston’s primary play maker. It was more of the same for Harden in the fourth as he scored 19.MVP! MVP! MVP! 46 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 45 miuntes.. SG. Houston Rockets. JAMES HARDEN

B. Overall, Beverley had a good game in Portland. With the tough task of guarding Damian Lillard, Beverly was effective on both ends of the court. Great game Beverley. 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals.. PG. Houston Rockets. PATRICK BEVERLEY

Best Reserve

B+. If I could hand out the Defensive Player of the Year Award tonight, Corey Brewer would be the winner! His second half defense on CJ McCollum played a big factor in the Rockets comeback victory. 10 points.. SG. Houston Rockets. COREY BREWER

Best Opponent:

B-. Well this isn’t a surprise to Rockets fans. Thanks to the solid defense from Beverley and Ariza, Lillard was held under 30 points for the first time in five games. However, it was still a solid game from one of the league’s best guards.. PG. Portland Trail Blazers. DAMIAN LILLARD

Next: Can't the stars just get along?

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