Houston Rockets remain 8th with win vs NOP – Player Grades

169. 95. 69. . 100

C. Houston Rockets. DWIGHT HOWARD. B-.  Dwight Howard had a solid night against the Pelicans. I was hoping to see Howard demolish another great defensive center in Kendrick Perkins with his offensive game. Unfortunately, his teammates did not give him many touches. However, his defense in the second half played a big factor in the Rockets win. As well as another huge night cleaning the glass. 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 blocks.

DONATAS MOTIEJUNAS. D. Perhaps, I am the only one that feels this way, but Bickerstaff should not have added Motiejunas in the starting lineup. Especially with their playoff birth in jeopardy. I am not taking anything away from D-Mo, but this game proved he still has a way to go. 7 points, 3 rebounds.. PF-C. Houston Rockets

B. Perhaps Ariza has stopped caring about offense and is giving his all on defense. Ariza did not make much of an impact offensively, but he was incredible on defense. Against a guy who just score 59 points last Sunday, Ariza did a great job slowing Anthony Davis down. He limited Davis to six points on 3 of 8 shooting. Unfortunately, his night was interrupted by an ankle injury, but Ariza did not let that stopped him. The status of his injury is unsure at the moment. 6 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals.. SF. Houston Rockets. TREVOR ARIZA

A+. Chef Harden was cooking in the kitchen yet again. Unfortunately, his teammates did not show up for dinner until late. From the opening tip, James Harden was the only Rocket came ready to play. During their dreadful first half, the bearded one had 19 points and 4 assists. In the second half, it was more of the same. Everyone just standing around watching Harden go one on five. James Harden played his heart out tonight 39 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals.. SG. Houston Rockets. JAMES HARDEN

B. The fact that he allowed Pelicans’ guard Norris Cole to score 18 points in the first half. I no longer consider Patrick Beverley a defensive stud. His play on the defensive end was horrendous. If he cannot stop Cole from scoring, what makes you think the Rockets have any chance of competing against Russell Westbrook and Stephen Curry. Thankfully his offense was one point tonight to cover up for his mistake on defense. As well as his rebounding. 15 points, 9 rebounds.. PG. Houston Rockets. PATRICK BEVERLEY

Houston Rockets. COREY BREWER. C. This will sound repetitive. On a quiet night from their second unit, Brewer was the most effective player off the bench for the Rockets. 9 points 4 rebounds.<span style=. SG

A. Well this is a surprise! Heading into the game, like many Rockets fans I thought their player of the game would be Anthony Davis. Thanks to the awful  defense played by Beverley, Norris Cole had one of his best games of the season. Too bad the Rockets could not pick him up to help out their bench. 21 points, 8 assists.. PG. New Orleans Pelicans. NORRIS COLE