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Houston Rockets Too Much for Young Sixers – Player Grades

By Andre Cantalogo

Mar 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) controls the ball as Philadelphia 76ers guard Isaiah Canaan (0) defends during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) controls the ball as Philadelphia 76ers guard Isaiah Canaan (0) defends during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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After last Sunday’s great exhibition against the Raptors, the Houston Rockets continued their Eastern Conference road trip. But this time facing a much gentler challenge, NBA’s lowest record team: Philadelphia 76ers.

Even with the Sixers still feeling the absence of offensive powerhouse rookie Jahlil Okafor, the Rockets once again started the game cold and let their adversaries command the score in the first quarter.

Nevertheless, despite Houston Rockets slow start, the immense talent gap between both teams became clear as time went by. Once the Texan team took the lead they did not let go, interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff could even give their bench players some run throughout the game.

K.J. McDaniels was one of the players that took advantage of his playing time and had a solid performance as the Rockets cruised to their 32nd win and are once again at .500.

169. 104. 93. . 118

Rockets Player Grades

B+. Trevor Ariza has now the longest active streak in the NBA with 13 consecutive games registering 2 or more steals. That’s incredible. And despite that Ariza is still only the third in the league in steals per game. There’s still time and with Ariza’s awareness I feel he can also <em>steal</em> the number one spot by the end of the season. He is so good and effective creating fast breaks and second chances that I honestly don’t care too much about his offensive performance – as long as he could knock down some corner three-point shots: which he did. 15 points, 3 assists, 2 steals for Ariza.. SF. Houston Rockets. TREVOR ARIZA

DONATAS MOTIEJUNAS. F. The Lithuanian big man didn’t have a good game. He picked up two quick fouls and had to be replaced. He didn’t play much in the first half and didn’t have any impact or effect tonight. It was unfortunate as <a href=. PF-C. Houston Rockets

B+. <a href=. C. Houston Rockets. DWIGHT HOWARD

B. James Harden was nothing special. He had a lot of points but was having trouble connecting his shots – specifically from the three-point line where he was 0-for-8. A bunch of turnovers, fouls and missed layups justifies my lower grade to him. 29 points, 8 assists, 9 rebounds,. SG. Houston Rockets. JAMES HARDEN

Houston Rockets. PATRICK BEVERLEY. B+. <a href=. PG

 

Best Reserve

A. Finally! Ever since the preseason games, Houston Rockets fans have been patiently waiting for <a href=. SF. Houston Rockets. KJ MCDANIELS

Best Opponent:

C. Philadelphia Sixers. NERLENS NOEL. A. I Like Nerlens Noel. He still needs to bulk up a little, but he might become a classic center in due time. Sixers puzzling draft strategy is what dazzles me. They keep drafting so many big men they might end up having to deal one as soon as Joel Embiid returns. Noel is by far the safest bet in my opinion. His development in his two years on the NBA is remarkable. He is learning how to shoot better and I feel he can still add the long shot to his game. Noel did extremely well against Dwight Howard tonight, knocking down hook shots along with easy dunks. 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals.  

Next: On Harden's Defense

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