Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) reacts after a foul call against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Rockets entered the game in Atlanta on 2 full days rest, but their lack of defensive effort ultimately cost them the win versus their former center Dwight Howard and his Hawks.
In what was billed as the offensive juggernaut Houston Rockets versus the defensive minded Atlanta Hawks the game did not live up to that billing. At least in terms of the defensive part of the game. Atlanta allowed 59 first half points and the Rockets to shoot 48.8% from the field (42.1% from deep).
Ultimately this loss either goes on the team for not playing any defense or on D’Antoni for:
a) not pushing the pace right from the start to tire out the Hawks who played last night or
b) not driving the paint to get Howard and Millsap in foul trouble
I know it’s the Rockets identity to shoot threes, but this became almost like an exercise in jacking them up repeatedly regardless of whether they were the best option. In all the Rockets hoisted up 34 three point attempts and though they were successful in the first half (9 of 20) the second half it proved to be a far less useful tool as they hit only 3 of their next 16.
Perhaps it was unfair to expect the Rockets to garner this victory just because the Hawks were playing on a back to back. But, since the Hawks chose not to defend at all in the first half why not try something novel and be the team who does.
Here’s your player grades for the night:
Next: The Beard falls just short of a triple - double
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Tough night at the office
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) drives on Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 112-97. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Chasing the rabbit
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Next: The one-way player
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) reaches for a loose ball past forward Paul Millsap (4) and Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) and forward Ryan Anderson (3) in the first half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 112-97. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps he’ll come around when he understands the defense better and I’m sure there will be nights when he absolutely lights teams up, but until he provides at least a modicum of defense the starting unit will have a hard time defending. 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 turnovers.
" >
F
If it weren’t for his early threes and scoring he would have got an Z. I mean if I knew enough to say D’Antoni shouldn’t put him on Paul Millsap then shouldn’t D’Antoni? Six of the Hawks first nine points came from Millsap courtesy of no defense from Ryno. Brutal, absolutely brutal defense. Factor in Anderson had only 2 rebounds and that pretty much sums up his output. Yes he hit 4 three pointers but all in the first half.
And, if you think I’m being too hard on Anderson, I call you to check out the picture above and note how he’s standing watching the play – a frequent stance of his on defense.
Perhaps he’ll come around when he understands the defense better and I’m sure there will be nights when he absolutely lights teams up, but until he provides at least a modicum of defense the starting unit will have a hard time defending. 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 turnovers.
Next: Master versus Student
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) grabs the ball from Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Next: 'The Block'
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) fouls Houston Rockets guard K.J. McDaniels (32) in the first half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 112-97. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Next: The Sophomores
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Montrezl Harrell (5) and guard James Harden (13) box out Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 112-97. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Next: He played?
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) reacts after a foul call against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Nene
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) is defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
" >
C+
After a game night off and several nights of rest the big man looked somewhat rejuvenated and was the first guy on the court to turn the tide on the boards. His 4 offensive rebounds stood out.
He wasn’t particularly successful on the offensive end, but he did manage to halt both Millsap and Howard while he was pitted against them. 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block in 12 minutes. Not sure why his minutes were limited to 12 unless there is an injury we aren’t aware of. Also, he was far more successful on defense than his plus/minus (-8) reflects.
Next: Old school point
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Malcolm Delaney (5) shoots a layup against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Closing Thoughts
Nov 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
In the end the game was a winnable affair that was lost by poor execution and a bad game plan. Why D’Antoni chose to not utilize the paint as an option was beyond me. Ever intelligent Mike Budenholzer adjusted at the half to defend the perimeter. So, when the three’s stopped falling it’s also a mystery why D’Antoni didn’t expect it, or make Houston’s own adjustment.
Ultimately Howard once again got the better of his old team in their first meeting just like he did versus the Magic and Lakers. we’ll see if that’s the case in February when he travels with his Hawks to the Toyota Center.
The game was there to be had, but the Rockets failed to take advantage of their benefits or the fact the Hawks played out of character allowing Houston to shoot 50% from the field in the first half.
By night’s end the stats told the story. Beyond the 3 for 16 from three point land I draw your attention to one stat that jumps off the page: TWENTY FIVE — that’s how many turnovers the Rockets committed.
More from Space City Scoop
- Houston Rockets: Evan Mobley worth a look at No. 2 in NBA Draft
- Houston Rockets: Ranking the top-five 2021 NBA draft prospects
- Houston Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate is the next Paul George
- Rockets: 4 questions regarding Sterling Brown’s horrific assault
- Why Armoni Brooks could be Rockets GM Rafael Stone’s biggest gem
Other ridiculous numbers showcase the absence of any Houston Rockets defense via these Hawks stats:
- 29 assists
- 16 steals
- 52.9% field goal percent
- 40.0% three point field goal percent
Houston’s next game finishes this long 5-game road trip as they travel to Washington to play the Wizards on Monday.
Next: Is impasse with Motiejunas over?
Want your voice heard? Join the Space City Scoop team!
Enjoy the season Red Nation and be sure to stay connected with Space City Scoop as our amazing team of writers keep you abreast of all things Houston Rockets.