Anderson Helps Houston Rockets Defeat Wizards-Players Grades and Summary
By Coty Davis
Nov 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
With a season-high 17 made three’s, the Houston Rockets defeated the Wizards on their home floor. The Rockets improve to 2-2 on their five-game road trip.
Following an embarrassing loss to an old friend in Atlanta, the Houston Rockets have reached the back half of their five-game road trip. On the eve of the most anticipated presidential election in U.S. history. The Rockets headed to the Nation’s capitol to take on the Washington Wizards.
Despite shooting 50 percent from behind the arc, the Rockets got off to a horrendous start in Washington. Second chance points, turnovers, and a lack of urgency on the defensive end resulted in a 30-23 lead for the Wizards after the first quarter.
The Rockets turned the ball over six times. As well as allowing the Wizards to score 20 of their 30 points in the paint.
However, after a sluggish start, the Rockets bounced back with a 13-0 run midway through the second quarter. Behind the hot shooting from Ryan Anderson and defensive anchor Clint Capela, the Rockets led 56-47 at the half.
Despite the hot shooting Houston displayed during the first 24 minutes, the Rockets missed six straight shots to start the second half. Although the Wizards battled back to regain the lead, James Harden caught fire scoring 24 points during the second half.
Behind Harden, Anderson, and Ariza, the Rockets held off the Wizards for their second win of their five-game road trip.
Next: Man on a mission
Nov 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Anderson becomes a factor
Nov 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Capela makes his mark
Nov 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Tomas Satoransky (31) shoots the ball as Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) defends in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Rockets won 114-106. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Do you want some sauce with your wings?
Nov 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets forward Corey Brewer (33) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Best Rockets Reserve
Nov 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Best Opponent
Nov 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives to the basket past Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Rockets won 114-106. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Closing Thoughts
Nov 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Ultimately the Rockets held on in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter as the Wizards did their best to claw back for the win. As mentioned John Wall’s night was marred by the ejection and his six turnovers.
Once again the Rockets had issues hanging on to the ball committing 18 turnovers of their own. If there was a takeaway from this game on the negative side the fact the Wizards out rebounded the Rockets 45 to 37 is worrisome. Perhaps this will light a fire under Daryl Morey to get the Donatas Motiejunas contract sewn up.
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As for positives to take from the win, the Rockets shot the ball from the field at a blistering clip of 51.9% and they were on fire from the perimeter shooting 45.9%. That won’t likely be the case with their next opponent the San Antonio Spurs.
Despite that fact the Rockets will need to take the other positive which was the Rockets held the Wizards to 41.5% from the field and 37% from deep. Again, their next opponent isn’t to be trifled with, so the Rockets will need to maintain a balanced effort if they hope to finish this 5-game road trip with a winning record.
Next: Houston Rockets Fantasy Outlook
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