Jazz Create Sweet Music vs Houston Rockets in Loss

Nov 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) keeps the ball away from Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the second quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Gordon scores 24 points on 8-for-17 shooting as the Houston Rockets lose in an embarrassing way to the Jazz. SCS post game player grades reflect just how much defensive work is left to do.

Winners of five out of the last six games, the Houston Rockets took their high power offense to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz, Tuesday, in the Vivint Smart Home Arena. After scoring a season-high 130 points in their previous game against the Blazers, The Rockets’ offense took a step back against the top defensive team in the league.

From the opening tip, the Jazz made it a miserable night for the Rockets. Despite shooting 48 % percent from the field, Houston missed five of their first seven attempts from behind the arc. While Houston struggled from the field, the Jazz established their dominance early in the game.

Behind rising star Rodney Hood, who poured in 13 points, the Jazz shot 85% percent from behind the arc to give them a 38-29 lead after the first.

As Utah’s defense continued to hold the Rockets to shot 23.5 % percent from behind the arc, the Jazz saw their lead increased by 16 midway through the second quarter. Although the Rockets came alive late in the quarter, Houston trailed 62-50 at the half.

While Eric Gordon’s 14 third quarter points helped the Rockets gained some momentum in their favor, Houston never found an answer to slow the Jazz’s hot shooting down. Despite Houston’s third quarter resurgence, former all-star Joe Johnson hit two critical three’s to put the Jazz up by 19 early in the fourth.

With the loss, the Rockets ended their three-game winning streak and suffered their first lost on this five-game West Coast road trip.

Next: Rockets Front Court Players

Rockets starting Front Court

Nov 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) dribbles the ball while being guarded by Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) during the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz win 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Rockets Backcourt Players

Rockets Backcourt

Nov 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) keeps the ball away from Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the third quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz win 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Best Bench/Opponent

Best Bench/Opponent

Nov 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) dribbles the ball while being guarded by Utah Jazz forward Trey Lyles (41) during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

This was by far the worst defensive performance the Rockets had this season. Not only did they give up 120 points, but they allowed the Jazz to hit 15 three-pointers. As well as shoot 55.4 % percent from behind the arc. And with the Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors up next, things will only get worst.

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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.