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
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 /
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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
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 /

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.

169. 120. 118. . 101

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

D. Although it has been a career-year for the Switzerland big man, tonight was a quiet one for Clint Capela. He never found his mojo on the offensive end and had a horrific night trying to slow down Jazz big man Rudy Gobert. Overall, this is a night Capela will like to forget. 8 points, 6 rebounds, Plus/Minus (-17). C. Houston Rockets. CLINT CAPELA

C. It was a tale of two halves for Ryan Anderson. During the first half, Anderson was the one player Utah did not have an answer for. He shot 66 % percent from the field and scored 11 points in the first half. It may not seem like much but if it was not for Anderson’s aggression during the first half, the Rockets would have found themselves down by 20 points instead of 10 heading into the half. Second half, Anderson never scored another point. 11 points, 2 rebounds, Plus/Minus (+13). PF. Houston Rockets. RYAN ANDERSON

Trevor Ariza had a mediocre performance in Salt Lake City. Not the player Rockets fans have got accustomed to seeing. He had a quiet night offensively but could have played better defense on Jazz’s star forward Gordon Hayward. Yea, Hayward is a great player, but Ariza could have defended him better than he did tonight. Despite his lack of defense, he did manage to get his hand on a few passes. 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, Plus/Minus (-19). SF. Houston Rockets. TREVOR ARIZA. C-

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

C-. After failing to score a single basket in Portland, Patrick Beverley had a slightly better night in Utah. Unfortunately, it was not enough to help his team. I understand how important Beverley can be to the team, but I am starting to get annoyed by his antics on the court. I love his heart and his hustle, but Beverly must control his emotions better. 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, Plus/Minus (-5). SG. Houston Rockets. PATRICK BEVERLEY

Houston Rockets. JAMES HARDEN. D. Not sure if it’s the high altitude of the Midwest, but James Harden has had his share of horrific games in Utah. And tonight was no different. During the first half, the Jazz held Harden to 3-of-10 shooting and made it extremely difficult to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He looked sluggish and forced many of his shots that bounced off the back iron. While he was much more aggressive during the second half, Harden never found his rhythm. Do not be deceived by his numbers, Harden’s performance was not all that great. 26 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, Plus/Minus (-19). PG

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

B. The Rockets second unit failed to contribute in any way against the Jazz. Thankfully, this lack of play did not wash off on Eric Gordon. Since announcing his desire to win Sixth Man of the Year, Gordon has done a great job entering his name in the conversation. In a game where the Rockets played arguably their worst game of the year, Gordon was the most consistent player. He had a solid first half, but look unstoppable in the third.<br /> When the Rockets needed someone to breathe new life into the game, Gordon scored 14 points in the third. As he led Houston to cut Utah’s lead within nine. 24 points, 2 rebounds, Plus/Minus (-18). SG. Houston Rockets. ERIC GORDON

Utah Jazz. RUDY GOBERT. A. If Rudy Gobert felt embarrassed in his performance against Houston a few weeks ago, he surely got his revenge tonight. While Rodney Hood did a great job helping the Jazz jump out to an early led, Gobert did an awesome job containing it. The Rockets had a horrific night trying to stop the 7’1 center from scoring. As well as defending the paint making it tough for the Rockets to score. Overall, great night for Gobert. 16 points, 14 rebounds, Plus/Minus (+9). C

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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