Houston Rockets End 10-game Winning Streak vs Spurs-Player Grades

Dec 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) rests on the floor after missing a basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Toyota Center. San Antonio Spurs won 102 to100. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

James Harden’s strong night not enough as Spurs snaps Houston Rockets’ 10-game winning streak.

29. . 100. 169. 102

Following an overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Houston Rockets saw their 10-game winning streak come to an end at the hands of their I-10 rivals San Antonio Spurs, Tuesday, at the Toyota Center.

Despite coming into the game with the league’s longest winning streak, many gave the Rockets less of a chance to defeat the Spurs. That was mostly due to the factor that this was the first game Houston would play without their starting center Clint Capela.

Although James Harden came out on fire scoring 11 points and dishing two assists, the Rockets found themselves down 26-24 after the first quarter. And after allowing San Antonio to score 26 points in the second, the Rockets trailed 52-45 at the half.

Despite shooting a miserable 3-for-19 from beyond the arc, it was not long before the Rockets found their mojo in the second half. Houston opened the third quarter on a 17-2 run. Behind 10 third quarter points by Harden, Houston outscored San Antonio 33-19 to give them a 78-71 lead into the fourth.

Although the Rockets would see their lead increase to 13 with four minutes remaining in the fourth, turnovers and ill-advised shots allowed the Spurs to outscore Houston 19-4 to seal a win.

Next: Rockets Starting Frontcourt

Dec 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) dunks against San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green (14) in the second half at Toyota Center. San Antonio Spurs won 102 to 100. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets Starting Frontcourt

B. In the absence of Clint Capela, Nene had his most productive game of the season. He provided the Rockets with a solid scorer on the low post and a defensive presence on defense. 10 points, 7 rebounds, Plus/Minus (+9). C. Houston Rockets. NENE HILARIO

D. Defending LaMarcus Aldridge took a toll on Ryan Anderson. Which means, it was a game he may want to forget. He had a rough night shooting and never found his groove in the game. 7 points, 6 rebounds, Plus/Minus (-9). PF. Houston Rockets. RYAN ANDERSON

TREVOR ARIZA. A. Trevor Ariza had another tough defensive assignment in Kawhi Leonard. And do not be fooled by his total points, Ariza did a great job defending the 2014 Finals MVP. Most of Leonard’s points came when guarded by another defender or from the charity line. Offensively, one of his most productive nights of the season. 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, Plus/Minus (+2). SF. Houston Rockets

Next: Rockets Starting Backcourt

Dec 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol (16) lose a rebound in the second half at Toyota Center. San Antonio Spurs won 102 to100. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets Starting Backcourt

B-. Not a good night on the offensive end, yet it was the little things that get overlook that made this an affected game for Patrick Beverley. 4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals. Plus/Minus (-10). SG. Houston Rockets. PATRICK BEVERLEY

A. Every moment of every game James Harden is building his case for MVP. If the Spurs thought they had problems defending Harden in the first half, the second was even tougher. After dropping 16 points in the first half, Harden went on a personal hot streak scoring 10 points in the third to give Houston the lead. While he fell back to earth with his fourth quarter struggles, this game proved how great James Harden really is. 31 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, Plus/Minus (+1). PG. Houston Rockets. JAMES HARDEN

Next: Best Bench/Opponent

Dec 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Sam Dekker (7) is fouled by San Antonio Spurs center Dewayne Dedmon (3) in the second half at Toyota Center. San Antonio Spurs won 102 to 100. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Best Bench/Opponent

It was a solid performance for the Rockets’ bench as a whole. However, Sam Dekker stood out the most. While on the floor, Dekker provided the Rockets with a consistent scorer and rebounder in the low post. 10 points, 7 rebounds, Plus/Minus (+6). SF. Houston Rockets. SAM DEKKER. A

KAWHI LEONARD. A+. In their first season without Tim Duncan, the Spurs looks like a team who have not lost a step. And much of the credit goes to their 2014 MVP Kawhi Lenard. He had a tough night on the offensive end thanks to the tenacious defense by Trevor Ariza. Yet, when the Spurs needed someone to step up late in the fourth, it was the defensive performance and late game scoring that helped the Spurs complete their comeback. 21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, Plus/Minus (+0). SF. San Antonio Spurs

With a 10-game winning streak behind them, the Houston Rockets will lock to bounce back Wednesday, against the Phoenix Suns.

Next: James Harden Named Western Conference Player of the Week

Enjoy the season Red Nation and be sure to stay connected with Space City Scoop as our amazing team of writers keep you on top of all things Houston Rockets.

Home/Rockets News