Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns recap: Dominating effort all-around

The Rockets dismantled the Suns tonight to the tune of a 26 point victory.

The Rockets (12-4) took over the top spot in the Western Conference after an incredible offensive explosion against the Suns (5-11). Houston ended up winning 142-116 and dropped NINETY points in the 1st half.

Let’s take a look at the stats:

The Stats

James Harden: 48 points (12-22 FG, 18/18 FT, 6/11 3PT), 7 assists, 2 steals

Chris Paul: 11 points, 10 assists, 21 minutes played

Ryan Anderson: 24 points (6/10 3PT)

Zhou Qi: 8 minutes, 3 blocks

Recap

The Rockets as a team shot 48% from the 3-point line (21/44) and 92% from the free throw line (35/38). They dropped 45 points in the first two quarters, 30 in the third & 22 in the fourth.

James Harden had another game that shows why he is the favorite for MVP. Congrats to Jose Altuve of the Astros, by the way. The Beard also went 18-18 from the free throw line and has hit his past 40.

Chris Paul returned from injury and had a solid double-double in just 21 minutes. He should fit in quite nicely!

Clint Capela played a decent game and had a double-double as well (12p, 10r) but was bullied a bit by the offensively-talented Greg Monroe, who had 20.

Overall, the defense was not fantastic for Houston and Chris Paul pointed that out post game. When the stakes are a little higher, I’m sure that the defense will tighten up.

Highlights

Chris Paul had a beautiful wrap-around pass to Clint Capela early in the game:

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/931370433495965696

He had quite a few amazing passes tonight.

Is that…Eric Gordon? He finishes an alley-oop like he’s back in Los Angeles!

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/931372676098093056

James is back at it again with another Euro-step.

MY GOODNESS, @JHarden13. pic.twitter.com/a6upzxOM98

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 17, 2017

Has there ever been anyone better at that move than the Beard?

An unstoppable step back from James, as well:

Unstoppable.

? – @NBA pic.twitter.com/UjwN290Gus

— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) November 17, 2017

Lastly, Zhou Qi had to get in on the action as well. He had a fan club there in Phoenix cheering for everything he did. It was awesome.

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/931400723639582720

What’s next for Houston?

The Rockets will play the Grizzlies for the last time this year on Saturday at 7. Memphis currently leads the season series 2-1.

Great win, Rockets.

LeBron watching this #Rockets team. pic.twitter.com/hyAwgy1UfM