Houston Rockets: Player grades against the Nuggets

A+. Chris Paul dominated the game from the first bucket. He put Houston on the board with a ridiculous fake behind-the-back pass before pulling up for a mid-range jump shot. The move absolutely froze the Nuggets defense, and that allowed Paul to have a clear look at the hoop. Paul continued to dazzle the crowd with an array of no look, behind the back and alley-oop passes. CP3 finished the game with 23 points, 12 assists and 3 steals with a plus/minus of +26. If Paul fitting in with the Rockets’ system was ever in question, consider it answered.. Point Guard. Houston Rockets. CHRIS PAUL

James Harden didn’t have to pull all of the weight in this game because Paul had it going, as did Trevor Ariza. Harden found a lot of open teammates, including Clint Capela for a rainbow alley-oop. Harden’s play of the night came from a very deep desperation 3-pointer that he nailed as the shot clock expired. The Beard finished the game in triple double territory with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists. But Harden gets a B for his performance because he shot just 1-7 from downtown and he committed 7 turnovers.. Shooting Guard. Houston Rockets. JAMES HARDEN. B