Rockets vs. Nets recap: James Harden continues to play like an MVP

The Houston Rockets roll on as they defeated the Brooklyn Nets behind another MVP performance from James Harden.

The Rockets (16-4) win their fifth straight game as they took down the Brooklyn Nets (7-13). With tonight’s victory, Houston wins the season series 2-0. The team got double-digit scoring from five different players and shot 20/50 from behind the arc.

Stats of the night

James Harden: 37 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists

Clint Capela: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks

Chris Paul: 6 rebounds, 14 assists, 2 steals

Recap

With 20 of his 37 points coming in the 1st quarter, Harden was on fire from the start. Add his 8-13 shooting from the 3-point line, and the night was bound to be a long one for the Nets.

Another guy who is shooting well the last two games is Ryan Anderson. Last season, Anderson struggled shooting at home. However, he seems to be getting over that and tonight marks back-to-back home games that Ryno scores double digits while shooting well from the floor.

While CP3 didn’t have a great shooting night, his 14 assists were enough to help on offense. Not to mention, his defensive presence was felt with his 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Since his return from injury, Paul has seen his assist numbers in double digits in four of the last five games.

Entering tonight’s game, the Rockets had the 5th ranked defense in the league. However, tonight was not Houston’s best night on the defensive end. Despite their sub par performance, Paul, Harden, P.J. Tucker, and Luc Mbah a Moute, combined for all of the Rockets 8 steals. Capela and Harden combined for all 4 of the Rockets blocked shots.

Highlights

CP3 to Harden to Capela for the slam. Is that how the triangle is run, Phil Jackson?

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/935345477784129536

Having two of the best passers finally playing together has been fun to watch so far.

James Harden with the crazy and unstoppable Euro step:

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/935338678460801024

Manu Ginobili brought the Euro step over, but Harden is the master of that move.

Here comes “The Beard” full speed ahead:

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/935336946573938688

That’s a crazy train everyone should make way for. Yikes!

Next up

The Rockets will welcome the Indiana Pacers to Toyota Center on Wednesday night as Houston looks to end their home stand on a positive note. The team will then head out for three road games, starting in Los Angeles.

Next: Chris Paul has most assists through 5 games in team history

Until next year, Brooklyn!

Be sure to follow us Twitter and like us on Facebook for more Rockets!