Houston Rockets: Player grades from 140-71 win over Shanghai Sharks

Guard/Forward. Houston Rockets. THABO SEFOLOSHA. B. Thabo Sefolosha was another player that blended into the background as others shined. The veteran’s lucky number on Monday was three, as he finished with three points, three rebounds and three assists. Thabo showed he still has defensive skills on the perimeter in stretches but since he only played 13 minutes, we’ll need to see more from him to get a proper grade.

B. While he didn’t play in the first half, Gary Clark started the third quarter with a bang, immediately burying a 3-pointer on his first attempt. While he went on to miss his next five attempts from the outside, the 6-8 forward also ended the night with an impressive 10 rebounds in his 24 minutes. If he can keep up the aggressiveness on the boards, he should make a case for more minutes on a Rockets team that struggled with rebounds last season.. Forward. Houston Rockets. GARY CLARK

B. Jaron Blossomgame is a longshot to make the final roster, but the rebounding prowess he showed on Monday certainly won’t hurt his case. The 6-7 forward finished with 12 rebounds in just 15 minutes on the floor to go along with six points and two assists. I would expect to see a bit more of Jaron throughout the preseason in an effort to find out if he can bring some of the rebounding the Rockets need this season.. Forward. Houston Rockets. JARON BLOSSOMGAME

CHRIS CLEMONS. A+. Again, I wish I was able to give a grade higher than A+. Considering this was the first game Chris Clemons has played for the Rockets, albeit in the preseason, he had quite a showing. The 22-year-old somehow made a 70-point game exciting with his aggressiveness throughout. Clemons showed right off the bat that he wasn’t afraid to shoot, even ending up tied with McLemore for attempts with16. Making five of his 13 attempts from distance, the rookie showed he’s willing to take the open shot, which already should earn some minutes in D’Antonio’s system. The 5-9 guard also had an acrobatic 180-degree alley-oop layup finish to go along with a dunk attempt that was reminiscent of Nate Robinson. While Harden dominated, Clemons stole the show on Monday.. Guard. Houston Rockets

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