Player grades from the Rockets’ scrimmage against Toronto Raptors

Houston Rockets. JAMES HARDEN. A +. James Harden was in his bag against the defending champions, as he proved to be unstoppable. As stated earlier, Harden didn’t play at all in the fourth quarter, and the Rockets led 73-72 at the time he was pulled. Harden flashed his offensive repertoire, as he dazzled with his trademark step-back 3-pointer, and found his open teammates throughout the game. All in all, Harden finished with 24 points in 25 minutes of action, while going 3-of-7 from behind the arc. Harden added 10 assists, four rebounds, and two steals, as he had an all-around masterful game. In addition, Harden went 9-of-10 from the charity stripe.. Guard

A. There were questions regarding whether Russell Westbrook was going to play in the Rockets’ match against the Raptors, as he missed nearly two weeks of training camp due to a positive COVID-19 test. Russ only participated in two of the Rockets’ practices heading into the scrimmage, but looked every bit of his normal self against the defending champs. Westbrook played in just 15 minutes, as Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni stated his plans of easing Russ back into action. Westbrook finished with 10 points on 5-of-12 from the field, while adding 9 rebounds and nearly posting a double-double.. Guard. Houston Rockets. RUSSELL WESTBROOK

ROBERT COVINGTON. B +. Robert Covington found himself in early foul trouble, as he had five fouls before the end of the first half. The Rockets 12 points better when RoCo was on the floor, which was the highest on the team. Covington finished with 6 points on 66.7 percent from long-range, while adding six rebounds. RoCo also added his usual defensive contributions, as he added a steal and made life difficult for the Raptors on multiple occasions. All in all, Covington played in just 18 minutes, as he fouled out in the third quarter.. Forward. Houston Rockets

A -. P.J. Tucker is viewed as one of the best 3-and-D players in the league, and he upheld his reputation on Friday night. The Rockets’ starting center made life difficult for the Raptors, although he was called for four fouls in the game. Tucker finished with nine points on 3-of-7 from long-range, which was good for 42.9 percent. Tucker added three rebounds and an assist in 22 minutes of action.. Forward. Houston Rockets. P.J. TUCKER

Guard. Houston Rockets. ERIC GORDON. D. Eric Gordon was inserted back into the starting lineup, in a move that Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni announced will be a permanent one. Gordon struggled to find his shot during the Rockets’ matchup with the Raptors, as he went 4-of-11 from the field, finishing with 11 points in 25 minutes of action. Gordon went 2-of-8 from 3-point land, as he looked rusty in his first game back in over three months. Gordon also added four turnovers, as he struggled overall against the defending champs. The good thing is that this game didn’t count, but provided an opportunity for Gordon to re-establish his shooting touch for when the season resumes.