Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets Win Ugly versus Pistons: Player Grades 11.21.16

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

James Harden scored 28 points and dished out 11 assists, as the Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to three, Monday, against the Detroit Pistons, at The Palace.

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Despite rolling into Detroit on a two-game winning streak, the Houston Rockets had a lousy start to the game. During the first 12 minutes, Houston turned the ball over six times and missed all four of their attempts from behind the arc. In addition Houston allowed the Detroit Pistons to outscore them 20-8 within minutes of the opening tip.

Yet, one must give credit where credit is due. And Detroit’s defense was the primary reason for the Rockets first quarter struggles.

While Detroit’s defense stayed focused on containing James Harden, it opened the door for the Rockets second unit to step up in his place. Among players who did so in Harden’s time of need was Sam Dekker. Behind Dekker and Corey Brewer, Houston battled back to take a 51-46 lead into the half.

Although Houston would see their lead increase to 10 points midway through the third, their lack of focus on the defensive end allowed the Pistons to retake control of the game. Thankfully, the Rockets were able to withstand the Pistons’ final run to win the game.

Nov 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) gets the loose ball against Detroit Pistons guard Ish Smith (14) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Clint Capela

C, Houston Rockets

15 Points, 12 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Steal, 2 Blocks, 2 Turnovers, Plus/Minus (-5)

Nov 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) adjusts his shorts during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Anderson

PF, Houston Rockets

10 Points, 6 Rebounds, 1 Assist, 1 Steals, 1 Turnovers Plus/Minus (minus 14)

Nov 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) dribbles the ball against Detroit Pistons guard Ish Smith (14) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Ariza

SF, Houston Rockets

14 Points, 6 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 Steal, Blocks, 1 Turnover, Plus/Minus (+5)

Nov 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) looks for an open man during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Beverley

SG, Houston Rockets

9 Points,1 Rebound, 1 Assist, 1 Steal, 1 Turnover, Plus/Minus (-14)

Nov 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) gets defended by Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (7) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

James Harden

PG, Houston Rockets

28 Points, 8 Rebounds, 11 Assists, 1 Block, 6 Turnovers, Plus/Minus (+6)

Nov 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Houston Rockets forward Sam Dekker (7) takes a shot over Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (7) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Sam Dekker

PF, Houston Rockets

12 Points, 4 Rebounds, 1 Assist, Plus/Minus (+3)

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

SG, Detroit Pistons

26 Points, 1 Rebound, 2 Assists, 2 Steals, 4 Turnovers, Plus/Minus (-4)

This was on the second loss for the Pistons on their home court where they have the honor of the best home court defense.