A quick and digestible look at the most top-of-mind Rockets news of the past few days.
CBS Sports. Ariza and Beverley lead Rockets over Suns 100-95.
“Trevor Ariza and Pat Beverley each scored 19 points to lead the Rockets to their fourth straight victory, 100-95 over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Houston improved to 16-4 by winning for the seventh time in the nine games Howard (knee strain) has been out.”
Houston Chronicle. Rockets’ coach McHale: Dwight not returning from injury ‘anytime soon’.
“McHale had previously said he hoped that Howard, who has been out since Nov. 19, might be ready to return in time to play on the Rockets’ road trip Wednesday and Thursday to play Golden State and Sacramento. Asked if he had a better feel for Howard’s timetable, he said again, ‘He won’t be back anytime soon.’ “
FOX News. The key to Houston Rockets’ improved defense this season: assistant J.B. Bickerstaff.
“Assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff took on the task, and the changes he has implemented have been a smashing success early this season. The Rockets are second in the league in points allowed per 100 possessions, third in field-goal percentage defense and third in points allowed per game, helping them to a 16-4 record that is the second-best start in the league.”
The Denver Post. James Harden: Spotlight on the Rockets guard.
“In three games, all wins for the Rockets, Harden was as efficient and effective as you’ll see. He averaged 31.0 points on just 14.0 shots per game. Harden knocked down 61.9 percent of those attempts and shot 60 percent from 3-point range. He was a plus-14 for the evaluation period of Nov. 29-Dec. 5 and added 5.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals per night.”
