Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors: Postgame Grades, Analysis for Houston

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In one of the more up-and-down games you'll see this season, the Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors by the score of 94-88.

Behind Omer Asik's defense, Carlos Delfino's three-pointers and James Harden getting to the basket and getting great shots for his teammates whenever he wanted, the Rockets closed the first half on a 22-7 run, heading into the third quarter with a stunning one-point lead after some inconsistent play throughout the first 20 minutes.

After a back-and-forth third quarter that ended with a tied score, the Rockets held the Warriors scoreless for nearly the opening six minutes of the fourth quarter—until Stephen Curry drained a three-pointer. This stretch of defense was huge, and the Rockets eventually closed it out by getting to the free-throw line a ton in the closing minutes. 

Point Guard: Jeremy Lin

USA TODAY Sports

Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin started hot from the perimeter but ended the game with a bad shooting percentage from the floor, going 3-of-9 for 15 points. But he lived at the free-throw line, making two with 44 seconds left to give the Rockets a four-point lead. Lin finished 8-of-9 from the line. 

Lin also recorded seven rebounds and four assists in the win. 

Grade: B-

Shooting Guard: James Harden

USA TODAY Sports

James Harden

Harden struggled in the first quarter, going 0-of-5 and getting his last shot blocked, then taken the other way for a Klay Thompson layup at the buzzer. But his ability to make plays for others in the first half was a big reason the Rockets stayed in the game.

His first shot in the second quarter was a made three, then on the next possession he assisted a corner three from Carlos Delfino. Harden finished with 20 points and 14 free-throw attempts, but missed 14 of his 17 shots from the floor.  

Grade: B-

Small Forward: Chandler Parsons

USA TODAY Sports

Chandler Parsons

Parsons started 3-of-3 from behind the arc, spraying threes off the dribble and from the corner just the same. With just over a minute left in the second quarter, he made a beautiful game-tying tip in off a James Harden missed layup. He finished the half with 18 points on eight shots. 

Parsons' three-point shot stayed hot in the third quarter, as both teams were going back and forth, and he was probably the biggest reason the Rockets stayed in the game. He finished with a game-high 26 points on just 13 shots. 

Grade: A-

Power Forward: Donatas Motiejunas

USA TODAY Sports

Donatas Motiejunas

Motiejunas picked up two fouls in the game's first four minutes, slicing into Houston's already thin depth at that position. (David Lee certainly appreciated Thomas Robinson's individual defense.)

After three quarters he'd only played 12 minutes, but proved capable of being a solid finisher when he was out there. 

Grade: C+

Center: Omer Asik

USA TODAY Sports

Omer Asik

Asik's interior defense on the second quarter was absolutely phenomenal and a huge reason why the Rockets cut the Warriors' large lead down to two. He grabbed an incredible 17 rebounds in 39 minutes, and against one of the most dangerous offenses in the league stood as an absolute rock in the middle. If you're ever questioning Asik's value, re-watch this game, and I'm sure your opinion will change. 

He had six points on seven shots. 

Grade: A-

Sixth Man: Thomas Robinson

USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Robinson

Defensively early on, Robinson struggled in the post, especially against David Lee in the opening six or seven minutes. He hardly played even after taking Lee out of the game by falling into his knee.

Apart from that, he was basically a nonfactor Friday night, missing all three of his shots, turning the ball over once and committing a foul in nine minutes of action.  

Grade: D

Bench

USA TODAY Sports

Bench

The Rockets went small early in the second quarter by pairing Carlos Delfino with Francisco Garcia, and they did a decent job making the Warriors pay from behind the three-point line the floor on offense, but their size was an issue on the glass. 

Overall the bench besides Delfino was atrocious, going 5-of-21 from the floor (three were made by Delfino). Greg Smith looks like a completely different player than the monstrous backup center who patrolled the paint back in December. 

Grade: C-