King James: Harden’s 55 Carry Rockets Past Cavs, 116-110
Strange Affair. Clutch in Cleveland. Headlines.
How can someone score 55 points, and not even make the headlines? When that person’s name is James Harden. The Beard had a double-nickel on Wednesday night, yet wasn’t even among the top NBA headlines on ESPN’s website after the game. I guess Bearded 50-Burgers have become so commonplace now they’re not even noteworthy. Cleveland took note. Harden scored 20 of his 55 points in the 4th quarter to lead Houston to a 116-110 comeback victory. This was a strange affair. The Rockets looked to be in complete control, up by 13 late in the third quarter, 88-75. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Cleveland went on a 24-0 run that stretched from the end of the third period, and into the fourth. Rookie Kevin Porter Jr. had his best game for the Cavs, fueling Cleveland’s long run and finishing with 24 points. Luckily for Houston, it wasn’t enough, as the Beard responded with his own personal 13-0 run that got Houston back in the game. And the Cavs closed the contest with too many errant turnovers that allowed the Rockets to escape with a victory.
It was arguably Harden’s best performance of the year. Only 5 free throws were needed on his way to 55 points, a staggering feat, tying the NBA-record for fewest free throw attempts in a 55-point game. Harden was on fire on Wednesday night, shooting 20-for-34 from the floor, including a 10-of-18 display from distance. His ten three-pointers ties Houston’s franchise record, previously held by… himself (and Eddie Johnson). Russell Westbrook played well as Harden’s co-star, scoring 23 points, to go with 7 boards and 6 dimes. Clint Capela finished with another double-double, notching 10 points and 13 rebounds. But this was the Beard’s night. Harden was clutch down the stretch when the Rockets needed him to save them from another embarrassing defeat. P.J. Tucker, aka The Corner Man, hit the biggest shot of the game for a Houston, a trademark Tucker Corner-3, that sealed the win. Tucker leads the NBA in 3-point % from the corner. The first play of the game from the Rockets was drawn up for a Tucker Corner-3. If he gets open in the corner, P.J. has free range to fire at will, especially in the right-corner, where he makes more than he misses. Houston was lucky to survive Cleveland, and get out with a win. They’ll need to be sharper in the upcoming games. Rarely (closer to never) do teams in the NBA go on 24-0 runs… and lose. The Cavs showed at the end of the matchup with ill-advised decision making why they’re at the bottom of the standings. It won’t be as easy over the next pair of games, as Houston has a back-to-back this weekend.
The Rockets travel to Orlando to meet the Magic before returning home on for a Space-City Saturday matchup featuring the Detroit Pistons. Both teams are in the Eastern Conference with losing records. However, Houston’s next two opponents are noticeable better than Cleveland. The Rockets have played 2 back-to-backs so far this season, splitting both. Counting this weekend, Houston has 10 remaining. A Magic/Pistons back-to-back ending in Houston is friendlier than most back-to-backs the Rockets will face. Houston will need to tighten up the defense in Orlando if they want to put go undefeated on this short 2-game road trip. The Rockets can’t give up any more 24-0 runs. If they do, Houston will lose. Harden and co. were lucky to escape Cleveland with a W. The focus must remain on racking up wins if the Rockets want to be in the best position for the playoffs. The only place they’ll be able to make noise, silence the haters… and make the headlines.