Wicked Shootahs: Rockets Crash Celtics Comeback Party, 115-104
Boston D Party. Back in a Flash. Moving Up.
Not this time. The Rockets weren’t going to let another lead evaporate. James Harden and Eric Gordon made sure of that. Houston’s dynamic duo combined for 74 points, and the Rockets staved off a late Celtic comeback to win their 5th straight, 115-104. James Harden had 42 points in another MVP-performance. Eric Gordon had another spectacular game returning from an injury, and was on fire for stretches, finishing with 32 points. Houston led by as many as 26 points at one point in the contest. Boston got back within single-digits, and the Rockets looked as if they might fall back into their nightmarish habit of surrendering leads. But Harden and Houston made sure the ghosts of games past wouldn’t haunt them in TD Garden. They held Kyrie Irving in check, holding the All-Star to 24 points, and Houston was the better team from the tip. It was the first time in a while that the Rockets were in control of the matchup from start to finish. And it all started with their first quarter defense. The Rockets held the C’s to only 23 first quarter-points, and gave themselves a 10-point lead after the first frame. Houston was extremely active in the passing lanes and deflecting passes, which set the tone for their stellar defense the rest of the way.
The victory was one of the Rockets best team-efforts of the season, on both ends of the floor. James Harden and Eric Gordon combined to equal the amount of points (43) that Boston put up in the first half. Chris Paul had a quietly efficient game. The Point God once again controlled the pace and put on display one of his most impressive passing games of the season. CP3 kept finding EG in the second quarter for three pointers during the period that really helped Houston extend the lead. P.J. Tucker, as he is every night, was the hustler of the night. Tucker had some huge defensive and hustle plays late in the game to help the Rockets keep the C’s from making it a contest. All of a sudden, in what’s seemed like the flip of a switch, the Rockets are back in the contender conversation.
Houston continues to move up in the standings. They currently sit only 1 game behind Oklahoma City and Portland, who are both tied for the cherished 3 seed. With 19 games to play, if the Rockets keep playing with this rhythm and confidence, they should have the 3 seed in their grasp. Houston still even has a shot at the 2 seed, although that’s less likely to happen. What is likely to happen, is the Rockets continued rise in the standings. It was only days ago, where some questioned if the Rockets would even make the playoffs. For those paying attention, the squad has found a rhythm and it’s no secret that they’re in the midst of their longest winning streak of the season. Houston needs to continue to prepare for the playoffs, despite the injury bug creeping up again. Kenneth Faried didn’t play today, although his injury is nothing serious. Iman Shumpert also remains injured and missed the tilt. Injuries have been the Rockets kryptonite all season, and kept them from winning the title last year. If Houston can stay healthy, and continue to progress up their ladder for potential as true championship contenders, then Golden State won’t be holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June. Not this time.