Paul Wall: CP3’s Block Seals Rockets’ Win Over Mavs, 94-93
CPD. Grind a Way. Holding On.
Houston survived to win a nail-biter in Dallas on Sunday night, 94-93. It wasn’t pretty, but the victory gives the Rockets a season-high 8 in a row. Chris Paul had a game-saving block as time-expired on Jalen Brunson to preserve the victory. CP3 only had 9 points, but he dished out 9 dimes, and his defense was stellar in the clutch. Paul’s been struggling with his shot, shooting 5 for 29 from the field over his past 3 games. Yet, as in tonight, Paul’s still having an impact, and helping Houston find ways to win. Brunson had a good look, but Paul made sure it had no chance of going in. Despite his shooting slump, the Point God’s passing and defense has been spectacular (as it’s been his entire career). CP3 passed Isiah Thomas among the NBA’s All-Time Assists Leaders, moving into the number 7 spot on the list. Paul’s passing and ability to control the pace have been the major forces fueling the Rockets’ winning streak. Harden and Paul combined to shoot an ugly 9 for 36 from the field. Houston’s offense crashed on a night the defense and hustle grinded out the victory.
James Harden had arguable one of his worst games of the season. The Beard’s 28-point game streak was snapped. Harden finished with only 20 points, particularly due to foul trouble. He picked up his fifth foul early in the second half, which led to an extended period of the Beard bench-warming. The Rockets still managed to grind out the victory. P.J. Tucker was spectacular on the defensive end, guarding Luka Doncic for most of the night. Clint Capela had a solid game inside with 17 points and 12 rebounds. However, the Rockets biggest source of shooting fuel came from Eric Gordon, who picked up the slack on offense with Harden in foul trouble. EG finished with 26 points on 10 of 20 from the field, as his late season resurgence continues for Houston. When Gordon is playing well, the Rockets are nearly unbeatable. There’s a reason his hot-streak and Houston’s have coincided at the same time.
The Rockets held on to win in a game that was closer than expected on Sunday night. Houston led by 9 entering the final frame, and almost surrendered another fourth quarter-lead. Shots may not be falling, but the squad’s defense has vastly improved. It’s the reason the Rockets won in Dallas. They had a torrid shooting night as a team, but grinded out the victory on defense. Houston has now held their last 3 opponents under 100 points. That 3-game mark is an impressive feat in today’s NBA, where it’s not unusual to see 120 or more on the scoreboard many nights. The Rockets are still holding onto the 3-seed in the West. The 2-seed, and even the 1-seed, with Golden State’s embarrassing loss to Phoenix, is still in reach for Houston. They Rockets were lucky to escape Dallas with a victory. They return home on an 8-game winning streak, and face the Charlotte Hornets tomorrow night. It’s the third game in 4 nights for Houston. They’ll try and survive against a pesky Hornets team, fighting for their playoff lives.