NBA Playoffs Game 3: Houston Rockets Best Dallas Mavs 130-128
Apr 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots a three point basket against Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis (11) and forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Rockets beat the Mavs 130-128. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The fact this team gave up 72 points at the half was just unacceptable but what transpired next was likely the result of a good half time pep talk by McHale.
After the half, James Harden put his proverbial chef hat on and started to cook some fine cuisine, almost single-handedly willing the Rockets back in the game.
After a three-pointer of his, the Rockets took the lead back once again, going up by one, 77-76 with 7:13 left.
J-Smoove and Corey Brewer and even Clint Capela provided a strong spark when they checked into the game, allowing the Rockets to push their lead up by as much as eight after another Beard bucket — this time a bank shot on the drive — allowing them to lead 99-91 with 1:33 left.
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The Mavs got themselves back in again as they trailed 101-99 at the end of the 3rd.
The Rockets role players continued to provide a hell of punch to start out the 4th quarter, with Ariza, J-Smoove, Brew even Dwight Howard helping to push the Rockets up 112-101 with 8:16 left.
Speaking of Howard, I loved to see the fire in his belly for this game, he was extremely physical, talked trash and made a statement that he wasn’t going to be pushed around.
It was fun seeing he and Tyson Chandler go at it as it was apparent they reveled in the competition as each were jawing at the mouth.
After the Rockets led 124-116 after a J-Smoove jumper, the Mavs went on a 7-0 run pull within one point again after two Nowitzki free throws sunk off a foul J-Smoove committed. Rockets 124, Mavs 123
But it was the Beard that took over from there and got us the victory.
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Beard hit the game-winner as he went left, then right and stepped back his way in closing out a game like an MVP should with 13 seconds left.
Weirdly enough, somebody had placed the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach Jason Garrett with courtside seats adjacent to the Rockets’ bench sitting just inches away.
He had this forced smile on his face that was so creepy that I felt bad for him because he had just witnessed a Bearding.
Opponents don’t like it but it happens!
He was probably concerned as to why he was put in that section to begin with!
Game…set…match! The Rockets were able to secure a 130-128 victory!
The Beard, of course, led all scorers with 42 points and nine assists while D12 was able to get 13 points and 26 boards. That’s definitely a rebounding-mark that he hasn’t set in quite some time! Wow!
By the way, to put that performance in perspective, that was half of the team’s 46 total rebounds. Just amazing!
Once again, J-Smoove and Brew came up big, scoring 18 and 15 points respectively, providing heady offense/defense when it was needed the most!
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Nowitzki and Ellis led the Mavs in scoring with 34 points each. He had eight rebounds and the latter had nine assists.
It will be closeout time Sunday, so let’s get our brooms out RedNation — it’s time to end this series with a sweep!
The series continues tomorrow night as the Rockets take on the Mavs at American Airlines Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CDT.
The game will be televised on TNT/ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME).
Go Rockets!