The Houston Rockets were back in action after two hard-fought games against division-rival San Antonio Spurs and the Utah Jazz this past Wednesday.
The Houston Rockets were back in action after two hard-fought games against division-rival San Antonio Spurs and the Utah Jazz this past Wednesday.
The Rockets were facing the possibility of losing their third game in a row, which for this season, was something that’s quite rare.
These guys love to win games and that sentiment has certainly reared its nasty head over the course of 2016-17 so far.
We all should be proud as these guys have still maintained their leadership in the West by holding on to the No.3 seed for the majority of the season.
Although the Houston Rockets have the Jazz chasing them in their rear view, this team still appears to have control over their destiny in their positioning and will likely hold right there.
But any way, the Houston Rockets took on the Chicago Bulls tonight and as it was in their last meeting Feb. 3rd, it was going to be another bloodbath.
But you know what?
It wasn’t so.
The Rockets started out with a tepid start and allowed the Bulls to jump out to an early lead, going up by as much as 13 in the 1st quarter.
The team look flat,James Hardenwas a turnover machine and the guys couldn’t get over the hump.
But something peculiar happened with 1.6 seconds left in the first.
Harden rolled his ankle after stepping onCristiano Felicio‘s foot on the drive.
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He limped for about a minute during a timeout and did not return until late in the first half.
But all of a sudden, hell broke loose and the Rockets got their ignition sequence firing.
The Rockets’ bench came alive withLou Williams,Eric GordonandSam Dekkerall contributing in a such a ferocious manner, it was too much for the Bulls to handle.
The game remained tight until Harden returned back in the game with 5:50 left in the 2nd quarter and that’s when things started to bustWIDE OPEN.
The lead was taken for good with 2:08 left in the 2nd, when Harden nailed a three-ball, grabbing his 12th point of the night, putting up them up 50-49.
After that moment, the Rockets didn’t look back as they firmly had the game in control with them continuing to keep their defensive/offensive intensity at a high level.
The bench ended contributing 42 bench points, led by Williams’ 18 in 24 ticks of action.
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The Rockets led by as much as 31 points the rest of the way, much to the chagrin of the Bulls’ boo birds.
And that was hilarious to see!
For the Rockets,Ryan Andersonled all scorers with 21 points, including 6-of-12 from behind-the-arc.
Harden still ended up with19 points and 13 assistswhileTrevor Arizachipped in tremendously with13 points and 11 reboundsandClint Capelacontinues to get himself back in the groove with 17 points and seven rebounds.
For the Bulls,Dwyane Wadefinished with21 pointsandJimmy Butlerhad16.
This was a spectacular 115-94 rout whileMike D’Antonigets his 500th career win.
Congrats coach — I’m sure there will be more accolades in store as in *cough* *cough* Coach of the Year.
This was a quality win and the team will now face the Cleveland Cavaliers back at Toyota Center this Sunday.
See you then.
Go Rockets.
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