Let’s have a short recap of the game between the Rockets and the Pacers. Houston defeated the Indiana Pacers, 98-94 on Monday night with Harden’s clutch trey!
Game Recap
The Houston Rockets stick with their starting five with Ennis at the 3 spot and Carmelo Anthony off the bench again. Houston controls the game in the first period using inside scoring with Clint Capela leading the way. Capela dominates the paint catching some lobs and collecting offensive boards for some put backs. I also saw the Rockets come up with some back door plays which was led by Chris Paul and James Harden. Harden made 3 triples in the first including a nasty step back against Victor Oladipo and another step back corner three to beat the expiring shot clock. On the other hand, Dipo kept the game close with his aggressiveness in attacking the basket and getting transition layups.
In the second quarter, the Pacers turn their offense inside the paint giving Domantas Sabonis some great looks and letting him work in the post. The Rockets use outside shooting and kept the game close as the Pacers made their run. Hot shooting from multiple players like Ennis, Tucker and Clark helps the Rockets in the second period.
In the second half, the Rockets continue to go through Capela and he did not disappoint as he gave the Rockets too many easy looks finding himself available every time Harden throws the ball in the air. It became a lob party as Capela and Harden did a pretty well in playing the pick en roll. Oladipo has been a problem for Houston as he continues to score in the second half. Carmelo Anthony has been quiet in the first half but he woke up in the second as he drained the much-needed basket for Houston in the fourth period. He ties the game at 81 in the 6 minute marker of the game. With 35 seconds left, still a tie game, Harden hits a three and took a three-point lead. The Pacers couldn’t get a shot going and the Rockets sealed the win 98-94.
Stats
James Harden – 28 pts, 4 reb, 6 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk
Clint Capela – 18 pts, 10 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk
Chris Paul – 9 pts, 5 reb, 13 ast, 1 stl
Carmelo Anthony – 8 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast
Victor Oladipo – 28 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast
Domantas Sabonis – 17 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast
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