The Houston Roundball Review is an online basketball publication by: Kris Gardner, United States Basketball Writers Association member. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Katrina McClain, Naismith, USBWA, and Wooden awards.
HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets continue finding ways to win. Thursday night's muck-fest with the Detroit Pistons resulted in 100-96 overtime win for the Rockets. The game, especially, the second half, seemed to take place in a quagmire.
The Rockets won despite being outshot 42.1% to 35.4%.
"I knew coming in that this (game) was going to be a hard game just because you don't have Chris (Paul -- did not play Coach's Decision). After an emotional win in Portland, a day off, then you come back; and, we played a lot. I don't know how many games this is in how many nights; but, a lot.
"This was a classic back home; we feel good about ourselves. We didn't quite play; but, having said that, in the second half, they (the Pistons) scored 38 points in the second half not counting overtime. Some of the defense was good. We found ways (to win)."
The second half was a glorious example of poor field goal shooting. The Rockets missed 30 of 43 field goal attempts (30.2%); and, the Pistons missed 31 of 45 field goal attempts (31.1%).
Two NBA teams combined to make 27 of 88 field goal attempts in the second half.
Yuck.
The Rockets trailed the Pistons 27-21 after the first quarter and 50-48 at halftime.
Houston outscored the Pistons 23-18 in the third quarter and led the Pistons 86-77 with 4:53 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, the Rockets committed two turnovers and missed five shots during an 11-0 run by the Pistons and trailed 88-86 with 1:33 remaining.
James Harden missed a driving layup; but, the Pistons missed two three-point shots to keep the Rockets in the ball game in the final seconds of regulation.
Harden missed another driving layup; but, P.J. Tucker rebounded the miss and tapped the ball onto the rim. Detroit big man Andre Drummond touched the ball on the rim and was called for goaltending to tie the game at 88 with 30.5 seconds on the clock.
Detroit's Blake Griffin missed a 10-foot fadeaway jump shot.
James Harden grabbed the rebound and raced up the court with the game clock winding down. Harden attacked the basket and lofted a 12-foot floater which bounced off the rim and rolled out which sent the game to the extra five-minute session.
Harden made a 16-foot step back jumper to begin the scoring in overtime. After Andre Drummond scored a layup to tie the game at 90, Harden scored a 10-foot floater and was fouled. Harden made the free throw to complete the three-point play for a 93-90 Rockets' lead at the 2:20 mark of overtime.
Detroit failed to score on its next two possessions.
On the Rockets' possession, with the shot clocking winding down, Harden drew a three-shot foul on Detroit rookie Luke Kennard.
Harden made all three free throws for a 96-90 lead with 71 seconds remaining.
Detroit point guard missed a three-point shot; then, after Harden and Eric Gordon each missed a driving layup, P.J. Tucker tipped in Gordon's miss for a 98-90 lead with 21.4 seconds left to put the game out of reach.
Harden scored 10 of his 21 points in overtime. Harden missed all 8 of his three-point shots tonight and shot an icy 4 for 20 from the floor overall; however, Harden did make 13 of his 18 foul shots.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 22 points. Over the past two games, Gordon is averaging 20 points per game on 45.5% field goal shooting. Gordon has scored 20 plus points 28 times this season after doing so 19 times last season.
Joe Johnson scored 11 points off the bench; and, Clint Capela and P.J. Tucker each scored 10 points.
Tonight's win improves the Rockets to 58-14 this season. The 58 wins ties the highest win total in franchise history.
The Rockets' next game is Saturday, March 24, vs the New Orleans Pelicans. Tip is set for 7 p.m.
