Rockets top Mavs, win Game 1, 118-108

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 118-108 Saturday night to take a 1-0 lead in Game 1 of their first round 2015 NBA Playoffs series. Three and a half minutes into the game, the Rockets raced to a 9-2 lead before leading by as much as 15 points (32-17) late in the first twelve minutes.

The Rockets led 32-19 after the first quarter. But, Dwight Howard was whistled for his third foul early in the second quarter; and, with Howard resting on the bench, the Mavs took advantage and outscored the Rockets 23-8 to lead 42-40 with 4:12 remaining until halftime.

"You got to understand this is the playoffs, we're at home," said Jason Terry. "We must  come out and maintain a certain level of intensity. It's my job as a point guard to set the tone for us. I do my job out front and Dwight (Howard) does his behind me. With that said, we just have to continue to play with a sense of urgency on both ends of the floor."

The Rockets regrouped to outscore the Mavericks 19-13 in the final 4:12 and lead 59-55 at the half.

Dwight Howard began the third period with a blocked shot and two slam dunks to boost the Rockets lead to 65-55.

The Rockets led the Mavs 80-66 before the Mavs scored seven straight points to finish the third quarter.

Houston led the Mavs 84-77 after three quarters.

Then, Corey Brewer found his rhythm on offense and scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to help keep the Mavs at arms'-length.

"Brew got hot in the fourth quarter and Trev (Trevor Ariza) had ten defensive rebounds and did a good job defensively," Kevin McHale said.

James Harden scored a team-high 24 points and dished a game-high 11 assists. Six other Rockets also scored in double digits in the game:  19 points (plus 9 rebounds and 6 assists) from Terrence Jones; 16 points from Jason Terry; 15 from Corey Brewer; 12 points (plus 11 rebounds and 6 dimes) from Trevor Ariza; and 11 points each from Dwight Howard and Josh Smith.

Rookie big man Clint Capela added 8 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots in 16 minutes.

"I was happy for the young fella," Dwight Howard said. "He went out there and got a couple of dunks and a couple of blocks. He's energy was great. I could tell he was a little tired after a couple of plays. He had one dunk down the lane where he was just gassed. After the game, I just told him to continue to play with high energy. I was proud of him."

Game 2 is Tuesday night. Tip is set for 8:30 p.m.

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