Cavs' defense contains Harden in Rockets' 14 point loss

Posted: January 15, 2016 -- 11:35 pm CDT.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets played worse than the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night. The Cavaliers did not shoot the ball lights out; but, the Cavs won the rebounding battle and committed less turnovers which helped defeat the Rockets 91-77.

The 77 points are a season-low for the Rockets.

The Rockets (21-20) began the game great. They made 5 of their first 6 field goals and led the Cavs (28-10) 13-4 with 9:05 remaining in the first quarter. However, the Rockets starting missing shots; and, the Cavs began slowing down the pace of the game.

By the end of the first quarter, the Rockets trailed 23-21. After the hot start, the Rockets made just 2 of their last 17 field goal attempts in the first quarter. The quarter ended with a James Harden turnover which resulted in a bank shot runner by Cleveland's Matthew Dellavedova.

Harden's turnover was only the second turnover by the Rockets in the first period; however, it was a portend of things to come.

The Rockets turned over the ball 9 times in the second quarter and made only 4 of 12 field goal attempts.

The Cavs outscored the Rockets 23-14 in the second stanza and led 46-35 at halftime.

The Rockets cut down the turnovers in the third period; but, the poor field goal shooting continued for them in the third: 5 for 21 field goal shooting.

The Rockets trailed by as much as 21 points (66-45) during the third quarter; and, they trailed 68-51 after three quarters.

The fourth quarter was extended 'Garbage Time'.

Dwight Howard led the Rockets with 14 points and 11 rebounds for his eighth straight double-double and 19th overall this season.

Patrick Beverley scored 13 points while James Harden struggled to accomplish much of anything: 2 for 10 field goals, 8 turnovers, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

"They (the Cavs) just showed him (Harden) a ton of bodies," J.B. Bickerstaff said of the Cavs' defending Harden. "They have guys who are good defenders one-on-one. They guarded him one-on-one; but, then, everywhere he went, they brought extra people."

Harden's 11 points tonight are his second-lowest scoring game this season (10 points at BKN on 12/8). The Rockets are 1-6 when Harden scores below 20 points this season.

"You've got to give the Cavs a ton of credit," J.B. Bickerstaff said. "They came in here and had a great game plan tonight. They executed well; and, they smothered us on the defensive end of the floor. Their defense was active. It was tight. It was together."

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