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.
Spurs snap Rockets' 10-game winning streak with 102-100 win
Posted: December 20, 2016 -- 10:44 pm CST.
HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- Patty Mills' go-ahead three-point basket with 12.9 seconds remaining, gave the San Antonio Spurs a 102-100 lead. James Harden missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer which resulted in the 102-100 loss which snapped the Rockets' 10-game winning streak.
After Mill's bucket, the Rockets did not call a timeout. Harden waited until near mid-court before picking up the ball (to keep the game clock from starting); and, eventually, Eric Gordon ended up with a great look at a three-point shot; but, Gordon missed the shot and San Antonio's Manu Ginobli grabbed the rebound and was fouled with 3 seconds remaining.
Sensing the game was over, a few Rockets' fans headed for the exits; but, Ginobli missed both free throws which gave the Rockets a lifeline. The Rockets called a full time-out then a 20-second timeout to set up the final play. Harden was defended tightly by Jonathan Simmons. Harden's shot attempt clanged off the iron.
Harden scored a game-high 31 points; but, he struggled to make shots from three-point range. Harden made only 1 of his 11 three-point attempts. Eric Gordon made just 1 of his 8 threes. Ryan Anderson was 1 for 3. Trevor Ariza made 3 of 9 from three. Collectively, the Rockets shot a frigid 6 for 38 from the three-point line. The 15.8% shooting percentage is the lowest 3-point percentage in NBA history by a team with at least 38 three-point field goal attempts. The icy shooting ended a streak of 27 consecutive games with 10 plus three-point field goals made.
The Rockets (21-8) led the Spurs 96-83 with 4:29 remaining in the fourth quarter; however, the Spurs took advantage of two Rockets' turnovers and 3 missed shots to erupt for a quick 11-0 run to slice the lead to two points (96-94) with 2:42 on the clock. The Rockets committed 8 team turnovers in the final quarter.
"We've got to close the game out. Give them credit, they made shots, we turned the basketball over," James Harden said in the locker room after the game. "I didn't close the right way. We didn't close the right way as a team. One game. Play tomorrow."
With the win tonight, the Spurs take a 2-1 lead in the season series versus the Rockets with one game left to play (at San Antonio - March 6, 2017). The Rockets have lost 4 of 5 at home versus the Spurs after winning 7 of the previous 8. Two of the Rockets three home losses this season are to the Spurs.
"They (the Spurs) had three or four wide open shots; and, they hit them," said Rockets' head coach Mike D'Antoni after the game. "And, then, we still had control. You've got to give them credit. They did hit their shots. Hard shots. They hit them; and, we had some shots we missed.
"So, you don't have to be too complicated. It's just the way the league is. They're a very good team; and, I thought we played enough to win."
The Rockets trailed 52-45 at halftime; but, Harden did a little bit of everything (13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) in the third quarter to help the Rockets outscore the Spurs 33-19.
Houston led 78-71 after three quarters; and, with Harden resting on the bench the first 6 minutes of the fourth quarter, the Rockets maintained the seven point lead when Harden checked into the game at the 5:59 mark (89-82).
The lead grew to 13 before the Spurs made the sensational comeback to eke out the two point victory in a thrilling ball game.
