The Houston Roundball Review Media Group -- YOUR source for hoops and more. by: Kris Gardner. Credentialed media member since 1997. Credentialed to cover the NFL Big Game; the Men's Final Four; the Women's Final Four and more. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Naismith, USBWA, WBHOF, and Wooden awards.
HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- James Harden was sensational (and efficient) Friday night with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists (7th triple-double of the season); but, Harden received a big boost from big man Montrezl Harrell in the Rockets 140-116 rout of the Los Angeles Clippers. Harrell scored a career-high 29 points on 10 for 14 field goal shooting (9 for 11 free throws) in 30 minutes of action.
"When you've got guys on the floor who shoot the ball at a high clip the way we shoot it, it makes my job easier," Harrell said of his career-night performance.
"He was terrific tonight," said Mike D'Antoni, Rockets head coach after the game, of Harrell's sensational showing. "Really, really good on both ends of the floor and his energy. He was good."
Harden got the Rockets started in the first quarter with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Rockets led 37-23 after the first 12 minutes. (Harrell did not score in 5 first quarter minutes.)
Less than four minutes into the second quarter, Houston extended the lead to 51-28 with 8:12 remaining in the second quarter.
The Rockets lead was 55-35 when Clippers' guard Austin Rivers was ejected for making contact with NBA referee J.T. Orr.
The Rockets (25-9) scored four consecutive points after Rivers was ejected; and, then, Clippers head coach, Doc Rivers, was ejected by referee Jason Phillips.
The Clippers (22-13) showed some life and outscored the Rockets 17-5 to trim the Rockets' lead to 12 points (64-52).
Trevor Ariza swished a 3 point shot; Harrell added four points; and Harden scored a driving lay-up to put the Rockets ahead 74-57 at halftime.
Harrell scored 8 points in the second period.
In the third quarter, the Rockets boosted the lead to 79-59; but, Clippers' center DeAndre Jordan made his presence felt with 14 points and 7 rebounds in the quarter. Point guard Raymond Felton got hot from three point range (4 for 5) and scored 18 points in the quarter to help the Clippers win the third period 41-34.
The Rockets lead 108-98 after three quarters.
The Clippers got as close as six points twice -- the last occurrence (110-104) was at the 10:49 mark of the fourth quarter.
But, the Rockets exploded with a 16-0 run to put the game away. Harrell scored 7 points during the run. The run happened with Harden on the bench.
Harden checked into the game with 6:52 on the game clock. Harden needed three assists for a triple-double.
Harden dished to Ariza. Ariza scored a 9-foot floater.
Ninety-six seconds later, Harden found Harrell for a dunk.
Thirty seconds later, Harden dished to a cutting for a lay-up.
Triple-double number seven for Harden.
With 3:26 remaining, Harden checked out of the game after the assist.
"That's what he (Harrell does)," Harden said of Harrell's energy. "A six point game or a 30 point game. He brings the same energy. The same toughness. The same pace that we need; and, that's what gets him going."
Harrell added, "I just come out every game and try to play a great game and try to leave everything I have on the floor. As long as I come in and do what I've got to do -- and that's that to do anything and everything to to get my team a win."
In addition to Harden's 30 and Harrell's 29, Eric Gordon scored 19 points; Trevor Ariza scored 18; Patrick Beverley scored 15; and, Corey Brewer chipped in 10 points.
The Rockets 140 points are a season-high.
Houston is back in action Saturday night when the New York Knicks come to Toyota Center for a 7 p.m. New Year's Eve start.
