Utah Jazz even series 1-1 with 116-108 Game 2 win over the Rockets

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets made a valiant comeback Wednesday night; but, the Utah Jazz defeated the Rockets 116-108 to win Game 2 to even the Western Conference Semifinals series 1-1.

The Rockets trailed by as much as 19 points in the first half before James Harden scored 12 consecutive points to trim the Rockets' deficit to nine points (64-55) at halftime.

Utah shot 55.8% (24 for 43) in the first half.

"They came out with some thrust in that first half; and, they made shots," James Harden said after the game. "But, they were wide open shots. We came out a little too lackadaisical. We were just kind of going through the motions or what not."

The Rockets opened the third quarter with a 14-5 run to tie the game at 69. Houston's Trevor Ariza scored a floater in the paint to put the Rockets ahead 71-69; however, Utah's Jae Crowder scored a driving lay-up and tied the game at 71.

The Rockets led 77-72; but, the Jazz did not wilt. Utah tied the game at 77.

The game was tied two more times in the third quarter. The Jazz led 86-85 at the end of the third quarter.

Utah's Joe Ingles made a step back shot for a 92-89 Utah lead; but, Houston's Chris Paul scored a 8-foot floater and Eric Gordon swished a three-point shot for 5 straight Rockets points and a 94-92 lead with 8:04 remaining in the fourth period.

The Jazz called timeout; and, after the timeout, Utah's Donovan Mitchell attacked the basket and broke down the Rockets' defense before dishing a bounce pass to teammate Dante' Exum in the corner. Exum swished three point shot for a 95-94 lead.

Next, after Eric Gordon committed a turnover.

Mitchell dished to Jae Crowder for a three-point basket and a 98-94 Utah lead.

Then, the Rockets committed a shot clock violation which set up some Donovan Mitchell fireworks.

Mitchell missed a floater in the paint. The ball bounced off the front of the rim; and, Mitchell rebounded the miss and threw down a vicious one-hand slam dunk for a 100-94 lead.

Harden scored a floater; however, Mitchell (once again) found an open Joe Ingles and Ingles swished his three-point shot of the game for a 103-96 lead with 5:47 on the clock.

Harden missed a step back three-point shot attempt; and, after Rudy Gobert and Mitchell each split two free throws, Ingles swished his seventh three-point shot of the game (out of 9 attempts) for a 108-96 lead with 4:27 left in the ball game.

"They got everything tonight," Chris Paul said. "Ingles 7 of 9 from three. They were just too comfortable."

Houston made one final push in the final minutes and clawed within six (111-105) with 1:46 on the clock; however, Dante Exum's driving slam dunk with 55.3 seconds remaining sealed the deal. Houston did not get closer than six points after Exum's dunk.

"We did a pretty good job of fighting our way back and taking a lead down 19; but, you got to get greedy and try to get every stop after that," Harden said. "It's just draining. Give them (Utah) credit. They made shots though."

The Rockets are 0-2 this postseason when opponents score 110 or more points.

Houston lost despite only committing 8 turnovers.

James Harden scored a game-high 32 points and a game-tying 11 assists. Utah's Donovan Mitchell also had 11 assists to go along with 17 points.

Utah outshot Houston 51.2% to 40.0% in the game.

"They were getting lay-ups, dunks, free throws, a little bit of everything," Chris Paul commented. "And, we fought back hard. But, give them a lot of credit. They did what they were supposed to do. They came in here and got a win."

Chris Paul scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half. Regular season and playoffs combined, Houston is 25-3 when Paul scores 20 or more points (2-1 in the playoffs).

The Jazz have shot 50.0% or better in both games this series. During the regular, season, eight of the Rockets' 17 losses came when the opponents shot 50.0% or better (8-8 record). Utah shot 44.3% against the Rockets during the regular season.

Houston shot 27.0% from three-point range (10 for 37) tonight. In Game 1, the Rockets shot 53.1% (17 for 32) from three. During the regular season, the Rockets were 16-12 when shooting 33.3% or worse on threes.

Game 3 is at Utah on Friday, May 4, at 9:30 p.m.

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