An almost record-breaking first quarter of the Houston Rockets (34-12) laid the groundwork for a 104-97 win at the Dallas Mavericks (16-32), which was ultimately a safe 104-97 win. A brief rise of the Mavs was not enough at the end.
Houston overrun Dallas in the first quarter. Maxi Kleber and Dirk Nowitzki were repeatedly involved in a mismatch against the Rockets guards, who turned the helpless defense into Swiss cheese and found a three-goaler or Clint Capela on almost every turn. After just under six minutes, Ryan Anderson was the first for the Rockets, who hit a total of ten threesomes in the first quarter and surprisingly “only” led 38:28.
It was obvious that Houston wouldn’t be able to keep this crazy quota from outside, but the fans at the American Airlines Center were certainly surprised how quickly the rockets cooled down (13 points in the second quarter) and gave the Mavs the chance to fight their way back into the game. Although the Dallas offensive was only marginally more effective, the Rockets lead was reduced to 51:45.
The NBA live at SPOX! All games in the LIVESTREAM calendar!
After the half-time break, the guests were again much more concentrated. Apart from the fact that the threesome fell more often than the previous quarter, the Rockets also successfully remembered that there was an option to draw to the basket and extended the lead to 85:67. Eric Gordon led his team with 11 points in the quarter. Yogi Ferrell scored 8 of the 22 Mavs points.
Wesley Matthews (29 points, 7/14 3FG), who was the best Maverick over the entire game, fought again against defeat – but the air was quickly out and the rockets starters were allowed to start the regeneration process early on. The Mavs only did a little cosmetics in the garbage time.
James Harden finished the game with 25 points (9/16 FG) and 13 assists, Eric Gordon (17 points, 4/7 3FG) brought his usual energy and Trevor Ariza (23 points) showed up with 14 attempts from outside (5/14 3FG) in a special throwing mood. The Rockets scored a total of 21 of their 51 three-way attempts.
Dirk Nowitzki scored 7 points (2/7 FG) in 15 minutes, Kleber was only 9 minutes on the floor and scored 2 points.
With their ten thirds in the first quarter, the Rockets barely missed an NBA record set by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks around Toni Kukoc and Michael Redd met eleven threesomes in a quarter in 2006. Four years later, the record was set by the Cleveland Cavaliers around LeBron James.
For the sixth time in the current season, the rockets met at least 20 threesomes in one game. Each of these games they won. Only the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Dallas Mavericks were able to finish a match with at least 20 threesomes in the first place.
Dallas has to be accused of not applying enough pressure on the ball. With only 9 turnovers, the rockets stayed well below their previous season’s average (14.9) and only lost less than 10 balls for the fourth time this season.
Mavericks vs. Rockets: Click here for the BOXSCORE!
James Harden. It was a relatively unobtrusive performance by the MVP candidate, but his effect on the game could not be overlooked. Harden controlled the game brilliantly and only lost one ball. The cooling of the Rockets offensive was also directly related to Harden’s break on the bench.
The big lineup around Kleber and Nowitzki was absolutely not playable against the rockets. Rick Carlisle reacted to that, but in this matchup, in which good switches are absolutely essential, he should have bet directly on a more agile first five.
During the half-time break Mike D’ Antoni apparently took the chance to show his team why he wants to see as few middistance throws as possible in his offensive. The Rockets had only hit one of their eight attempts. Harden, Paul and Co. showed obedience and took only one midranger in the third quarter.