Although the Houston Rockets (42-13) were far from an offensive fireworks display, they beat the Dallas Mavericks (18-39) with 104:97 (BOXSCORE) in the Texas duel. Downtown isn’t about to fall by the wayside for both teams, but in the end the individual class of Chris Paul and James Harden is the decisive factor.
A few hours before the match, the Mavericks announced that they would have to do without Dirk Nowitzki this evening. As a precautionary measure, the German was spared due to a painful ankle, and Wesley Matthews and J. J. were missing. Barea was injured.
In return, newcomer Doug McDermott made his debut in the Mavs’ Starting Five – but this did not change much at the weak start of the guests. In the first 12 minutes, Dallas did not see much of an offensive, so that the rockets gained a 10-point lead in the first quarter.
But Houston didn’t have the best night either. In the first half, there was a lack of commitment and determination, and the Mavs fought their way back into the game thanks to a brave appearance in the opponent’s zone. Until the halftime break, the game was balanced (57:55 for Houston).
Even after the break, the two teams did not show their fans a brilliant performance. In the meantime, there were no throws on either side for several minutes, only towards the end of the third round did Houston, thanks to numerous trips to the free-throw line and occasional threesomes, drop to 14 points.
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Although Dallas shortened it again, but finally there was nothing left to do against James Harden and Chris Paul. The Rockets backcourt duo either found their way to the free-throw line or pocketed important throws of insulation, so that Houston finally brought the lead over time safely.
Harden scored 27 points (6 rebounds, 5 assists), while CP3 scored 25 points (9/15), 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Helpful support was also provided by Clint Capela (16 points, 11 rebounds) and Gerald Green, who pocketed 4 out of 9 threesomes and scored 12 points.
On the side of the Mavericks, five players achieved a double-digit score, the best man was Yogi Ferrell with 20 points. Dennis Smith, Jr. With 16 points and 11 assists he also played a double-double as well as Dwight Powell (18 points, 12 rebounds). Maxi Kleber also showed a strong performance. The Wuerzburger came in 20 minutes on 10 counters (5/7 FG), 3 rebounds and 2 assists. However, Dallas could not prevent the eighth Rockets win in a row.
Rockets vs. Mavs: This way to the BOXSCORE!
Chris Paul. After a rather inconspicuous first half, the point guard of the rockets set the tone after the break. With 10 points in the third and a further 6 points in the fourth section, he took his team to the winning track. In the important moments CP3 – similar to James Harden, who was also strong – was there for the rockets.
Harrison Barnes. The small forward of the Mavericks could not set any accents this evening. This was mainly due to the fact that the 25-year-old’s litter did not want to fall at all. Only 4 of his 15 attempts found their way through the Reuse, his throws from downtown were mostly too short and scratched the ring. The 11 points and 5 rebounds were just not enough.
It is well known that the firepower of rockets is usually only helped by one means: switches. Obviously Mavs-Coach Rick Carlisle, who instructed his men to switch without exception at every opposing Pick & Roll, saw it that way. Thus Houston came to relatively few open three players, but Harden or Paul knew how to use the mismatches intelligently. The two guards pulled mercilessly to the basket against the Mavs’ Big Men and drew so many fouls, which in turn led to numerous trips to the free-throw line. Although the offense never really found its rhythm, Houston was able to defend his lead.