Rockets take advantage of 31 turnovers and beat Utah 97-82

Posted: January 10, 2015 -- 10:50 pm.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets did not play well for the entire 48 minutes Saturday night; however, the Rockets played well enough in spurts to defeat the Utah Jazz 97-82. The Jazz committed 31 team turnovers -- including three shot clock violations -- and the Rockets scored 38 points off the miscues.

"They had a lot of turnovers; and, we weren't scoring," Kevin McHale said after the game.

"They (the Rockets) are long; they're quick; and, they have Dwight Howard back there protecting the rim; so, they can be even more aggressive," said Jazz head coach Quin Snyder after the game. "That's why they're one of the very top defensive teams in the league."

The score was tied at 23 after the first quarter; and, the first quarter featured 14 turnovers combined. The Jazz shot 52.6% (10 for 19 field goals); but, their eight turnovers set the tone for them the rest of the ball game.

Thanks to 10 Jazz turnovers in the second period, the Rockets outscored the Jazz 23-14 in the second period.

The Rockets shot just 37.5% (15 for 40 field goals) in the first half; but, they led 46-37 at halftime.

James Harden scored 12 points (4 for 5 field goals) in the third quarter to help the Rockets score 32 points in the third quarter and outscore the Jazz 32-20 in the third quarter.

"There were a couple good three, four, or five minute spurts in the third quarter," McHale commented. "We just played in spurts all night long. We don't want to do that. We want to be a little bit better."

The Rockets (26-11) led 78-57 after three periods; but, a Rockets' four minute scoreless drought in the fourth quarter helped the Jazz walk back into the game. Houston's lead shrunk to nine points (84-75) before Harden sank consecutive three-point baskets to boost the lead to 15 points with 4:01 remaining in the game.

"They (Utah) got it (the lead) down to I think nine or ten; and, he (Harden) made two big threes that got separation," McHale said.

"I've said it: 'We are not 26-11 if James Harden is not playing really well at a high level. That's the bottom line.' ", McHale summarized.

Harden scored a game-high 30 points on an efficient 8 for 14 field goal shooting and 10 for 11 from the foul line.

Donatas Motiejunas scored 14 points and Trevor Ariza, Patrick Beverley, and Josh Smith each scored 10 points. Ariza added 5 steals while Beverley dished out 7 assists and Smith chimed in with 3 boards, 2 assists, an 1 blocked shot in 20 minutes off the bench.

"I'm still finding my rhythm," said Smith after the game. "We did a great job collectively out there pretty much the whole game defensively. We were limiting them to one shot; getting out on the fast break; and, we were making a lot of effort plays tonight. We've got to do it each and every night in order to stay consistent and win."

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