Rockets edge Cavaliers in OT, 105-103

Posted: March 1, 2015 -- 11:25 pm.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- Sunday afternoon's match-up between the Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers featured technical fouls, a kick to the groin, bizarre non-calls, superstar performances, and missed free throws which resulted in a 105-103 overtime win by the Rockets.

LeBron James scored more points (37 to 33) than James Harden; however, LeBron attempted more field goals 35 to 18 and, more importantly, LeBron missed more free throws (8 to 3). LeBron made 15 of his 35 field goal attempts; but, with the Rockets clinging to a 104-103 lead, LeBron missed two free throws with 4.2 seconds remaining in overtime.

"I didn't come through for my teammates tonight," said LeBron after the game. "I tripped the game off at the free throw line. Guys put us in the position to win the games and I didn't come through for them. It won't happen again.

"Everyone is going to remember the last one's I missed; but, I was off rhythm the whole game. I'll be in the gym and work on it. I hate not being able to come through for my teammates. This one really hurt."

The Rockets led 29-26 after the first quarter; however, the Cavs scored 20 points in the paint in the opening 12 minutes. The Rockets made some adjustments on defense and limited the Cavs to 26 paint points the rest of the game.

"They had a huge advantage early," Kevin McHale said. "But, we did a couple things to try and get them to shoot jump shots."

Both teams shot under 40 percent in the second quarter: Rockets 38.9% (7 for 19); Cavs 36.0% (9 for 25).

LeBron scored nine points in quarter; but, he made just 4 of his 10 field goal attempts.

The Rockets led 50-47 at halftime.

Harden (13 points) and LeBron (14 points) heated up in the third quarter; but, Harden received more scoring help from his teammates than LeBron did in the third as the Rockets outscored the Cavs 32-27 in the period.

The Rockets led 82-74 after three quarters; but, with Harden on the bench to start the fourth quarter, the Cavs scored eight quick points to tie the game at 82. After a timeout, Josh Smith picked up two assists as Corey Brewer then Jason Terry each knocked down a three point shot to give the Rockets an 88-82 lead with 9:16 left in the fourth quarter.

The six point lead would be the largest lead the rest of the game. Cleveland's Tristan Thompson dunked on the Cavs' next possession to cut the Rockets' lead to four (88-84) before Matthew Dellavedova nailed a three-point shot to reduce the lead to one point.

Donatas Motiejunas' jump hook boosted the Rockets' lead to 90-87; but, the Cavs scored six straight points to lead 93-90 at the 4:56 mark of the fourth quarter. The Cavs led 95-92 before Harden scored four points during a 6-0 burst for a 98-95 lead for the Rockets.

The Rockets didn't score a single point in the final 1:43 of the quarter; but, three made free throws by the Cavs (LeBron split two free throws and Thompson made two free throws) and missed opportunities by the Cavs in the closing moments, sent the game into overtime.

Terrence Jones split two free throws to start the scoring in overtime; then, after J.R. Smith nailed a pull-up jump shot, Patrick Beverley swished a three-point shot for 102-100 Rockets' lead. After LeBron missed a lay-up and a long three-point shot, Josh Smith sank two free throws for 104-100 lead with 2:21 remaining in the extra session.

After three missed shots by the Cavs, LeBron sank a three-pointer for a 104-103 score.

The Rockets turned the ball over on their next possession; and, after a timeout, LeBron took his time before attacking the basket. Josh Smith was called for a foul which sent LeBron to the line with 4.2 seconds on the clock. Both free throws clanged off the rim.

Harden grabbed the second missed free throw and was fouled. The foul was the first foul in the final two minutes which meant the Cavs had to foul again in order to send the Rockets to the free throw line. next, Harden was fouled with 0.6 seconds remaining. Harden made the first free throw but missed the second. The Cavs rebounded the miss and called a timeout with 0.3 seconds remaining. Cleveland called a 20-second timeout to set up a prayer. James Jones' failed to a get shot off which clinched win number 41 for the Rockets.

"We're growing as a team", Harden said. "So, early in the season, when things got tough, we didn't know how to pull these situations out. Lately, we've been believing in each other. Games like this, we find a way to win and that's been our motto the entire season."

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