Rockets 103, Pistons 93

Posted: March 6, 2015 -- 11:25 pm.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets used a 22-2 run, in six minutes and 40 seconds, to increase a four point lead to 24 points; then, the Rockets' bench players gave up most of the big lead as the Rockets defeated the Detroit Pistons 103-93 Friday night.

"We did very, very well then we made our substitutions and  took early three pointers for no reason," Kevin McHale said. "Didn't get back and didn't defend. I don't know. We had a really good stretch in the fourth quarter, end of the third quarter where we really started getting some separation and that's what we need."

James Harden scored a game-high 38 points and added 12 rebounds plus 12 assists for his third triple-double of the season.

"It's all about having fun, especially when your back is against the wall," Harden said. "You just lost two in a row. Two tough games. You have to get a win. So, we went out there and had fun. We executed and played together."

The Rockets dominated the Pistons 16-7 on the glass (7-2 on the offensive boards) in the first quarter but five turnovers limited the Rockets' scoring chances which helped the Pistons trail by just six points (29-23) after the first 12 minutes.

Both teams shot poorly in the second quarter: the Rockets made 10 of 26 field goal attempts (38.5%) while the Pistons made only 7 of 24 field goals (29.2%).

The Rockets (42-20) led the Pistons 54-46 at halftime. The Rockets turned the ball over ten times in the first half; but, they out-rebounded the Pistons 32-21.

The Pistons (23-38) inched within two points (60-58) in the third quarter; but, Terrence Jones scored five straight points to stretch the Rockets' lead to seven (65-58).

Minutes later, Joey Dorsey's tip-in put the Rockets up nine (71-62) with 3:49 remaining in the third quarter. But, the Pistons responded with a 7-2 run to slice the Rockets' lead to four points (73-69) with 1:38 on the game clock.

Then, Josh Smith sank two free throws; and, James Harden scored the final five points of the third quarter to give the Rockets an 80-69 lead after three quarters. The Rockets scored the first eleven points in the fourth quarter before Detroit's Reggie Jackson made two free throws. Next, Smith and Harden combined for four consecutive points for a 95-71 lead with 6:58 remaining in the game.

With the game seemingly well in hand, Kevin McHale inserted his bench players into the game; and, they failed to hold the lead as the Pistons' reserves outscored the Rockets 18-4 during the next four minutes which forced McHale to put Harden back in the game.

Harden's presence on the court restored order which enabled the Rockets to pick up the 10 point and snap a two-game losing streak.

Terrence Jones scored 17 points, pulled down eight rebounds, and blocked three shots. Corey Brewer scored 15 points off the bench.

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