Rockets lose close one to Spurs, 104-103

Posted: April 10, 2015 -- 11:30 pm.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets almost pulled off a near miracle Friday night versus the San Antonio Spurs.

Almost.

The Rockets (53-26) lost to the Spurs 104-103. Despite the Spurs' use of the "Hack a Josh Smith" strategy, the Rockets, which resulted in Smith's shooting 26 free throws (Smith made twelve), still had a chance to win the game in the final seconds. However, with 2.9 seconds remaining, James Harden's layup attempt was blocked by Tim Duncan.

Harden said of the final play, "Gotta finish. I've just gotta finish."

"We had opportunities," said Kevin McHale.

Smith's 26 free throw attempts were nearly half of the Rockets' season-high 53 free throw attempts. However, the Rockets only made 32 of the free throws.

After the game, Smith described the Spurs' strategy of fouling him a "good strategy": “It was a good strategy. I still feel like I'm confident but I was not able to make the majority of the free throws."

Smith added, "He (Spurs' head coach Greg Popovich) is a great coach. So, he knows how to disrupt the rhythm of the game. He did that tonight and we still had opportunities to win."

Popovich believes the 'Hack a Josh' strategy worked because the fouls kept the ball of Harden's talented hands.

"Absolutely (it worked)," Popovich said. "I’d trade it any day rather than have James Harden with the basketball."

Harden made just five of 19 field goals as he struggled to make shots the entire ball game; however, he did dish 10 assists.

With the loss to the Spurs, the Rockets are now one-half game behind the Spurs (54-26).

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