Rockets eliminate Mavs in 5 games

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Posted: April 28, 2015 -- 11:15 pm.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets gutted out a 103-94 Game 5 win to eliminate the Dallas Mavericks from the 2015 Western Conference Playoffs.

The game wasn't a thing of beauty; but, playoffs basketball isn't supposed to be pretty.

The Rockets missed 17 of 36 free throws and turned the ball over 21 times; but, 10 points from Terrence Jones in the fourth quarter helped the Rockets clinch the ball game.

"TJ, really, coming down the stretch, played fantastic for us," Kevin McHale said after the game.

After the Mavs pulled within 88-85, Jones converted a three-point play and swished a three-point basket (in front of the Mavs' bench) to boost the lead to 94-85 with 4:28 left in the ball game.

The Mavs scored four straight points; but, James Harden nailed a step-back three-pointer for a 97-89 lead. Next, Harden dished to Jones twice for two dunks which iced the ball game to send the Rockets into the second round of the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2009.

"TJ had a great stretch in that fourth quarter that kind of brought us home which was fantastic," Kevin McHale said.

James Harden scored a game-high 28 points and dished eight assists. Josh Smith scored 20 points off the bench in 22 plus minutes. Dwight Howard added 18 points and 19 rebounds; and, Jones finished the game with 15 points.

Monta Ellis scored 25 points to lead the Mavs; but, Ellis made just 11 of 26 field goal attempts. Dirk Nowitzki scored 22 points but made only 8 of 23 shots.

"I jut want to congratulate Houston," said Rick Carlisle, Dallas Mavericks head coach after the game. "Daryl (Rockets' GM Daryl Morey) and Kevin (McHale) have built a terrific team here. Tough series. They (the Rockets) played great. In the end, they had a little bit more left in the tank. They're very worthy of advancing; and, they're legit."

The Rockets will face the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers - San Antonio Spurs first round match-up. Game 1 of the second round series will be Monday, May 4.