Rockets lose Game 1 to Clippers, 117-101

Posted: May 4, 2015 -- 11:50 pm.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets failed to capitalize on the absence of Clippers' guard Chris Paul Monday night as the Clippers picked up a 117-101 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals.

"This is a game where the head of the snake was gone for them; and, we didn't take full advantage of it." Josh Smith said.

"They played with much more of an edge," Kevin McHale said after the game. "They played harder than we did."

Due to a sore left hamstring, Paul did not play in the game; and, his absence disrupted the Clippers for the first few minutes of the game. The Rockets' 25-19 lead after one quarter should have been larger. However, the Rockets turned the ball over nine times in the opening 12 minutes which negated their 10 for 21 field goal shooting.

"(We) Came out very lethargic," said Josh Smith. We acted like this wasn't a playoff game today with the energy level; and, that's really discouraging."

The Rockets led by as much as 13 points in the second quarter; but, five turnovers during a six minute stretch helped the Clippers slice into the lead and pull within three points twice before the Rockets led 50-46 at halftime.

Neither team took good care of the ball in the first half. The Clippers committed 13 team turnovers while the Rockets turned the ball over 14 times.

The third quarter was a disaster for the Rockets. The Clippers shot 6 for 6 from three point range and outscored the Rockets 37-27 in the third quarter to lead 83-77 through three quarters.

Dwight Howard's jump hook pulled the Rockets within one point (89-88); however, a three-point basket by Matt Barnes kick-started a 12-0 run for a 101-88 lead. The Rockets pulled within eight points (105-97); but, the Clippers iced the game with a 10-0 run in less than 90 seconds.

Dwight Howard led the Rockets with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Harden chipped in 20 points and 12 assists; but, Harden also turned over the ball nine times. Trevor Ariza scored 17 points - 11 points in the first quarter.

"Our play was sloppy. We didn't play with any sense of urgency and there you go," said Trevor Ariza after the game.

The Rockets finished the game with 24 turnovers which the Clippers converted in 34 points off turnovers. Conversely, the Clippers turned over the ball 23 times and, the Rockets scored just 21 points off the turnovers.

Game 2 is Wednesday night.

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