Rockets edge the Pacers in OT

Posted: January 10, 2016 -- 10:15 pm CDT.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets turned over the ball 23 times and trailed by six points in overtime; but, the Rockets still found a way to eke out an exciting 107-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

"Give Houston credit," said Frank Vogel, Pacers' head coach. "They hit some big shots; and big threes to get back in the game."

Trevor Ariza nailed a 3-point shot with 17 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter to tie the game at 93.

"You have to give our guys a ton of credit," J.B. Bickerstaff after the game. "Being down 13 in the fourth quarter, we didn't get our heads down. At the eight minute mark, we got busy. Our guys sat down and defended great. We didn't turn the basketball over (in) the fourth quarter which was huge for us. It's a credit to our guys, a credit to their resilience. They fought and bounced back tonight which is great."

The Rockets (19-19) turned over the ball 18 times through the first 3 quarters; and, the Pacers converted those mistakes into 32 points. With only two turnovers in the fourth period, the Rockets limited the Pacers' chances to score off the mistakes (just 2 points off turnovers) which helped the Rockets win the fourth period 29-16 and send the game into overtime.

The extra session began with two Rockets' turnovers and four quick points by the Pacers. Then, James Harden missed a three-point shot; and, Indiana's Paul George cut to the hoop for a lay-up for a six point Pacers' lead (99-93) with 3:17 on the game clock.

Dwight Howard split two free throws; and, after Paul George missed a 13-foot jump shot, Harden dished to Patrick Beverley and Beverley nailed a three-point shot.

Indy's Monta Ellis threw the ball away; then, Harden attacked the basket and threw a no-look pass over his shoulder for a lay-up by Howard which tied the game at 99.

Ellis scored in the post; but, Harden dished to Ariza in the corner for a go-ahead three-point basket and a 102-101 Rockets' lead with 1:13 on the clock.

Ellis answered a floater in the lane; but, once again, the Rockets answered with great ball movement which led to a corner three-point splash by Corey Brewer (assist from Beverley) to put the Rockets ahead 105-103 with 40.9 seconds remaining.

Ellis missed a driving floater; and, Harden rebounded the missed shot. However, after dribbling down the clock, Harden lost the ball off his foot which led to his foul of Pacers' guard George Hill.

The Pacers (21-16) drew up a play for Ellis after a timeout; but, his driving floater bounced off the rim and Howard pulled down his game-high 17th rebound before dishing to Ariza who was fouled. Ariza made both free throws for the final points of the game.

Three Rockets (Ariza 24 points; Harden 21 points; and Howard 20 points) scored 20 plus points for just the second time this season (vs. Brooklyn on November 11th).

Harden added 9 rebounds and 9 assists.

"I just take what the defense give me," Harden said. "And, tonight, especially late in the fourth quarter and overtime, they (the Pacers) were sagging off; and, I told the guys just to be ready to shoot. Brew hit a big three, Pat, Trevor hit a couple big threes. Winning basketball."

With tonight's overtime win, the Rockets are 4-0 this season in overtime games and have won 11 consecutive overtime games dating back to the 2013-'14 season which ties the second-longest streak of overtime victories in NBA history.

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