James Harden's triple-double and Beverley's return propels Rockets to rout of Blazers

Posted: November 17, 2016 -- 11:28 pm CDT.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- Patrick Beverley returned to action Thursday night; and, the Rockets routed the Portland Trail Blazers 126-109. Beverley is not the only reason the Rockets won tonight; but, after sitting out the first 11 games of the season after offseason knee surgery, Beverley's return to action definitely had a positive impact on the Rockets.

"I felt like I felt a couple years ago. I felt strong," Beverley said after the game.  "I felt fast.  My wind is going to come. I felt really good and I felt confident."

James Harden was his usual sensational-self with his third triple-double of the season: 26 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds (in 32 minutes).

All five starters scored in double-figures tonight. Trevor Ariza scored 21. Ryan Anderson scored 19. Clint Capela scored 15. Ariza and Capela each grabbed seven rebounds.

Beverley finished the game with 11 points and a career-high tying 3 blocks.

"I’m just trying to get back to Pat man," said Beverley. "We’ve got so many offensive weapons. I’m trying to do the little things, which makes up for everything else. Go out there and defend and have fun. I wanted to make that a big thing for me this year. To go out there and have fun and I had fun tonight."

"Every time we get some stops, we’re really good," said head coach Mike D'Antoni after the game. "Having Patrick (Beverley) back helps a lot, having his energy and toughness. Corey Brewer played well. There was a lot of energy there so it was a good night tonight. It was a good way to bounce back. We just have to continue to get better and keep this going."

The Rockets (7-5) erupted with a season-high 41 points in the first quarter and led the Blazers by twelve points (41-29) at the end of the first 12 minutes. Harden scored 16 points in the opening period and added six assists and six rebounds.

The Blazers (7-6) chipped away at the lead and pulled within 46-42 before Gordon and Harden scored consecutive baskets to boost the lead to 50-42 with 6:42 remaining until halftime.

After a fast break lay-up by Trevor Ariza, the Rockets led 62-55 with 1:33 on the game clock. Five missed shots by the Rockets and a 7-0 run by the Blazers tied the game at 62 at halftime.

Harden started the scoring in the third with a 10-foot jumper; then, Beverley nailed a wide open three-point shot which forced the Blazers to call a quick timeout.

"It felt good to have PB (Pat Beverley) back," Harden acknowledged. "He does so many different things especially defensively. Offensively he got some really good shots. He made some really good plays. It was good to have him back with the defensive effort. Adding him makes it a whole lot easier."

Portland's Maurice Harkless sank a three-point shot; but, Beverley answered with a 7-foot turnaround hook shot.

The game was nip and tuck until the 9:05 mark of the third period. After leading 71-70, Trevor Ariza sank back-to-back three-pointers for a 77-70 Rockets' lead. Then, Harden dished to Clint Capela for a reverse lay-up. The Rockets' lead grew to 98-80 with 1:43 remaining in the third quarter.

After three quarters, the Rockets led 100-83; and, Harden had his triple-double with 26 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds.

The Blazers never got closer than 17 points in the fourth quarter. Capela scored a lay-up which started the scoring in the fourth quarter. The Rockets' rout was on.

Harden's triple-double is the 12th triple-double in his career (all with the Rockets). The Rockets are 10-2 in those games. Hakeem Olajuwon has the franchise record with 14 triple-doubles.

With the win tonight, the Rockets improve to 5-o in the first game following a loss this season.

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