Rockets erase 22 point defict to defeat the Knicks, 117-102

Posted: November 25, 2017 -- 11:40 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets spotted the New York Knicks a 22 point in the first quarter; but, the Rockets responded with defense and hot-shooting to defeat the Knicks 117-102 Saturday night.

The Knicks, without Kristaps Porzingis (low back tightness) and Enes Kanter (back spasms), jumped to a 29-7 lead with 4:36 remaining in the first quarter. Two former Rockets, Michael Beasley (14) and Courtney (11) combined for 25 of the points.

"They (the Rockets) were missing shots at the beginning; and, they shoot a lot of threes," said Jeff Hornacek, New York Knicks head coach, after the game. "So, they were probably not too concerned with that. We were able to get good shots because they were missing; and, then, we were getting in the open court."

During the Rockets' slow start, Houston was 0 for 6 from three point range; however, the Rockets finished the first quarter making 5 of 6 three-point shot attempts: Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson each sank 2 threes and Luc Mbah a Moute made one.

At the end of the first quarter, the Rockets erased 12 points off the 22 point deficit and trailed by just 10 points (39-29). The Knicks shot 66.7% (16 for 24) in the first quarter.

"There was a swing in the second quarter when they started making shots; and, we weren't," Hornacek said.

Ryan Anderson and James Harden each scored 8 points in the second quarter; and, the Rockets' defense limited the Knicks to 47.4% (9 for 19 field goals) in the second quarter. The Rockets outscored the Knicks 29-22 in the quarter and trailed by only three points (61-58) at halftime.

"We couldn't get stops; and, that's how we score," James Harden said. "We get stops and get out in transition. They (the Knicks) were making everything; and, we didn't have any pressure defensively. And, we couldn't get our rhythm offensively. So, it's kind of a combination of both: we started getting rhythm; started getting more stops; and, we ended the half the right way."

"It wasn't pretty;" Mike D'Antoni said after the game. "But, the flip side is the second quarter we allowed 22 points. Third quarter, 13 points. So, they got the job done."

Trevor Ariza was scoreless in the first half; however, Ariza erupted for 13 points in the third quarter. Ariza nailed 3 three-point shots in the third and five field goals overall. His 13 points matched the Knicks' output for the third period.

James Harden outscored the Knicks 14-13 in the quarter. Harden finished the game with 37 points and 10 assists.

The Rockets (15-4) erased the three point halftime deficit with a 37-13 blitz in the third. The Knicks made 6 baskets out of 23 attempts in the third.

Houston led 95-74 after three quarters. The lead grew to 102-79 with 9:48 left in the fourth quarter; however, the Knicks responded with an 8-0 run to keep the game interesting the final five minutes.

The Rockets kept the Knicks (10-9) at arms' length: the Knicks did not get closer than 12 points the rest of the game. 

"That's a tough team to play. They're one of the best teams in the league; and, you have to do a lot of things right. And, you can't have breakdowns," Jeff Hornacek commented.

With tonight's win, the Rockets have won 24 of the past 26 meetings against the Knicks -- including five in a row.

Over the past 11 games (Rockets are 10-1), James Harden is averaging 35.3 points and 10.3 assists.

Chris Paul had a season-high 13 assists with just one turnover tonight.

The Rockets had a season-high tying 30 assists with a season-low 8 turnovers. The Rockets made 18 three-point shots tonight which is their fourth straight game with 18 or more made threes.

The Rockets next game is versus the Brooklyn Nets, Monday, November 27, at 7 p.m.

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