Harden and CP3 each score 28 points in Rockets 124-109 win over the Spurs

Posted: December 15, 2017 -- 11:55 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets dominated the San Antonio Spurs Friday night in a 124-109 whitewash of the Spurs on the Rockets "Blackout" theme night. James Harden and Chris Paul each scored 28 points in the game. Houston never trailed in the ball game.

The 124 points tonight is the most the Rockets have scored in a regulation game against the Spurs since scoring 136 points April 3, 1986. San Antonio did not allow more than 114 points this season prior to tonight's game. The last time the Spurs allowed 120 plus points was January 25, 2016, when the Golden State Warriors scored 120 points. Houston has scored 120 plus points in three of the past 4 games and is 37-1 when doing so dating back to the 2016-'17 season. (The Rockets are 7-0 this season when scoring 120 plus points in a game.)

"We lost the game; and, our starters let us down," said Gregg Popovich, Spurs head coach after the game. "The young guys came in to close the game had a lot of energy. They were talking and communicating."

Trevor Ariza sank a three-point shot to start the scoring. The Rockets led 9-2 before the Spurs scored straight points (with the help of two Rockets' turnovers).

Leading 9-8, Chris Paul hit a three-point shot which began a 22-8 spurt and a 31-16 lead after the first quarter. The Rockets made six three-point shots in the first quarter while the Spurs missed all six of their three-point attempts.

Chris Paul (7 points) and Eric Gordon (8 points) combined for 15 of the Rockets first 20 points in the second quarter during a 20-7 run. With the run, the Rockets led 51-23 with 6:10 remaining until halftime.

After missing their first 10 three-point shots, the Spurs sank 4 of their next 6 threes to slice into the Rockets' huge lead. The Rockets led 60-43 at halftime.

Clint Capela scored six points in the first 2:52 of the third quarter during a 13-4 run by the Rockets for a 73-47 lead with 9:08 on the game clock.

The Rockets did not score for the next three minutes and 40 seconds; but, the Spurs only scored six points during that span.

In the final 1:27 of the third quarter, Chris Paul scored on a four-point play, two free throws, and picked up a steal before calling his own number and sinking another three point shot for 9 points in the final 87 seconds of the third quarter.

"He's been amazing," Mike D'Antoni said of Chris Paul's scoring barrages in stretches games. "The way he's playing. The way he ends quarters and gets a steal, hits a three in the corner and stuff. You know it's just a good combo between him and James (Harden). When one gets a little tired, the other takes over; and, they just go back and forth. Like I said (before), so many weapons out there that they're taking advantage of all of them.

"He just plays. Defensively, he comes up with a steal like in moments we need it. Just always thinking the game smart; never really taking anything for granted. You know, you'll see, can't say he's not going to get in the Hall of Fame just because he's pretty. He's going there for a reason."

The Rockets led 92-72 after three quarters.

The Spurs' starters did not play during the fourth quarter. In fact, Pau Gasol, Danny Green, and Tony Parker each played less than five minutes in the second half. LaMarcus Aldridge played the most second half minutes (9) of any Spurs' starter.

Houston took their "foot off the gas" in the fourth quarter which helped the Spurs' reserves to 65.4% (17 for 26) from the floor in the fourth quarter and pull within 14 points (105-91) with 6:29 remaining.

James Harden scored 8 of the next 10 points to return the lead to 20 points (114-94) with 4:34 left in the game.

Rockets' Head Coach Mike D'Antoni cleared the bench with 3:27 remaining.

Chris Paul finished the game with 28 points, 8 assists and a Rockets' season-high 7 steals in the game.  Paul has scored 20 plus points in five of the past six games and is averaging 24.0 points per game on 52.6% field goal shooting over that span. Houston is 13-0 when Paul plays this season.

"Just try to stay active and anticipate," Paul said of his seven steals. "What I lack in athletic ability, I try to make up for it in just anticipation and knowing the game."

James Harden scored 28 points in 33 minutes. Harden has played fewer than 35 minutes in each of the past three games. The last time Harden went three games without playing 35 plus minutes was from December 26 to December 30, 2016. His longest streak, since joining the Rockets in 2012-'13, is four games (January 7 to January 12, 2015.

"Obviously, Chris had his shot going tonight," Harden commented after the game. "But, he got Clint dunks and Trevor and Eric threes, and Ryan threes. Then, I got involved; then, I got guys involved; and, then my shot started to fall a little bit.

"So, nights aren't going to be perfect; and, we just got to figure it out. Keep pushing and keep grinding."

The Rockets next game is Saturday, December 16, versus the Milwaukee Bucks. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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