Harden's 51 points not enough in 128-118 loss to the Clippers

Posted: December 22, 2017 -- 11:52 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets lost a 15 point second-half lead in a 128-118 loss to the banged up Los Angeles Clippers. James Harden scored 51 points in the game.

The Clippers won the game despite injuries to Patrick Beverley (right knee surgery); Danilo Gallinari (left glute injury); Blake Griffin (left MCL sprain); Wesley Johnson (left foot soreness); and Milos Teodosic (return from injury management following plantar fascia foot injury).

Austin Rivers scored 30 of his team-high 36 points in the second half; and, former Rockets' Lou Williams (32) and Sam Dekker (10) combined for 42 points to help hand the Rockets their second straight loss.

James Harden scored 20 points in the first quarter and the Rockets led 33-23 after the first period.

Harden scored 10 points in the second quarter; but, Eric Gordon scored 11 points to help the Rockets win the period 32-29 and lead 65-52 at halftime.

Lou Williams scored 12 and Sam Dekker scored 10 in the first half for the Clippers.

Harden scored a driving layup to give the Rockets a 15 point lead (67-52) early in the third quarter. Then, Austin Rivers scored five quick points to begin a 10-4 run and slice the Rockets lead to 9 points (71-62). Rivers scored 5 more points on a layup and a three-point shot to shrink the Rockets' lead to 71-67.

Ariza assisted on an Eric Gordon three-point basket for a 74-67 lead; but, a Jawun Evans pull-up jumper plus 5 more points from Rivers tied the game at 74.

Harden sank 2 free throws to start a 6-0 Rockets' run; but, Jamil Wilson swished a 3-point shot to make the score 80-77 Rockets with 2:44 left in the quarter.

Then, after Rivers split two free throws, Lou Williams sank back-to-back three-point shots to give the Clippers and 84-82 lead.

Harden tied the game at 84; but, C.J. Williams swished a three-point shot to beat the third quarter buzzer for an 87-85 Clippers' lead after three quarters.

The Clippers sank 7 three-point shots in the third and outscored the Rockets 35-20.

Rivers scored 4 of the Clippers first 5 points in the first quarter for a 92-86 Clippers' lead. Eric Gordon made a three-point shot; then, Lou Williams sank three consecutive three-point shots for a 101-93 Clippers' lead. Next, Lou assisted on a lay-up by C.J. Williams for a ten point lead.

Trailing 103-93, Ryan Anderson swished a three; Harden scored a driving layup; Ariza picked up a steal then dunk; before Harden sank a step-back three-point shot to pull the Rockets within three points (106-103) with 4:58 remaining in the game.

The Rockets got as close as two points (111-109).

The Rockets intentionally fouled Clippers' big man DeAndre Jordan two times; however, Jordan made all four free throws.

After C.J. Williams scored a layup for a 119-113 Clippers' lead, Harden was whistled for an offensive foul on the inbounds which led to a technical foul on Rockets' Head Coach Mike D'Antoni. The technical free throw was missed; but, the technical foul was an indicator the Rockets were losing their collective cool.

Harden missed a three-point shot; and, Lou Williams nailed a three-pointer for a 122-113 lead. Next, Harden was whistled for another offensive foul; and, Rivers got a friendly bounce on a three-point shot for a 125-113 lead with 91 seconds remaining in the game.

After Harden scored a layup; Rivers missed a three-point shot; but, Jawun Evans grabbed the offensive rebound. Harden picked up his sixth foul. Next, Harden was given a technical foul and ejected from the game.

After the game, Harden said of some of the calls in the game:

After the game, D'Antoni said, "Our aura's not right."

Doc Rivers, Clippers head coach said, "It was a great win and almost got away from us. All we kept saying was keep it within 10 or 12.

"We made a choice before the game, one-on-one; and, he (James Harden) may score 70 points; but, try and guard everyone else.

"This was a huge win for us. With all the guys we have out. To come out here and get down early, not get dispirited. It's hard guarding Harden and telling guys to just let him drive; but, don't give him threes. For a defense, that's hard to do. I thought our guys really followed the game plan."

With tonight's win, the Clippers have won two straight over the Rockets after losing the previous two meetings by an average of 21.5 points.

Houston has given up 120 points or more in consecutive games after doing so three times the first 29 games of the season.

Tonight's loss is the third time this season Houston has lost a game when leading by double-digits (21-3 this season). The Rockets have trailed the start of the fourth quarter in each of the past three games after doing so only three times the prior 20 games.

James Harden scored 51 points for the second consecutive game. He's the first Rockets player in franchise history to score 50 points or more in consecutive games; and, he's the first NBA player since Kobe Bryant scored 50 plus points in four straight games from March 16 to March 23, 2007.

The Rockets' next game is Christmas Night, December 25, in Oklahoma City, versus the Thunder. Tip is set for 7 p.m.

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