CP3 scores 15 points in Double-OT to help Rockets beat Lakers 148-142

Posted: December 31, 2017 -- 11:35 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- Chris Paul scored 15 points in double-overtime to help the Rockets defeat the L.A. Lakers 148-142. The Rockets' win snapped a season-long 5-game losing streak.

"He just willed us to win, and great players can do that," Mike D'Antoni said after the game. "Certain guys can just say ‘we’re not losing’ and ‘whatever it takes’, and that’s what he said tonight, and that’s what he did."

Paul's heroics were huge in the extra 10 minutes; but, P.J. Tucker's offensive rebound and putback layup put the Rockets ahead 144-142 with 5.7 seconds remaining in the second overtime. Then, after a Lakers' timeout, Tucker deflected Lakers' forward Kyle Kuzma's 3 point-shot off of Kuzma for a Rockets' team rebound with 3.9 seconds on the clock.

"Yeah, I think it’s only right that we have to win like that," P.J. Tucker said after the game. "Winning has been so easy for us. After that (winning) streak, making shots and just everything coming together like it did. Then you kind of lose focus; lose sight of how hard you have to play to actually win in this league. So, I think that having to fight for a game like this will reopen our eyes, and be able to understand that we got to fight."

CP3 made 4 free throws to ice the victory for the Rockets.

With 54.0 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, James Harden injured his hamstring on a drive to the basket. Harden missed the layup; and, limped to the bench after a timeout was called.

Harden walked slowly to the Rockets' training room; and, Gerald Green came into the game for Harden.

The Rockets trailed 122-119 with Harden out of the game; and, the Lakers had two scoring opportunities to increase the lead. But, Julius Randle missed a layup and teammate Tyler Ennis missed a 10-foot floater.

Chris Paul dished to Green and Green swished a game-tying three-point shot with 17.7 seconds remaining.

Kyle Kuzma launched a 32-foot three-point game-winning attempt; but, the shot clanged off the rim.

Trevor Ariza pulled down the rebound with 1.7 seconds on the clock; and, the Rockets called timeout to set up a game-winning play. After the timeout, Eric Gordon received the inbounds pass while his foot with standing out bounds returning the ball to the Lakers with 0.7 seconds remaining.

Lakers Larry Nance Jr caught a long inbounds pass but failed to get a good shot as time expired and sent both teams to the first overtime.

After the game, Harden said of his injury, "Hopefully it’s not that serious, just a pull on the hammy (hamstring). I got some treatment right now, so hopefully day-to-day it gets better."

Harden described the win as a "Big time win for us after losing five in a row. We picked up our intensity a little bit more defensively and then guys made some big shots. You got to be more aggressive and we did that."

Chris Paul added, "We worked too hard to let that game go. We had fought. Different guys have been in and out the lineup. James (Harden) had carried us all game long. Different guys just had to step up, and it’s just will at that point. Let’s just figure out a way to win."

James Harden had 40 points and 11 assists before leaving the game due to injury with 44.9 seconds left in regulation.  He has scored 40+ points twice as many times (6) as any other player this season.  Since the start of November (27 games), Harden is averaging 34.2 points and 9.0 assists while shooting 45.9% from the floor and 40.1% from 3-point range.

Chris Paul scored 15 of his 28 points in the two overtimes.  He also had 10 assists, marking his sixth double-double of the season, and his second with 20+ points and 10+ assists (vs. Charlotte on 12/13).  The Rockets improve to 14-0 when Paul plays more than 26 minutes.

Trevor Ariza had a season-high 26 points tonight.  He has scored 20+ points in two of the past four games after doing so twice prior this season.  Ariza hit 6 3-pointers tonight and has hit 3+ 3-point field goals made in nine of the past 12 games.

Gerald Green had 10 points in his first home game as a Rocket this season.  Over the past two games, he is averaging 14.0 points on 58.8% shooting from the floor (6-10 3-point field goals.

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