The Houston Roundball Review Media Group covers sports by: Kris Gardner. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Naismith, USBWA, WBHOF, and Wooden awards.
HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets may face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs. If the two teams square off, tonight's 123-108 Rockets' win could serve as an indicator of the importance of up tempo basketball.
The Rockets' 123 points tonight were the most points the Grizzlies have allowed this season.
The first half was slow, methodical, and plodding. The teams combined for only 10 free throw attempts in the opening 24 minutes: the Rockets shot 3 free throws in the first half.
Three free throws in 24 minutes.
The Rockets (44-19) led the Grizzlies (36-27) 55-51 at halftime.
James Harden only scored 10 points.
James Harden took care of the free throws in the third quarter. Harden attempted 6 of the Rockets' 11 foul shots in the third quarter; and, Harden erupted for 20 points in the period to help the Rockets outscore the Grizzlies 38-27 in the quarter.
"I mean he (Harden) just has to read the game," said Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni after the game. "He does it great. You know he got off in the third quarter. Obviously, we had 38 points that quarter; and, he was huge."
The Rockets pushed the lead to as much as 20 points in the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies did not get closer than 12 points in the final 12 minutes of the ball game.
With the win tonight, the Rockets split the season series versus the Grizzlies 2-2 for the fourth straight season. The Rockets won the final two meetings this season by an average of 19.5 points after losing the first two match-ups by a total of 11 points.
Clint Capela scored a career-high 24 points tonight. He also pulled down 11 rebounds.
Harden's 33 points and 11 assists tonight mark the 20th time this season he's had 30 plus points and 10 plus assists in a game. Prior to this season, Harden accomplished the feat 21 times in his NBA career.
The Rockets shot 27 for 36 from the foul line tonight while the Grizzlies shot 14 for 21. Since the start of January 2017, the Rockets have made more free throws (623, 805 free throw attempts) than their opponents have attempted (614).
Pat Beverley had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists tonight. The Rockets are 20 and 5 when Beverley records at least 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a game for his career.
"We don't know if we will ever see them (the Grizzlies) ever again (this postseason); hopefully, we don't; you know; but, if we do, we're ready. Like I said, they're a good team; but, you know we're pretty good; and, we didn't play great tonight. I thought we played well.
"We scrapped; but, we can play better; but, it was a good win for us. Very solid tonight."
