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) -- James Harden scored a team-high 34 points in the Rockets' series'-clinching 105-99 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets won the series 4-1. Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook scored a game-high 47 points; but, the difference in the game just as the difference in the rest of the series, was Harden's supporting cast was better than Westbrook's.
Lou Williams scored 12 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter as the Rockets erased a 77-72 deficit after three quarters. Williams scored 10 points during a 14-4 run by the Rockets to lead 86-81 with 9:15 remaining in the ball game.
For the fifth time in this series, the Rockets got off to a slow start in the first quarter. The Rockets made only 7 field goals in the first quarter out of 21 attempts (33.3%) and trailed the Thunder 22-16 after the first 12 minutes. Westbrook scored 13 points in the opening quarter.
"You know it might've been the matchup (OKC Thunder); it might be we're just starting slow," said Mike D'Antoni after the game. "I can't pinpoint exactly the reason why. We have eight guys and you know whether it's a slow start or you know, whatever -- we'll try to figure it out a little bit. But, it hasn't been that way all year; so, there's no real reason other than we just couldn't make shots. I thought we got pretty good looks early; and, we just didn't do it."
The Rockets awakened from their first quarter slumber for 35 points in the second quarter and outscored the Thunder 35-22 in the second period to lead 51-44 at halftime.
After Patrick Beverley grabbed an offensive rebound and scored, the Rockets led to 61-50 with 7:14 remaining in the third quarter.
After Harden nailed a three-point basket for a 64-57 lead, Russell Westbrook went to work.
Westbrook knocked down a three-point shot; then, he nailed a 17-foot pull-up jumper; scored a lay-up on an offensive rebound; sank back-to-back three-point shots (sandwiched around a jump shot by Steven Adams - which Westbrook assisted on); and, lastly, drained his fourth three-point shot in the quarter to give him 20 points in the quarter and put the Thunder ahead 77-70 with 1:53 left in the period.
Westbrook made more baskets (6) in the third than the Rockets (5).
Trailing by 5 after three, the stage was set for Lou Williams to erupt in the opening minutes of the fourth period then for Harden to seal the game in the final minutes.
"It was a really good first round. We didn't play well at all; but, the next series, we have to be prepared for a physical and tough series," James Harden said.
With the win, the Rockets enjoy a few days off before resuming practice in preparation for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals which begins Monday, May 1.
