Rockets make NBA-record 26 threes in destruction of the Washington Wizards

Posted: December 19, 2018 -- 10:58 p.m.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets made an NBA-record 26 three-point shots Wednesday night a 136-118 demolition of the Washington Wizards.

"It helps a little bit," Rockets Head Coach Mike D'Antoni said after the game. "There were good shots and there's no reason not to make them that many. We're just playing better. When you have a good spirit and you're doing the right things in the sense that you're playing the right way; and, you're hustling and stuff, stuff falls, and if you don't - you can't make them. Our energy is right for the last five games. We just got to keep it there."

The Rockets have won a season-high tying five straight after losing three in a row prior. Since winning three straight to the start the month, the Wizards have gone 1-6.

TWENTY-SIX three-point baskets (out of 55 attempts).

Eight different Rockets combined for the 26 three-point baskets tonight: James Harden (6), Chris Paul (5), Eric Gordon (4), Gerald Green (4), P.J. Tucker (3), Danuel House Jr. (2), Gary Clark (1), and Michael Carter-Williams (1).

The previous record was held by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who made 25 against Atlanta on March 3, 2017.

"Ah man, it's a good record to have," said Rockets forward Gerald Green. "I think for us, we got to keep this chain moving. We've strung on some good games in a row. The record is fine and dandy, don't get me wrong, it's great; but, I think I'm more excited about how we're playing right now."

Chris Paul had 21 points on 7 for 11 field goal shooting tonight after averaging 11.5 points per game on 26.2% shooting the four games prior. Dating back to last season, the Rockets are 30-4 when he scores 20 or more points.

The Rockets led by as much as 26 points in the fourth period. With the game well in hand, Michael Carter-Williams sank the record-breaking three-point shot with 31.1 seconds remaining in the ball game.

"They got a lot of good isolation plays and they made tough threes," said Wizards Head Coach Scott Brooks after the game. "The step back threes were tough and they make them. They took 55 threes. We knew going into the game, they were going to take a lot of them. They were hot and they've been hot for a while now. They have a couple of hot players and there's not much you can do when they're making contested threes."

Houston outrebounded Washington 41-31 tonight after being outrebounded by 13 against Utah two days ago. The Rockets are 11-3 when outrebounding the opposition this season and have done so by 10+ boards four times.

James Harden said the Rockets' effectiveness on defense fueled their offense.

"Our defensive intensity, the way we were able to create turnovers, and get out in transition and create that pace. It allows our offense and our shots to be much easier, much more open and that's the story right here."

NOTES:

James Harden scored a game-high 35 points on 10 for 18 field goal shooting tonight. He has scored 30+ points in each of the past four games and is averaging 41.0 ppg on 52.8% shooting over that span.

Clint Capela scored 20 points and pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds tonight for his 21st double-double of the season. Capela has scored 20 or more points 10 times in the 30 games this season after doing so 12 times in 74 games played in 2017-18.

P.J. Tucker recorded his first double-double of the season and his fourth as a Rocket with 11 points and 11 rebounds. He has scored in double-figures in three straight games for the second time as a Rocket (2/13-2/23/13). Houston has won the past five games in which Tucker has scored 10 or more points.

NEXT

The Rockets' next game is Thursday, December 20, in Miami, against the Miami Heat. Tip is set for 7 p.m.

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