Rockets extend winning streak to 10 games with 125-113 victory over Nuggets


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 08-01-2019 09:15 IST | Created: 08-01-2019 09:15 IST
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James Harden produced another sparkling double-double but this time received plenty of help as the Houston Rockets extended their home-court winning streak to 10 games with a 125-113 victory over the Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets on Monday. Harden paired 32 points with 14 assists. The Rockets also received a career-high 31 points from center Clint Capela (plus nine rebounds) and 21 points apiece from P.J. Tucker and Gerald Green.

Tucker, who drilled a career-best seven 3-pointers, scored 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting in the first period, rebounding from a scoreless effort in Portland on Saturday when he attempted one shot. Houston finished 22 of 47 from behind the arc to outflank the Nuggets, who had a five-game winning streak snapped and lost to the Rockets for the second time this season. The Rockets bounced back after having their six-game win streak end Saturday against the Trail Blazers. Nikola Jokic paced Denver with 24 points and 13 rebounds while Monte Morris (21 points) and Malik Beasley (14) provided support off the bench. Jamal Murray added 13 points and backcourt mate Gary Harris 14 in his first start since returning from a prolonged injury absence.

The Nuggets were buoyed by their reserves early, with Morris and Beasley combining for 13 first-quarter points on 5-for-6 shooting. Their ability to attack off the dribble enabled Denver to keep shredding the Houston defense even while the starters rested, and with Harden unable to get going against the Nuggets' trapping, Denver extended to a 45-40 lead early in the second. That's when Capela joined Tucker in the fight, exploiting mismatches whenever the Nuggets forced Harden off the ball.

Capela scored 10 consecutive Houston points following an Austin Rivers corner 3-pointer that cut the deficit to two, including a dunk through a foul that provided a spark. Still, Harden had just two shot attempts on his ledger before erupting late in the first half, starting with a step-back 3-pointer that featured him dropping Murray to the ground and converting through a foul when Murray recovered. Harden completed that four-point play with 1:49 left in the half, and added two additional 3-pointers to stretch the margin to 70-60 at the break. Harden closed the half with 18 points and seven assists despite taking only six shots. It wasn't until the waning moments of the third quarter that Harden attempted a shot inside the arc. 

(With inputs from agencies.)

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