The Ignition is lit!
James Harden and Russell Westbrook came up big against the Mavs and Bucks
Aug 4, 2020, 9:39 am
The Ignition is lit!
This past weekend James Harden and Russell Westbrook combined for a total of 135 points after two tough wins. The Rockets went up against the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks and because of Westbrook and Harden, they were able to pull off two close wins in the 4th quarter.
Harden recently just surpassed Calvin Murphy for second in all-time scoring for the Houston Rockets. He is now trailing behind only Hakeem Olajuwon. Harden also passed up David Robinson on the all-time scoring list. Making him the all-time scorer for lefties in NBA history.
Besides Harden passing up legends in scoring, he was able to lead the Rockets because of his defense too. Even though Harden had a grand total of 73 points last weekend, he had a total of nine steals but six of them came against the Bucks. Harden had a 118.2 rating against the Mavericks by holding Kristaps Porzingis 1/7 in the post. He also played great defense against Luka Doncic too. Another thing Harden did, was being able to steal the ball from Giannis Antetokounmpo and hold him down for the last two possessions of their matchup. He caused Giannis to turnover the ball by throwing the ball to Danuel House in the corner. That allowed the Rockets close the game out.
In February, Giannis said his team was looking to score on Harden during the All-Star Game. Last night, The Beard… https://t.co/wV3ODZmWyC— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) 1596480166.0
James Harden told Kelly Iko of The Athletic his thoughts on his defense.
James Harden on whether his defense on Giannis should prove a point to those who doubt his ability on that end: “… https://t.co/gsevqj394W— Kelly Iko (@Kelly Iko) 1596426564.0
When Harden got doubled by the Mavericks and in foul trouble against the Bucks, Westbrook was big with 31 points in each game. Westbrook shot 45% from the field by being relentless. He attacked the basket no matter what zone each of those two teams were playing. By Westbrook continuing to attack the basket, he was able to find his teammates out on the perimeter for open shots. This allowed Robert Covington and PJ Tucker to have better looks at the basket. Westbrook's biggest statement was when he made four big free throws to close game out against the Bucks.
“Adversity showed up and we showed out.” https://t.co/D3WH8pkT8K— Houston Rockets (@Houston Rockets) 1596428723.0
Amen Thompson had 18 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his fourth career triple-double and the Houston Rockets used a big run late to get a 119-111 win over the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night.
It was the second triple-double this month after the second-year player also had one on Feb. 3.
The game was tied after a 3-pointer by Bol Bol before the Rockets used an 11-2 run to take a 115-106 lead with just more than a minute to go.
Jalen Green scored the first five points in that stretch before Dillon Brooks made consecutive 3-pointers to allow Houston to pull away.
Kevin Durant had 37 points for the short-handed Suns, who were missing Devin Booker, who sat out with a bruised lower back. The Suns lost their third in a row and for the sixth time in seven games.
They led by 8 entering the fourth quarter before Houston rallied for the victory.
Alperen Sengun had 17 points and 13 rebounds after sitting out most of Sunday’s game dealing with back spasms to help the Rockets win a second straight. Tari Eason added 25 points for Houston and Green had 22.
Suns: Durant continues to play at a high level, but the Suns need to get their other stars healthy to take some pressure off the 36-year-old.
Rockets: The Rockets used a balanced scoring attack to get the win with all five starters finishing with at least 17 points.
A dunk by Durant got the Suns within 3 late before the two 3-pointers by Brooks put the game away.
The Rockets scored 25 points off 17 Phoenix turnovers.
The Rockets host the Warriors and the Suns visit the Spurs on Thursday night.