Rockets storm back to even series with Clippers
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- James Harden led the comeback and the Rockets have life in their series with the Clippers.
Harden poured in 16 of his team-high 32 in the 4th quarter to lead Houston back from a 13-point deficit in the 2nd half. The Rockets beat Los Angeles 115-109 to even the series at 1-1.
Dwight Howard added 24 points and 16 rebounds to help the Rockets overcome 34 points from Blake Griffin. But the Clippers star slowed down the stretch after a 26-point first half.
Rockets Coach Kevin McHale said, "We just had to change things up on Blake Griffin. When we went small, Trevor (Ariza) did a nice job and he got great help from Dwight (Howard). Dwight was just good all night. Just big in there. He played great basketball."
The home crowd came alive as the Rockets finally played with the kind of hustle and intensity that led them to the 2nd seed in the West. Trevor Ariza, Jason Terry and Corey Brewer took turns making hustle plays that helped turn the tide in the Rockets favor in the 2nd half comeback. McHale went to a smaller lineup to spark the Rockets big run.
"We got out and ran," he said. "We got more energy with that (small) group."
McHale added this about his star, Harden, "He came out and had a real calm demeanor" after he sat out with four fouls.
Game 3 is set for Friday night in Los Angeles. I'll travel with the Rockets. Look for our reports from LA starting Friday and all weekend long on ABC-13.
