NBA in Manila: Rockets zoom past Pacers

FAN FAVORITE. Parsons had the crowd cheering his every move. Photo by Rappler/Josh Albelda.

MANILA, Philippines — The Houston Rockets zoomed to a sizzling start and held off the Indiana Pacers, 116-96, to win their NBA Global Games matchup Thursday, October 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

James Harden led a fiery first-quarter charge that pushed the Rockets to a 12-0 lead in the first 3 minutes of the game, leaving the Pacers playing catch-up the rest of the way.

The win evened Houston's preseason record to 1-1 while sending Indiana to a 0-2 hole.

Harden finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists while Omri Casspi and Donatas Motiejunas came off the bench to run away with 17 and 16 markers, respectively.

Fan favorite Chandler Parsons added 15 points even as Jeremy Lin also sparked the second unit with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

"It was very important that we got off to a good start," said coach Kevin McHale, whose wards shot 53.2% from the field while holding their foes to a measly 39.5% clip.

Paul George struggled for 17 points and committed 5 turnovers while Roy Hibbert and Danny Granger combined for 15 points on 4 of 17 shooting. - Rappler.com