NBA wRap: Harden outplays LeBron, Houston wins in OT
All that and more on Monday’s (March 2) NBA wRap.
NEW KING JAMES? James Harden shoots over LeBron James, leads the Rockets in win over the Cavaliers. Photo from the NBA Official Facebook page
Houston Rockets (41-18) 105 - 103 Cleveland Cavaliers (37-24)
HOU: James Harden: 33 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
CLE: LeBron James: 37 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks
In what was a back-and-forth affair, the Rockets and Cavs put on a show that was eventually concluded when LeBron missed two free throws with 0.4 seconds left in overtime. You know what that means: Twitter was automatically filled with “LeBron choked” tweets.
Houston also won because of the spectacular play of Harden, who hit big shot after another down the stretch. Check this one out:
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The game was extra chippy and physical. Patrick Beverley and James even got into a skirmish.
It’s worth noting that the Cavs played without Kyrie Irving while the Rockets were still without Dwight Howard.
I guess we have to give the Tweet of the Day award to the Rockets:
Long live the new King. Highlights, photos, recap & reactions from today's big OT win on http://t.co/VBY18eSOmU. pic.twitter.com/91utdhnqTx
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 2, 2015Los Angeles Clippers (39-21) 96 - 86 Chicago Bulls (37-23)
LAC: Chris Paul: 28 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds
CHI: Nikola Mirotic: 29 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block
After beating the Spurs and Grizzlies, the Clippers added the Bulls to their list of wins while Griffin returns from elbow surgery. DeAndre Jordan was fantastic against Chicago, compiling 27 rebounds.
The Bulls, who are already without Derrick Rose for 4-6 weeks, didn’t have Taj Gibson for this game and lost Jimmy Butler to an elbow injury.
Taj Gibson is in a walking boot. Jimmy Butler has Monday MRI scheduled. And Rose out 4-6 weeks. Same old story for Bulls.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 1, 2015
Portland Trail Blazers (39-19) 110 - 99 Sacramento Kings (20-37)
POR: Damian Lillard: 31 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds
SAC: Andre Miller: 12 points, 10 assists, 2 rebounds
Golden State Warriors (46-11) 106 - 101 Boston Celtics (23-34)
GSW: Steph Curry: 37 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds
BOS: Brandon Bass: 15 points, 12 rebounds
Golden State won despite trailing by 26 at one point, thanks in large part to Curry, who was on fire all game.
Indiana Pacers (25-34) 94 - 74 Philadelphia 76ers (13-46)
IND: Roy Hibbert: 14 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks
PHI: Nerlens Noel: 10 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks
Since February 1, the Pacers have been 8-2 which is the best stretch in the NBA. They’re now in the hunt for a lower playoff seed in the East. And with Paul George likely returning soon, they’re going to be a dark horse to watch out for.
Charlotte Hornets (24-33) 98 - 83 Orlando Magic (19-42)
CHA: Mo Williams: 23 points, 11 assists
ORL: Victor Oladipo: 21 points, 5 assists
Oklahoma City Thunder (33-27) 108 - 101 Los Angeles Lakers (16-42)
OKC: Enes Kanter: 16 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists
LAL: Jeremy Lin: 20 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds
Even without Russell Westbrook or Kevin Durant, the Thunder found a way to win in LA thanks to the strong play of new big man Kanter and Serge Ibaka.
New Orleans Pelicans (32-27) 99 - 92 Denver Nuggets (20-39)
NOP: Tyreke Evans: 22 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists
DEN: Will Barton: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals
– Rappler.com
