https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBkrAuyK7cE
The Houston Rockets have not had to play many close games during their current 12 game winning streak, but Sunday’s game in Denver was just that. Despite being down double digits at various points in the game, the Nuggets kept getting back within striking distance thanks to solid defense, and big scoring runs led by Nikola Jokic.
However, James Harden had 41 points and eight rebounds, Chris Paul scored 23 points and the Rockets beat the Nuggets 119-114 on Sunday night for their second 12 game winning streak of the season, the first team to do so in the 2017-2018 season.
Harden came out on fire, scoring 27 in the first half and 7 in the fourth quarter, when the Rockets barely held off a late Denver rally. Harden has scored 40 or more points nine times this season, and over 50 times in his career. He also finished with 7 assists.
The Rockets are 21-4 since Dec. 29 and own the best record (46-13) in the NBA. They are outscoring teams by an average of 12.5 points during the 12-game winning streak. The close call Sunday was the first single digit game during the winning streak.
Nikola Jokic had 21 points and 14 rebounds for Denver, which had its four-game winning streak snapped. Will Barton added 25 points.
Houston led by as many as 18 but Denver rallied in the fourth. Jokic’s tip with 2:12 left made it 110-106 and after Joe Johnson missed a three pointer, Gary Harris had a chance to cut it to a point with a 3-pointer. Harris, the Nuggets’ leading scorer, finished with six points on 2-of-12 shooting, misfired and Harden hit two more free throws to make it 112-106 with 1:17 left.
Eric Gordon sat out once again with an illness. He has yet to play in a game since the All-Star Break.
With the win, the Houston Rockets are now 30-1 with James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela in the starting lineup.