50-point third quarter helps Rockets soar

James Harden gave Houston quite the jump-start with 22 of the team’s 50 points in the third quarter, as the Rockets cruised past the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 119-100, on Monday night to take a 3-1 lead in their NBA firstround playoff series.

Chris Paul scored 15 of his 25 points in the near-record third for the Rockets, who turned a 50-49 halftime edge into a 31-point advantage after the torrid 12minute span. The only team in the history of the NBA playoffs with more points in one quarter was the Los Angeles Lakers, who scored 51 points in the fourth on March 31, 1962, in a loss to the Detroit Pistons.

Clint Capela added 14 points and 17 rebounds, Eric Gordon finally got going with 18 points off the bench and the Rockets easily recovered from their rough start.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 points and 15 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who were dominated on both ends of the floor in the third quarter.

Pelicans reward Gentry: Coach Alvin Gentry’s contract option for next season has been exercised by the New Orleans Pelicans, a source said.

The person said Gentry was informed of the decision before the Pelicans swept their first-round playoff series against third-seeded Portland.

Gentry is in his third season with the Pelicans and has gone 116-134, including four victories in this season’s playoffs.

New Orleans missed the playoffs during Gentry’s first two seasons, during which the team was hampered by a combination of key injuries or other matters that caused extended absences of key personnel.

Embiid surprises churchgoers: Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is shaping up to be the answer to Philly fans’ prayers, and he shocked parishioners by showing up during the middle of some at a small Roman Catholic church this weekend.

St. Kevin Parish in Springfield, about 10 miles outside Philadelphia, posted photos on Facebook of the player posing with thrilled churchgoers as he attended their 5:30 p.m. mass Sunday.