Rockets’ defense helps oust the Jazz
Harden scores 26 as Houston advances to conference semifinals for third straight year.
HOUSTON — In a series where their shots weren’t falling like normal, the Houston Rockets managed to close it out with some tough defense.
James Harden scored 26 points and the Rockets outlasted the Utah Jazz 100- 93 on Wednesday night to win their f irst- round playoff series 4- 1.
Houston advanced to the Western Conference semif inals for the third straight season and will face the winner of the Clippers- Golden State Warriors series.
The Rockets had 12 steals and 12 blocks, the f irst playoff game where they had double f igures in both since Game 5 of the 1994 Western Conference f inals, just before they went on to win their first title.
“We didn’t make as many shots as we wanted to but these last few games we hung our hat on defense,” Harden said.
Ricky Rubio cut Houston’s lead to 94- 93 on a jump shot with about a minute left. P. J. Tucker missed two free throws, but grabbed a loose ball seconds later and was fouled again. This time he made both shots to make it 96- 93.
Harden blocked a shot by Ruby Gobert on Utah’s next possession and he made two free throws to extend the lead to 98- 93 with 38 seconds left.
Chris Paul added two more free throws to secure the victory.