Harden’s big second half lifts Rockets over Nuggets
DENVER — Houston guard James Harden had spent much of the night looking over the Denver’s defense, sitting back like a distance runner plotting a finishing kick, waiting for the time to take off.
The Nuggets had made their move, reducing a 10point lead to four. The time had come.
Harden had begun to roll in the third quarter, largely with a sensational stretch of passing. He had made just one field goal in the first half, but increasingly seemed in command. When the game was tight, he took it over, driving the Rockets through a 13-2 fourth-quarter run in which he scored or set up every point, and past the Nuggets, 109-99.
After scoring three first half points, Harden had 22 in the second half, making 6 of 11 shots, with seven assists.
Clint Capela added 24, Chris Paul 21. With James Ennis III and P.J. Tucker combining for 28 points, every Rockets starter scored in double figures, making 35 of 59 shots (59.3 percent). The Rockets’ 54.9 percent shooting was their best of the season.
The defense in the second half did the rest, holding the Nuggets to 45.9 percent shooting and just 44 points.
Harden had eight points in the third quarter when his passing was especially sensational. The Rockets took their lead to 10 and when the Nuggets rallied back, cutting the lead to four, Harden drew a foul, finished a drive and drew a charge, seeming to stop the Nuggets’ momentum cold. When he put in another drive, the Rockets had restored their 10-point lead. After a Gary Harris layup, Harden swished a 3 and the Rockets had their largest lead, 102-91, with 4:49 left.
The Rockets had their troubles stopping the Nuggets throughout the half, largely because of the Nuggets outstanding shooting from deep well into the first half. Nuggets center Nikola Jokic triggered the offense. But many of the Rockets’ problems were self-inflicted, especially in the first quarter when the Nuggets scored 10 points off Rockets’ turnovers.
WARRIORS 110, HAWKS 103
Kevin Durant scored 29 points and Klay Thompson added 24 as Golden State held off Atlanta at Oakland, Calif.
The Warriors were without All-Star forward Draymond Green, who was suspended one game by Golden State for conduct detrimental to the team.
Taurean Prince led the Hawks with 22 points and Kent Bazemore added 18.
CAVALIERS 113 HORNETS 89
Jordan Clarkson scored 24 points, Tristan Thompson had 21 rebounds and 11 points, and Cleveland won for the second time this season.
The Cavaliers (2-11) broke a five-game losing streak with the win at home, their first victory since Oct. 30. Thompson was a key member of the team that went to four straight NBA Finals and won the championship in 2016. Despite the injuries and early season drama that included coach Tyronn Lue being fired after an 0-6 start, he knows the players must keep their heads up.
“We’ve got to,” he said. “This is the NBA. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. It’s a month into the season. We have to keep pushing and keep getting better.”
Kemba Walker, the league’s third-leading scorer, was held to a season-low seven points and was 2 for 16 from the field. The Hornets star guard was averaging 27.9 points before the game.
“This was one of those nights,” Walker said. “I got to all my spots, was able to take all my shots. It was a rough night shooting the basketball.”
Rodney Hood scored 16 points for Cleveland. Rookie point guard Collin Sexton had 16 points and five assists. David Nwaba scored 18 points off the bench.
Jeremy Lamb scored 22 points for Charlotte.