Rockets wallop Grizz behind Harden
HOUSTON – The “MVP” chants rang throughout Toyota Center, giving an otherwise routine Monday night game the feel of something more.
Thanks to the reigning MVP, it was. At least for Houston, anyway.
For Memphis, James Harden’s latest jaw-dropping performance was just another loss.
Harden’s season-high 57 points propelled Houston to a 112-94 win over Memphis. It’s the eighth loss in nine games for the Grizzlies (19-24), who have three games against top Eastern Conference foes left on their schedule this week.
The Rockets (25-18) hit nine 3-pointers in the third quarter after making just five in the first half. The explosion propelled them to an easy win and a 3-0 advantage in the season series with the Grizzlies.
Big names: James Harden continued his merciless scoring assault by scoring 30 or more points for the 17th straight game. He had 36 by halftime and finished 17-of-33 from the field. He made 6of-15 shots from 3-point range the night after going 1-for-17 from 3-point range in a loss at Orlando.
Notable: Jevon Carter made his first career start and drew the assignment of defending Harden early in the game. He appeared to frustrate the reigning MVP at times, but Harden still got going early and scored 15 of Houston’s first 20 points.
Marc Gasol appeared bothered by his right wrist throughout the game. After checking out late in the first quarter soon after air-balling a free-throw, Gasol received treatment in the tunnel behind the team’s bench. Gasol looked uncomfortable throughout the night and finished with a season-high seven turnovers. He scored five points on 2-of-5 shooting and did not play in the fourth quarter.
Quotable: “It says a lot, the fact that he missed sixteen threes and didn’t quit shooting them. That’s who he is. He’s going to come out tonight, and regardless of what happened last night, he’s going to come out like he’s on fire again tonight.” - Grizzlies coach J.B. Bickerstaff on Harden’s 1-for-17 3-point shooting performance on Sunday.
Up next: The Grizzlies host the Bucks on Thursday at 7 p.m. (Fox Sports Southeast/92.9-fm) in the first of a three-game stretch against teams in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.