|
 Harden scored 32 points and dished out seven assists, while Howard
posted 24 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks, playing doggedly at
both ends despite picking up his fourth foul early in the third
quarter.
The Rockets also drained 42-of-64 free throws as they made regular
trips to the charity stripe.
Clippers forward Blake Griffin scored 34 points and grabbed 15
rebounds but shot just 2-for-9 from the field in the second half as
the Rockets fought back from a nine-point deficit.
Center DeAndre Jordan added 16 points and 12 rebounds, while guard
Jamal Crawford chipped in 19 points, five rebounds and five assists
off the bench.
Hot on the heels of a 71-point second half that propelled them to a
1-0 series lead, the Clippers continued their offensive assault
against the Rockets in the first half of Game Two.
Griffin was electric, switching roles from facilitatorto unstoppable
scorer en route to 26 first-half points on just 14 shots. However,
by stepping up their defensive efforts, the Rockets worked their way
back into contention in the third quarter as Griffin made just
one-of-four shots in the period and the Clippers hit only 7-of-24 on
the way to 20 points.
[to top of second column] |
Houston center Howard earned the defensive assignment on Griffin,
but the Rockets also scrambled better on the defensive end.
The Rockets scored the final five points of the third quarter, all
on free throws, to head to the fourth just 85-83 adrift and Harden
stepped up to bag 16 points in the final frame to help Houston pull
clear.
(Editing by Jahmal Corner/John O'Brien)
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