The Houston Rockets tore the Minnesota Timberwolves apart Monday and, in the process, kept their playoff plans together.
The 129-105 victory was decided early, with Houston jumping out to a 38-21 first-quarter lead powered by sources expected and otherwise. James Harden tallied 15 of his 34 points in that opening period, which was to be assumed against a generous Minnesota defense. But Dwight Howard's 11 first-quarter points on six field-goal attempts was surprising.
Howard's night ended with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting. It was his highest scoring night since a 21-point outburst against the Philadelphia 76ers way back on March 9. For a player so severely marginalized this season, it was encouraging to see him occupying a larger role when his team needed it most.
Howard also showed up on defense, helping hold Karl-Anthony Towns to two points on 1-of-7 shooting in the first half. Though the surefire Rookie of the Year finished with a dozen points, most of his scoring came in extended third-quarter garbage time.
With Harden and Howard carrying the load in a must-win game, the Rocke ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Grant Hughes
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