Harden scores 42 as Rockets cook Mavericks in Texas-style shootout
In a game with little defense and plenty of long-range shooting, one gunner rose above the rest: James Harden.
Harden scored a playoff career-high 42 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 130-128 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 on Friday. Dwight Howard chipped in with a Rockets franchise-high 26 rebounds to round out the effort.
Both teams shot over 50 percent from the field as neither seemed particularly interested in stopping one another. Rather, both teams went small in an effort to maximize speed in transition and floor spacing.
The end result was one the highest playoff scoring games since 1995.
This is the highest scoring regulation playoff game since 1995 when Rockets & Jazz played (140-126). pic.twitter.com/8KIXqOzz2N
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 25, 2015
The Rockets now hold a 3-0 series lead.
Turning Point
Despite Harden and Howard's combined brilliance, the Mavericks still had a chance to win. Dallas trailed by one with 30 seconds remaining, but needed to come up with a stop.
That's when Harden delivered the dagger. He got Tyson Chandler on a switch and nailed a step-back jumper to put the Rockets ahead by three.
However, the Mavericks still had a shot to tie. With nine seconds remaining, Monta Ellis curled around a screen and had Josh Smith on a switch. Ellis stopped on a dime for a wide open look from 18 feet out to win but he misfired, giving Houston the win.
Star Performer
Harden was tremendous on Friday, and his Rockets needed him to be to keep up with the Mavericks' high-octane offense.
Harden shot 15-of-24 from the field, hit five triples and drained all seven of his free-throws en route to his 42-point performance. He added nine assists and five rebounds for good measure.
James Harden just dropped a career playoff-high 42 points (15/24 FG, 5/7 3FG, 7/7 FT) in @HoustonRockets Game 3 win: pic.twitter.com/69d7dAU4zT
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) April 25, 2015
Not to be overlooked, Dwight Howard also enjoyed yet another strong outing. He logged 38 minutes (his highest total since early January) and snagged a franchise-high 26 rebounds, including 11 on the offensive end.
Howard's 26 rebounds tied Hakeem Olajuwon (1998) and Moses Malone (1977) for the franchise record in a playoff game.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) April 25, 2015
Howard remained lethal as a pick-and-roll option and his rebounds afforded the Rockets some much-needed extra possessions. Howard was also the Rockets' only semi-capable defensive presence as he recorded Houston's only two blocks of the game.
Highlight Reel
Smoove is back!
Harden's game-winner:
Series at a Glance
Game 1: Houston 118, Dallas 108 (Houston leads 1-0)
Game 2: Houston 111, Dallas 99 (Houston leads 2-0)
Game 3: Houston 130, Dallas 128 (Houston leads 3-0)
Game 4: Sunday, April 26, 7 p.m. ET (TNT)
*Game 5: Tuesday, April 28, TBD
*Game 6: Thursday, April 30, TBD
*Game 7: Saturday, May 2, TBD
*If necessary