![James Harden brought out all the moves in Houston Rockets](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 800 539"></svg>)
A Luka Doncic triple-double and a 39-point outing from Kristaps Porzingis went in vain as Houston Rockets beat the Dallas Mavericks 153-149 in overtime after trailing by as many as 14 points. James Harden was up to the usual, scoring 49 points on 14-of-20 shooting while Russell Westbrook went two assists shy of a 31-point triple-double.
In what was an absolute offensive barrage, both the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks, spearheaded by James Harden and Luka Doncic initially, matched fire with fire to begin proceedings. Kristaps Porzingis joined the scoring party later as the scorecard read 42 apiece for both teams at the end of the first 12 minutes of play.
Dallas Mavericks take control
The Dallas Mavericks continued their juggernaut with Trey Burke providing an exceptional boost off the bench, draining five treys in the second quarter alone.
Houston Rockets weren't as clinical with James Harden resting as the Dallas Mavericks led 85-75 at the end of the first half. This was the first game to have seen 160 points scored after two quarters since Denver Nuggets at Rockets on November 6, 1990.
The second half of the quarter began with the Dallas Mavericks being quick off the gates as both Porzingis and Doncic managed to get and-1s. Thereafter, James Harden got into the groove again as Houston Rockets rallied back to cut the deficit to one as the scoreboard read 96-97. The Beard already had 32 points in the game by then.
The Dallas Mavericks, however, got to the free-throw line a lot to once again rush to a comfortable 119-108 lead over the Houston Rockets by the end of the third. The Mavs had four players with more than 20 points by then.
Houston Rockets force overtime
Houston Rockets tried rallying back again through efforts from Harden and Ben McLemore. The latter got 13 points on the night going 4-of-4 from downtown but got fouled out as the scoreline read 125-118 in favor of the Dallas Mavericks.
The Houston Rockets managed to get some stops but gave up too many second-chance points. Russell Westbrook, who had put in the hustle all night, continued to attack the rim as the Dallas Mavericks' lead was cut to 139-136 with five seconds left on the game clock.
Rick Carlisle asked his men to foul James Harden and that's exactly what happened. Harden made the first shot from the charity stripe but missed the second one on purpose as Robert Covington tipped in the ball to tie the game and send us into overtime.
Westbrook and Harden continued to put in the effort for the Houston Rockets, the former in particular coming through with his energy, as Mike D'Antoni's men led for the first time since the second quarter as the scorecard read 144-143 with 2:38 left in the game. Houston eventually held their own to win 153-149.
Luka Doncic failed to score a single point in overtime tonight.
Trey Burke had 31 points on the night, going 8-of-10 from downtown. So a few fans were incensed that he didn't play during the crucial parts of the game.
Russell Westbrook received praise for playing amazing two-way basketball throughout the night.
Also read: Philadelphia 76ers vs Indiana Pacers Prediction and Match Preview - 1st August 2020
Published 01 Aug 2020, 10:32 IST