SteemSports Presenter:
SteemSports Editor:
In a match up of opposing conference powerhouses, the Houston Rockets visited the Boston Garden against the Eastern Conference leading Celtics.
To start the first quarter, Houston sprung out to a 12-0 lead, on their way to a 32-12 lead, at minimum doubling Boston in field goals, 11-5, and three-pointers, 4-2. This trend continued into the second quarter, sparked by an inspired Eric Gordon, who whet on his own 7-0 run on three straight possessions. The Celtics continued their poor shooting and continuous carelessness of the ball which lead to a 62-38 deficit heading into halftime. James Harden and Eric Bledsoe finished the half with 17 points each to lead the Rockets in scoring. Boston came out of the locker room with a purpose, outscoring 30-15 in the third quarter cutting their lead to nine, 78-69.
Looking for a star to take the lead, Kyrie Irvin answered the call. Irvin sparked a 10-point comeback, with 11 points in the final frame. With under two minutes left, Irving hit a nine footer to bring the Celtics within two points, 95-93. After a PJ Tucker missed second free throw, the Celtics cut their lead to one with a driving layup by Marcus Smart. A pair of James Harden free throws later, Jason Tatum finishes strong with a strong drive and dunk in the lane with seven seconds left. On the next possession, James Harden committed a costly offensive foul on the in bounds pass, giving the ball back to the Celtics for one last opportunity. That opportunity was met by Al Horford who hit a five-foot hook shot with three seconds left, sealing the Rockets fate, taking the lead one last time to cap a 99-98 win, their 24 point comeback.
Irvin and Tatum lead Boston in scoring with 26 and 19 points, respectively. Despite his struggles from the field, the Rockets were led by Harden who finished with 34 points which included a perfect 15-15 from the charity stripe to go along with his ten assists.
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