SAN FRANCISCO -- The one-two punch of James Harden and Dwight Howard proved more than enough for the Houston Rockets to score an easy win over the visiting Golden State Warriors Friday night at the Toyota Center.
Harden exploded for 34 points while Howard added 22 and 18 rebounds as the Rockets demolished the Warriors, 105-83.
Houston rebounded from losses against the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz by outscoring Golden State 31-12 in the opening quarter. The Rockets controlled the game with 54 points in the paint and 22 fast break points.
"That's the way we play. If we don't get after it on the defensive end, it's going to be tough for us," Harden told NBA.com after the Rockets improved to 14-7 in the Western Conference.
Warriors guard Steph Curry stumbled with eight turnovers and missed nine of 14 shots for 22 points. Harrison Barnes also struggled with 14 on 5-for-16 shooting while Klay Thompson missed eight of 10 field goals for a quiet five points.
"In road games like this, our defense has to show up to weather the storm in cold shooting nights," Curry said after the Warriors fell to 11-9 in the overall standings. (RM)
Comments
Share your thoughts on the above article by Ryan Medida.