Rockets’ All-Around Performance Leads To 15-Point Halftime Lead In Game One
Apr 14, 2019, 8:55 PM | Updated: 8:55 pm
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in the first half during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center on April 14, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, Texas – The Houston Rockets led for most of the first half, but a 14-4 run in the second quarter created separation and lifted them to a 59-44 lead at the half over the Utah Jazz in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs.
The Jazz committed 9 turnovers, while the Rockets gave up only 4 turnovers and shot 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from downtown.
Six minutes into the game, Utah made it an emphasis to attack the paint and get their points inside. They didn’t attempt a three-pointer to that point. Rubio was particularly aggressive with six points.
The Jazz were 6-for-7 from the field. Houston was balanced with their shot selections coming inside and from the perimeter.
Following the timeout, Harden heated up with 9 points to give the Rockets a 26-19 lead with 3 minutes left in the opening quarter.
In the second quarter, Utah pulled within four points before the Rockets pushed the lead back out to eight with six minutes left.
The Rockets went on a 14-4 run to take a 17 point lead with 2:30 left in the first half led by Harden and P.J. Tucker.
✅✅⏹⏹ pic.twitter.com/aEQbBeJIXJ
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 15, 2019
Houston took a 59-44 lead at the half.
Rubio was the only Jazz player to reach double figures with 13 points. Harden led the Rockets with 17 points and 7 assists.
