Rockets surprise Cavaliers in overtime

Source:Agencies-Global Times Published: 2015-3-2 21:13:01

Paul powers Clippers past Bulls


James Harden (No.13) of the Houston Rockets goes for a rebound against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. Photo: CFP

James Harden finished with 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists as the Houston Rockets edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 105-103 in overtime on ­Sunday.

Terrence Jones tallied 19 points with seven rebounds and Donatas Motiejunas scored 16 points for the Rockets.

LeBron James struggled at times, missing two free throws that cost Cleveland the game late in overtime. He finished with a game-high 37 points.

Kevin Love had 21 points and Tristan Thompson recorded 14 points with a season-high 19 rebounds for Cleveland.

Patrick Beverley drained a three-pointer before Josh Smith made two free throws to give the Rockets a 104-100 lead with 2:21 left in overtime.

James hit a wide open three ­pointer with under a minute left, then he squandered an opportunity to win the game late.

James was fouled by Smith with four seconds left, but the four-time MVP missed both free throws and Harden made a free throw at the other end with under a second on the clock to close out the scoring.

Harden dismissed any talk that the performance was some sort of statement about the league's MVP award.

"Every game is a statement for me," said Harden, who leads the NBA in scoring. "I'm just out here trying to prove myself - trying to win games."

Also on Sunday, Chris Paul tallied 28 points and 12 assists as the Los Angeles Clippers won their second straight game with a 96-86 victory over the injury-hit Chicago Bulls.

DeAndre Jordan grabbed 17 of his 26 rebounds in the first half and ­Spencer Hawes finished with 14 points and nine rebounds for the Clippers, who seized the lead for good on a Jamal Crawford jumper with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter.

The Clippers have won six of their last nine since All-Star forward Blake Griffin went down with a staph infection on his right arm.

The infirmary list on the other side of the court is even more extensive as the Bulls continue to cope with the loss of former MVP Derrick Rose.

Rose is expected to miss up to six weeks after having surgery two days ago to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

On Sunday, All-Star guard Jimmy Butler exited early after injuring his left elbow.

Butler was hurt when he ran into Jordan and was attended by trainers before heading to the locker room.

Pau Gasol returned to the Bulls' lineup after missing Friday's win over Minnesota with an illness, but Taj Gibson was out after suffering an ­ankle injury against the Timberwolves.



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