Heat 79 - 115 Rockets
Final
  for this game

Howard, Rockets rout Heat

Jan 4, 2015 - 6:34 AM

Video

Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Dwight Howard had 19 of his 23 points in the second quarter and pulled down 13 rebounds as the Houston Rockets blew out the Miami Heat 115-79 on Saturday night.

Houston outscored Miami 71-39 in the second and third quarters to turn the game into a rout.

James Harden posted 28 points and five rebounds for the Rockets, who had dropped five of their last eight games coming in.

"As bad as we were last night, we moved the ball pretty well tonight," said Rockets coach Kevin McHale.

Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh each netted 15 points to lead Miami, which has dropped four in a row -- three since Bosh returned from his ankle injury.

"We're not trying to figure things out, we're just trying to win a game," said Bosh. "Just go out and get the job done. Do better, however possible."

Miami led 27-23 following a quarter of play, but the Rockets began the second on a 15-2 run to seize control. Howard netted 10 points during the surge, including a hook to cap it for a 38-29 Houston advantage.

Wade hit a floater to get Miami within 51-49 before Houston ripped off the final 10 points of the half. Harden put in the final four points of the second to help Houston take a 61-49 margin into the break.

The Rockets began the third on an 18-4 swing to put the game away. Harden sunk a pair of foul shots to finish off the burst and stake Houston to a 79-53 cushion.

Houston was up 94-60 after three and cruised to the easy win over the final 12 minutes.

Game Notes

Houston has won three of the last four games in the series after dropping seven straight ... The Rockets scored 25 points off 22 Miami turnovers ... Houston held a 46-33 rebounding, 27-4 fastbreak and 54-40 points in the paint advantage.






Related News