Houston Rockets 102 – New York Knicks 100 (Recap)

The Houston Rockets break their two-game losing streak and extend their winning streak over the New York Knicks to 9 games winning in a nail-bitter 102 – 100.

The Rockets were up 5 points with a minute left in the game, but the Knicks got a three-pointer from Iman Shumpert, and two free throws from Tyson Chandler to tie the game at 100. With 43 seconds left the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony missed a three-pointer that was rebounded by Tyson Chandler who passed the ball to J.R. Smith who could have held the ball for the final shot but instead chose to shoot a long three, which he missed. Rockets guard Aaron Brooks got the rebound and was fouled. Brooks made both free throws and the Rockets got their first victory of 2014, with their record now 22-13.

The Knicks outscored the Rockets 20-9 after Houston took 11-4 lead in the first quarter. The see-saw of momentum continued throughout the game as both teams would suffer once their starters went to the bench.

Jeremy Lin was very active against his former team attacking the basket and leading all scores at halftime with 14 points. James Harden scored 16 points in the third quarter and was in full “Hero Mode” in the 4th quarter. Harden finished with 37 points, 7 boards, and 6 dimes. He was a perfect 12-12 from the free throw line. Chandler Parsons was the only Rockets player with a double-double, finishing with 17 points, and 11 boards. Dwight Howard had his hands full with Tyson Chandler, and the occasional defensive switch onto Carmelo Anthony. Howard finished with 15 points, 7 boards and 3 blocked shots.

Next up for the Rockets is the Los Angels Lakers at Toyota Center at 7pm.