Houston Rockets 101 – Milwaukee Bucks 95 (Recap)

Feb 8, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jeremy Lin (7) takes a shot between Milwaukee Bucks guard Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and center Miroslav Raduljica (9) in the 2nd quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets increase their record to 34-17  with a close win over the Milwaukee Bucks 101-95. The return of Omer Asik is what garnered the most attention, as the Rockets defensive-minded center had not seen any action since December 2nd.  He was noticeably rusty, as expected but put in 11 minutes, and pulled down 5 boards. The Rockets face the Minnesota Timberwolves next, so any minutes Omer can muster are appreciated.

Tonight’s game against the Bucks belonged to the duo of Patrick Beverley, and Jeremy Lin. Beverley got things going early with 11 points in the first quarter, and finishing with 15 points. Lin picked up the offensive slack in the second half  finishing with 18 points.

Houston’s two All-Stars James Harden and Dwight Howard lead the team in scoring and rebounding. Howard has recorded a double-double in 28 out of his 31 career games vs the Bucks and in 14 straight games against the Bucks. Howard finished with 27 points, 13 boards, and 5 assists. Harden didn’t shoot well, but still managed to score 22 points and nab 4 steals.

The Rockets have now won 5 straight and 8 out of their last 10  games. Houston has won 12 straight when scoring 100 or more points.

Up next the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minnesota on Monday night.