Houston Rockets 98 – Oklahoma City Thunder 106 (Recap)

Mar 11, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) and Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in the month of March the Houston Rockets lose, and unfortunately it was to the Oklahoma City Thunder 106-98. Houston will face the Thunder one more time in Houston on April 4th, with Oklahoma holding a 3-0 game advantage.

On Tuesday night the Rockets offense was non-existent in the first half. Most of the Patrick Beverley, and Russell Westbrook war was the main attraction. Beverley swiped the ball away from Westbrook after a timeout with 6:10 left in the first quarter. Beverley and Westbrook had to be separated, and Beverley issued a technical foul. Beverley and Westbrook got tangled up again about a minute later.

James Harden on Beverley’s hounding defense: “That’s how he makes his money. That’s his identity.”

The closes the Rockets could get the score was 5 early in the fourth but Kevin Durant scored 5 straight and cemented the Thunder lead.

James Harden scored 28 points, 8 boards, and 9 dimes, Chandler Parsons scored 19 and Dwight Howard had nine points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets. Francisco Garcia provided some solid minutes off the bench shooting 4-5 for 11 points.

Houston had won five straight, including victories over Miami, Indiana and Portland.

Houston still has the best record since January 1st, (23-7) and have won 7/10 against teams above .500. There streak of 22 wins in a row when they reach 100 points remained intact.

Houston heads to Chicago to face the Bulls on Thursday night.