Rockets Defeat Cavaliers, 117-112

The Houston Rockets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 117-112, at Toyota Center
on Sunday. This was a matchup full of stars and none of them disappointed. There
was an NBA record tied in this game, as there were 88 combined three-point
attempts. There were eight ties and 16 lead changes in total, with neither team
leading by more than 14 points. Cleveland actually dominated the shooting, as
they outshot Houston from the field, from three-point range and from the
free-throw line. Rebounding was the glaring difference for the Rockets, as they
won that differential, 52-38. Houston were also playing great defense, recording
10 steals to Cleveland’s three. The Cavaliers (43-22) have now lost five of
their last seven games, as they continue to struggle on defense. LeBron James
led the way for Cleveland, as he accumulated 30 points, seven rebounds and five
assists, despite committing eight turnovers. Kyrie Irving accrued 28 points,
three rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Richard Jefferson was the only
other player in double figures, as he dropped 16 points on a perfect 5-of-5
shooting. On deck for the Cavaliers is a home matchup against the Detroit
Pistons on Tuesday. The Rockets (46-21) continue to take their three-point
shooting barrage through the NBA and a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers shows
just how much they have improved. James Harden recorded his 16th triple-double
of the season, as he collected 38 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Ryan
Anderson finished second on the team, totaling 16 points and six rebounds. Nene
Hilario came off the bench to provide 12 points, six rebounds and three steals,
while Eric Gordon led the bench with 13 points. Houston will look to keep
rolling on Wednesday in a favorable home matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.