Neither Cleveland or Houston were able to gain much of an advantage in a hard-fought first half, but the Rockets led 50-47 at the break. The game then got a little chippy in the third quarter at LeBron James got in two separate scuffles with Patrick Beverly and James Harden, but Houston started to pull away on the scoreboard and built a double-digit lead. However, Cleveland fought back in the fourth and tied the game with a minute left to force overtime.
The Rockets again grabbed the lead at the start of the extra period, and held on for the narrow victory after LeBron James missed two free throws with four seconds left that would've given won the game for Cleveland.
Key Stat:
In a game this close, every little thing matters, and the Cavaliers did not take care of business from the free throw line. James finished just 3/11 from the stripe, and Cleveland made just 11 of 21 (52.4 percent) as a team.
Cleveland MVP:
LeBron James had a big game, scoring 37 points while chipping in eight rebounds and four assists, and was helped by Tristan Thompson's incredible 14 points and 19 rebounds off the bench.
Houston MVP:
James Harden was absolutely dominant and showed why he's an MVP candidate by putting up 33 points along with eight rebounds and five assists.
What’s Next?
Cleveland returns home to take on the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, while Houston will travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks.
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