The surging Houston Rockets dominated this game from the jump. Houston was able to get whatever they wanted on the offensive end of the floor, as they hung 42 points on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter. The game appeared to be over from that point as Cleveland was never able to mount any type of comeback on the road.
James Harden was fantastic on Friday night. He continued his stretch of MVP caliber play with 43 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in the blowout, per ESPN. Cleveland could not do much against Harden, as most haven’t been able to during his recent tear; he seemingly got whatever matchup he wanted in this one against the Cavs’ horrendous defense.