With both teams expectedly shorthanded, The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers still put on a show for the Honolulu crowd. Behind 37 points, seven rebounds and seven assists from James Harden, the Rockets led by as many as 26 on the way to a 109-96 victory over the Clippers.
From tipoff, the Rockets used swarming defense and perfect shooting from the free-throw line to race to a 31-22 lead behind 12 points from James Harden. The Beard used some crafty moves early to draw fouls, helping Houston put the Clippers in the penalty with nearly six minutes still remaining in the quarter.