Atlanta, GA — Youth verse experience was on display tonight as the struggling Atlanta Hawks faced off against the playoff bound Houston Rockets. The Hawks have a certified star in potential rookie of the year, Trae Young. With little chance at the playoffs they faced a surging Rockets team led by James Harden who is having another MVP caliber season.
Atlanta put up a strong first half fight staying within a six point deficit. Hawks veteran Vince Carter, entered the game from the bench with nine points in the first quarter shooting 75% from the field and providing a spark that Young carried over.
On the opposing end, Harden finished the half with 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, inching his way toward yet another triple double. The MVP candidate looked frustrated at times as he struggled to get open and get the ball to his open teammates. With Chris Paul healthy and Clint Capela snagging rebounds, the Rockets pulled away at half. Put backs and clever assists from Harden left Capela with 20 points at half.
The Hawks came out strong in the third frame, erasing their deficit and taking the lead with strong play from Young. The Rockets proved too strong as they surged back and took control once again the the third. The charge was behind the strong all around play from Harden and more aggressive rebounding from Capela, netting him a double-double performance.
Houston’s head coach Mike D’Antoni on the change in the third. Video by Nick Claytor/The Ball Out
The Rockets entered the fourth quarter with a 12-point lead.
Harden took over the night in the fourth period, putting up points and dishing assists to take a commanding lead over Atlanta. He finished the night with a double-double and scored 30 points, officially scoring 30 points on every team in the league.
“That’s our offense, we put pressure on the opposing bigs,” Harden said after the win on passing to his big men. “I told them if you keep running like that I’ll throw you the ball every single time. I appreciate you running. That’s what makes our team go.”
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