After it appeared they might have a bit of a problem in the first half, the Houston Rockets exploded in the third quarter of Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a near-record 50 points in the period on the way to a 119-100 victory.
Twenty-two of those came from leading scorer James Harden, who finished Monday’s win with 36 points in all to help Houston surge to a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. Chris Paul chipped in with 25 points and his contributions helped the Rockets outscore the Timberwolves 69-51 during the second half.
In the only other NBA playoff game on Monday night, rookie Donovan Mitchell had 33 points and seven rebounds to lead the Jazz to their third straight win and a 3-1 edge in their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Paul George had 32 points and Russell Westbrook added 23 points in the loss, but it was barely enough to keep the Thunder close and Utah was eventually able to pull away for a 113-96 win.
There were six technical fouls handed out in the game and Jazz forward Jae Crowder was ejected, so Game 5 in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night should be a chippy one.
Tonight, the Celtics will look to take a 3-2 series lead over the Bucks in Boston, the Heat will try to stave off elimination and win a second game in their 3-1 series with the 76ers in Philly and San Antonio will try to do the same thing in their 3-1 series with the Warriors in Oakland.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
