Escape in overtime as the Indiana Pacers edge Houston Rockets 104-102 – NBA Recap
Danny Granger scored 32 points as the Indiana Pacers hung in to beat the Houston Rockets 104-102 in overtime at the Toyota Center, Houston, TX on Sunday Night.
Despite being over powered by the Rockets in the third quarter, the Pacers were able to make a comeback in the fourth and force overtime. In the extra period, Indiana turned the tables on their opponents, but not before the Rockets
gave them a run for their money.
Leading by as many as six late in the bonus period, Indiana bolted under pressure and allowed the Rockets to score five consecutive points in the last minute. All of a sudden it seemed that the Rockets will pull off a win, but
Granger calmed things down with two free thorws. Chandler Parsons however, took a little more than three seconds for a layup and the Rockets were back within striking distance again. He then intentionally committed a foul, putting Darren Collison on the line.
Collison split his pair, leaving Houston with a chance to win or tie it. However a last gasp triple point attempt by Parsons was blocked by Granger and the Pacers held on.
Regular proceedings started off as Goran Dragic opened up Houston`s account with a successful three pointer on his very first attempt. On the other end Indiana came right back with a three point play, as Roy Hibbert made a jump
shot and then went to make the opportunity count from the charity line.
The game went on in similar fashion with both teams trying to make every possession count but this back and forth action only lasted for a few minutes. Indiana was able to, first take the lead and then extend it as the first quarter
went on. With Danny Granger shooting the ball well, the Pacers were able to open up a 9 point advantage with 5:54 remaining in the frame.
In the closing stages of the first period however, the home team was finally able to settle into the game as they closed the quarter out only 4 points behind the visitors 23-27.
Granger had 10 points at the end of the first 12 minutes while Dragic had 5 points to lead the home team.
Both teams started the second period in the same way as the first but there was no slacking off from any side this time around. The home team who had the momentum coming from the first quarter, were able to outscore the visitors
19-17. The overall advantage though, was still held by the Pacers, who ended the half only 2 points ahead 44-42.
Granger had 14 points while David West made 10 points for the Pacers at the halfway stage.
The third quarter witnessed a complete dominance by the Rockets. They took over the game in every aspect in this period as they outscored their opponents 31-19 to open up a definitive advantage over the visitors. Indiana, who seemed
to be doing pretty good in the game till the break, found themselves 10 points behind as the game entered its final stages.
In the final period, Rockets looked set for a blow away but complacency took over them. Indiana were not going out that easy and despite the poor showing in the third quarter, the Pacers were able to get on a run which enable them
to finish the game with all scores tied up. Indiana outscored Houston by 30-20.
This meant that the game was to be decided in the extra period. The visiting team made the most of this extra time as they dominated the offensive glass. With the home team pulling off a no show in the rebounding department, Indiana
capitalized on every extra chance possibility to take this game in overtime.
Danny Granger was the leading scorer with 32 points, while Hibbert showed good support with 15 points of his own for the Pacers. Dragic and Courtney Lee had 22 and 20 points for the home team.
Tags: