James Harden has combined for 102 points and 17 assists in his last two games, both against sub-.500 opponents, but the Rockets have shockingly lost two in a row on nights when Harden has exploded offensively.
After the Lakers came to Houston and snapped the Rockets' 14-game winning streak, the Clippers stunned the Rockets Friday as Austin Rivers scored a career-high 36 points.
The Rockets were without Chris Paul and Clint Capela, and while Harden dropped 51 for the second consecutive game, it wasn't enough. The Rockets were outscored by 15 in the third quarter, allowing the Clippers to erase a 15-point deficit.
Harden scored 13 points in the fourth quarter alone, but also picked up two offensive fouls in the final 2:20, and was eventually ejected after knocking the ball out of an official's hand.
After the game, Harden vented over what he deemed to be "[expletive] calls."
"[Expletive] calls…. I'm tired of hearing 'I made a mistake' or 'I didn't see it.' It's frustrating to hear as a player. I know we all make mistakes, but it's just frustrating."
Houston is now a half-game behind Golden State in the Western Conference, and the Warriors will have a chance to stretch their current winning streak to 12 games against the Cavs on Christmas Day.
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