Rockets hold on for win over Suns
By Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle
Published 5:03 pm, Sunday, January 28, 2018
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Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns guard Troy Daniels (30) collide on a pass to Harden during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
lessHouston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns guard Troy Daniels (30) collide on a pass to Harden during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in
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Phoenix Suns forward TJ Warren (12) knocks the ball away from Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Phoenix Suns forward TJ Warren (12) knocks the ball away from Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) runs into Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) and is called for an offensive foul during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
lessPhoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) runs into Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) and is called for an offensive foul during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan.
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Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) fouls Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) as he goes up for a shot during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
lessPhoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) fouls Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) as he goes up for a shot during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in
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Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni argues a goaltending call on guard Gerald Green during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
lessHouston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni argues a goaltending call on guard Gerald Green during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018,
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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) makes a pass with Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) and guard James Harden (13) defending during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
lessPhoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) makes a pass with Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) and guard James Harden (13) defending during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on
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Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) go after a loose ball during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) go after a loose ball during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound away from Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
lessHouston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound away from Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) high fives fans as he leaves the court after the Rockets 113-102 win over the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) high fives fans as he leaves the court after the Rockets 113-102 win over the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
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Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) takes a shot with Phoenix Suns guard Troy Daniels (30) defending during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) takes a shot with Phoenix Suns guard Troy Daniels (30) defending during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) leaps in the air and fouls Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessPhoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) leaps in the air and fouls Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
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Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound frfom Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound frfom Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The
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Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni argues a call with referee J.T. Orr (72) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni argues a call with referee J.T. Orr (72) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) is fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets guard James Harden (13) is fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes a shot against Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes a shot against Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes the ball to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes the ball to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in
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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) leaps in the air and fouls Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessPhoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) leaps in the air and fouls Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
... more
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) grimaces in pain after going to the floor for a loosew ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets guard James Harden (13) grimaces in pain after going to the floor for a loosew ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28,
... more
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
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Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) takes a shot over Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) takes a shot over Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets
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Legendary test pilot Gen. Chuck Yeager waves to the crowd as he is honored during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessLegendary test pilot Gen. Chuck Yeager waves to the crowd as he is honored during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28,
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Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) collides with Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) and is called for an offensive foul during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
lessPhoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) collides with Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) and is called for an offensive foul during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday,
... more
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102.
lessHouston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The
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Rockets hold on for win over Suns
The Rockets never would have thought they would "hold on" for a win on Sunday. They might have thought they'd run away with a win, easily take a win. Hold on did not seem likely to be necessary.
Yet, after holding off the Suns, 113-102, they knew taking a victory that was more difficult than necessary beat the alternative. Besides, they had greater concerns than style points.
Chris Paul left the game in the first two minutes of the fourth quarter and did not return. The Rockets said the plan was that he would be done for the day early and that he went to the training room for early treatment. But he did look to be struggling after beginning the fourth quarter with a jump shot.
The Rockets had already lost forward Trevor Ariza with a left leg injury in the first minute.
From there, they struggled through a ragged, often disjointed game, with the Suns even cutting an 18-point lead to seven in the fourth quarter. The Rockets put the win away with little difficulty.
James Harden struggled with his 3-point touch for a second-consecutive game, but still had 27 points with 10 rebounds and eight assists. The Rockets had six players in double figures, even with Ariza limited to that one minute and with the Rockets making just 29.7 percent of their 3s.
The Suns were led by Devin Booker, who had 31 points and 10 assists. T.J. Warren had 24 points. But even when the Suns made their fourth-quarter move, they did not seem much of a threat.
When Gerald Green put in a 3-pointer less than two minutes into the fourth quarter, the Rockets held an 18-point lead and began looking for the knockout.
As with everything else through the day, however, the Rockets never seemed to find a roll, with the game seeming much more difficult than necessary and with concerns that stretched beyond the score.
After making their first two shots of the fourth quarter, the Rockets made 3 of their next 11 with the Suns closing to within eight with 2 ½ minutes left. The Rockets did not make another shot, but did not have to. Clint Capela put in a pair of free throws, completing his double-double, and that was enough, with relatively little seeming necessary to secure the win.
The game was ragged from the start.
Thrilling as the free throw shooting contest of the first half was, the Rockets spent much of the night working to mix in some basketball. When they did in the final two minutes of the half, with three baskets made with players actually moving, they ended the half with Harden, Gordon and Mbah a Moute finishing at the rim to take the Rockets to their largest lead of the half, 60-53.
Most of the half, however, was as if designed to give an NBA-TV audience a nice Sunday afternoon nap. The Rockets and Suns combined to make more free throws (37) than field goals (34). The Rockets took more free throws than they had in any half this season, topping the 25 they put up in the first half in Phoenix. Suns did not take any in the first quarter, but 18 (two shy of the most in a quarter against the Rockets) in the second quarter.
That all worked to steal any rhythm from the game. While the Rockets shot well, making 51.5 percent of their attempts, they took fewer (33) than they had in a first half all season.
When they began putting attempts together in the second half, the Rockets also could string together buckets and built an 18-point lead. They could cruise from there, as it always seemed they could.
http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-hold-on-for-win-over-Suns-12532198.php
