MANILA, Philippines – The Houston Rockets opened the NBA playoffs with a 122-90 demolition of the Utah Jazz as reigning league MVP James Harden posted a near-triple-double of 29 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. Six other Rockets players made double figures in the romp, Rappler reported.
Eric Gordon fired 17 field goals, Clint Capela pumped in 16 points and 12 rebounds, Chris Paul chipped in 14 points and 7 assists, while PJ Tucker added 11 points and 2 steals in the win.
Also making their presence felt for Houston were Kenneth Faried and Danuel House Jr, who came off the bench and delivered 11 points each and combined for 8 rebounds, said the Rappler report.
It is the second straight season the two teams are clashing in the playoffs after the Rockets finished the Jazz in 5 games of the Western Conference semifinals last year.
Rudy Gobert paced Utah with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while sophomore sensation Donovan Mitchell had 19 points and 5 rebounds.
