The Rockets scored just 48 points in the first half, which tied for their fourth-lowest scoring output through two quarters all season long. Dallas found itself in a 17-3 hole early in the game but recovered to take as much as a six-point lead in the second quarter.
Unfortunately, though, Houston plays such an extreme brand of basketball that a terrific half of defense can quickly become all for naught. The Rockets sank six 3-pointers in a row to begin the third quarter and scored 20 points in less than five minutes to open up a double-digit lead. It’s virtually impossible to keep pace with that level of shooting. Playing without superstar guard James Harden, it was up to Chris Paul to create all the plays for Houston, and his shooters were able to fulfill their end of the deal.
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Moments later, he made a strip steal and ran the floor for an alley-oop. It was easily the most exciting sequence of the game for Dallas.
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One game after recording eight points and 14 rebounds against Denver, Noel scored 10 points and collected nine boards tonight against the Rockets. He seems to be rounding into form after his long layoff due to that nasty thumb injury. He’s got another 15 games left to show what he’s got ahead of what will certainly be a big summer for him (and the organization, too). There are some areas that Rick Carlisle said Noel has to continue improving in between now and the end of the season, but that’s going to be the case with any young player. If he keeps playing with this level of activity and productivity, it’s going to be very interesting to see what happens.
The Mavs (21-46) will play the New York Knicks (24-43) on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden at 6:30 p.m. Central.
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