Dec

4

Brooks Free Throws Help Rockets Edge Warriors 111-109

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap 

Aaron Brooks (#0)

Thursday’s game between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors could best be compared to a roller coaster ride as there were lots of ups and downs for both teams throughout the 48 minutes; Aaron Brooks put the matter to rest as he converted a pair of free throws with 2.1 seconds left, allowing Houston to escape Oracle Arena with the hard-fought, 111-109 win over Golden State.

The Warriors managed to take a seven-point lead on a Mikki Moore layup with 5:18 remaining in the first quarter; the Rockets would take the lead on a Carl Landry layup at 21-19. C.J. Watson’s three-pointer would give Golden State a 28-26 lead with 15 seconds remaining but Kyle Lowry made a pair of free throws, allowing Houston to tie the game at 28-all going into the second quarter. Chase Budinger’s 10 points in a 2:23 span allowed the Rockets to pad their lead to 42-34 but Corey Maggette’s jumper reduced the Warriors’ deficit down to 52-48; Trevor Ariza’s dunk with 25 seconds left in the half put Houston up 58-51 going into halftime.

A 15-4 run by Golden State gave them a 4-point lead at 66-62 and would take a 6-point lead going into the final quarter. At the 11:15 mark, Maggette converted a pair of free throws, giving the Warriors their first double-digit lead at 93-83 but Houston would chip away at Golden State’s lead and would regain the lead on a Landry layup with 2:20 left in the game. Affairs got nip-and-tuck until Brooks stepped to the charity stripe and drained both free throws with 2.1 seconds remaining, helping Houston escape with the victory.

Seven Rockets scored in double-digits, led by Brooks with 25 points (including 5 three-pointers), 2 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals while Landry added 22 with 9 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals and 3 blocks; Trevor Ariza chipped in 18 with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks while Luis Scola secured a double-double, scoring 12 with 13 rebounds and 3 assists. Shane Battier also notched a double-double, pouring in 10 with 10 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and 6 blocks.

Golden State was led by Monta Ellis with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals while Anthony Morrow added 21 (including 4 treys) with 3 rebounds and 5 assists; Vladimir Radmanovic chipped in 20 (including four 3-pointers) with 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Houston (11-8) plays again on Saturday when they travel to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers while Golden State (6-12) remains at home to host the Orlando Magic – also on Saturday night.


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