James Harden went on a shooting exhibition as he scored 35 points, had nine rebounds, and five assists to help the Houston Rockets thrash the Philadelphia 76ers 104-93. The Rockets improved to a conference leading 4-0 card while the Sixers fall to 0-4.
The Houston Rockets went on a hot start as they hit seven three-point baskets in the first quarter to take a commanding 32-19 lead at the end of the first. Trevor Ariza helped the offensive charge in the first frame as he unloaded 14 of his 24 points in the quarter. Ariza finished the contest hitting 6 out of his 9 three point baskets.
Philadelphia started the second with a 17-3 run to take a one-point lead. Alexey Shved and Hollis Thompson combined for 14 points in the second to keep the game close at the half. Philadelphia's defense proved to be effective as they held the Rockets to only 23 points in the second.
The Rockets continued where they left off as they made a huge run to stretch the lead to 14 under seven minutes to go in the third. However, Tony Wroten scored nine of his 20 points in the third to cut the deficit down to five with a quarter to go.
The Sixers showed flashes of brilliance in the fourth as they cut the deficit down to four with eight minutes to go, but James Harden and Isaiah Canaan made their presence felt as they combined for 16 fourth quarter points to trounce the Sixers 104-93. Tony Wroten lead the win-less Sixers with a stellar performance unloading 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, and five steals. The rebound battle made the story as the Rockets out-rebounded Philadelphia 47-31.
The undefeated Rockets will play the undefeated Miami Heat tomorrow, November 4. Meanwhile, the win-less Sixers will play the win-less Orlando Magic on November 5.
The Rockets are now 4-0, leading the Western Conference. The Sixers drop to 0-4, which ties for the worst record in the league.