7 Notes on Cavs’ Loss to Rockets

A combination of outstanding play from James Harden and a Rockets team that hustled its way for extra possessions led Houston past the Cleveland Cavaliers, 117-112, on Sunday, March 12.

It was a game of runs and both teams made their fair share of mistakes throughout the night, but in the end, the Rockets wanted the ball more and took better care of it.

1. Houston committed 6 turnovers and grabbed 20 offensive rebounds. The Cavaliers had 15 turnovers and four offensive rebounds. It was the largest offensive rebound margin of any NBA game this season.

2. James Harden posted a triple-double with a game-high 38 points.

3. LeBron James committed eight of Cleveland’s 15 turnovers.

4. Richard Jefferson went 6-for-6 from the field, scoring 16 points, knocking down four 3-pointers, and didn’t take a shot in the second half.

5. The Cavs outscored the Rockets, 41-25, in second quarter, largely due to a strong performance from the second unit. In the third quarter, Houston took advantage of Cleveland’s lineup without LeBron on the floor and closed the quarter out on a 21-5 run.

6. Harden may have taken a jab at teams like the Cavs, Spurs and Warriors, who rest their players, during his post-game comments. “We can’t afford to take nights off,” he told ESPN.

7. With the loss, the Cavs’ lead in the Eastern Conference falls to only two games, as the Washington Wizards creep up  in the standings. The Cavs have lost four of five over the last eight days.

Cleveland returns home to face the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, March 14. Tip-off is set for 7 pm.