Rockets pass Jazz in standings as Harden, Westbrook combine for 72

Houston’s MVP backcourt had 72 points (55.1% FG) as the Rockets (36-20) clinched the season series and potential tiebreaker over Utah.

Superstar guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook combined for 72 points on 55.1% shooting as the Houston Rockets secured a huge victory on Saturday night in Utah, 120-110 (box score).

Both guards excelled on drives and from 3-point range, with Harden’s 38 points coming on 6-of-11 (54.5%) shooting from behind the arc. Meanwhile, Westbrook hit 2-of-4 (50.0%) on 3-pointers, representing his first game since Jan. 15 with multiple 3-point makes. The former MVPs and 2020 All-Stars also combined for 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

For the team, it’s the seventh win in nine games by the Rockets (36-20), and it clinched the season series and potential tiebreaker versus the Jazz (36-20). The victory moved Houston past Utah for the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference standings, which would mean home-court advantage in at least the first round of the 2020 NBA playoffs.

The Rockets are now within a game of the Los Angeles Clippers (37-19) for the No. 3 spot and within two games of the Denver Nuggets (38-18) for No. 2. Both teams lost their first game after the All-Star break.

Reserve guards Eric Gordon and Ben McLemore each scored 12 points off the Houston bench, with McLemore making all four of his 3-point attempts. The Jazz were led by 31 points from Donovan Mitchell.

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Though the smaller Rockets were undersized on paper with 6-foot-5 P.J. Tucker starting at center against 7-foot-1 Rudy Gobert, they only lost the rebounding battle by a 46-42 margin.

Gobert had just six rebounds in his 34 minutes, while defensive ace Robert Covington led the Rockets with 12 boards in 37 minutes.

Houston dominated Utah on both ends of the court in a decisive third quarter, 38-19, and led comfortably for the final 12 minutes.

Houston made 20-of-48 shots from 3-point range (41.7%) as a team, while the Jazz hit just 7-of-31 on 3-pointers (22.6%).

In addition to the benefits of floor spacing on offense, the versatile frontcourt of Covington and Tucker allowed the Rockets to contest more perimeter shots on defense, as well.

Covington also had a game-high three blocks, representing his third consecutive game with at least three blocked shots.

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The Rockets will look to keep their momentum rolling when they host the New York Knicks (17-39) on Monday night at Toyota Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central time.