Pacers Fall to Rockets in Overtime, 103-107

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

The Indiana Pacers lost another heart-breaking overtime game, this time it was to the Houston Rockets. Indiana has blown several games in the fourth quarter, and this one falls in the same category. The Pacers lost a big lead in the fourth due to missing contested jumpers and turnovers. Trevor Ariza lead the Rockets in scoring with 24, while Paul George dropped 20.

The Pacers were down four after the first quarter, but kept the game close and eventually found themselves up two by halftime. Paul George struggled in the first half, scoring only four points. The third quarter was a breath of fresh air for Indiana, as they started off with a 5-0 run and continued that lead the rest of the way. James Harden returned fire with a quick burst of points, but Paul George scored eight straight points to swell the lead.

The fourth quarter was dominated by Houston. Despite being down by 12 at one point, they fought back with a barrage of points off turnovers. The Pacers turned the ball over a season-high 25 times the previous game, and followed up with 18 turnovers Sunday night. Trevor Ariza hit a three-point shot with 18 seconds left to tie the game. Monta Ellis had a shot at winning the game, but missed a jumper at the buzzer. The Pacers started hot in overtime, scoring the first six points, but Houston responded quickly. Ellis then hit a few jumpers, but the Rockets hit two threes to seal the victory.

Although Paul George scored 20 points, he took ten threes and only made three. After a streak of hot shooting, he’s been off the past few games. Monta Ellis had a double-double with 11 points and 13 assists. C.J. Miles had another off night, scoring seven points on 18 percent shooting. Rodney Stuckey shot well, hitting 6-10 en route to 13 points. On the other end, Trevor Ariza scored 24 points and hit five threes. James Harden added 21 and Dwight Howard had his fifth straight double-double.

The Rockets are in Memphis Tuesday night to face the divisional rival Grizzlies. The Pacers return home to host Phoenix on Tuesday. The loss drops the Pacers to 21-16.