The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 118-98, in Game 2 of the Western Conference first-round playoffs, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
After a convincing 122-90 win in Game 1, the Rockets picked up where they left off as they jumped out to a 20-point lead after the first quarter in Game 2. They stayed in control until halftime, where they led 70-44. The Jazz tightened it up a bit in the third quarter, but made no progress, as the Rockets were able to add to their lead, as they took a 28-point advantage into the final frame. The Jazz made a desperate push in the fourth but could hardly get within 20 point of the lead. The Rockets held on to make the most of their home-court advantage and take a 2-0 series lead.
James Harden led the Rockets with 32 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and a block, in 33 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while P.J. Tucker added 16 points, four rebounds and two steals. The Rockets shot 48 percent from the field, including 17-of-42 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ricky Rubio led the Jazz with 17 points, nine assists, four rebounds and four steals, in 32 minutes. Derrick Favors tallied 14 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and a steal, while Rudy Gobert added 11 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and an assist. The Jazz shot 40 percent from the field, including 8-of-38 from deep.
The series will head to Utah for Game 3 on Saturday.
