James Harden became the first player to score at least 50 points in back-to-back games since Kobe Bryant in 2007. "We lost, none of it matters," Harden said after the game. James got ejected with 26 seconds left in the game after fouling out and then knocking the ball out of a referee's hands. When asked what he was upset about, Harden replied, "B.S. calls. I'm tired of hearing 'I made a mistake' or 'I didn't see it.' It's frustrating when you hear that as a player." Harden finished the night with 51 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Jawun Evans could be credited with causing Harden to reach his boiling point, after causing two fouls on Harden that were questionable calls at best. "I'm just doing what I'm told to do, and helping my teammates do what we need to do to get the win. I just go out and play my hardest," Evans said after the game.
The Rockets had a 15-point lead at halftime, but L.A. managed to tie it up with 5:25 left in the 3rd quarter. The Clippers had the lead going into the 4th, and would keep it for the rest of the game. L.A. made fourteen 3s in the second half while shooting 60.9% from downtown. The Rockets just couldn't keep up with the Clippers offense in the second half.
The Rockets will try to give the city of Houston a very Merry Christmas by beating OKC Monday night.