The Houston Rockets opened up the Western Conference Playoffs with a rout of the Utah Jazz 122-90 Sunday night from Toyota Center. James Harden led the way with 29 points and 10 assists. Harden was two rebounds shy of a triple-double.
Every player in the starting lineup had at least 10 points. Eric Gordon scored 17, Clint Capela had 16 points and 12 rebounds, Chris Paul with 14 and P.J. Tucker chipped in 11. Kenneth Faried and Danuel House each had 11 points off the bench.
The Rockets led by double-digits for a majority of the game thanks in part by an efficient shooting night. The team shot 51% from the field and 37% from three-point land. Also on display was Houston's defense. The defense forced 18 turnovers and held the Jazz to just 26% from three.
Game two of the first round series is Wednesday night at the Toyota Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30pm.