Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Timberwolves

In a game that surprisingly came down to the final minutes, the Houston Rockets edged past the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Playoffs. Here are the three major takeaways from Clutch City’s postseason opener.

Despite failing to find any type of rhythm from downtown, the Houston Rockets would receive their largest contribution from one of their leading cast members with Game 1 of their first round playoff series on the line.

The opener of the 2018 NBA Playoffs proved to be much closer than many expected.

With his team down by one late in the final frame, James Harden was the biggest difference-maker on the floor, hitting several shots that played a pivotal role in the final outcome of the contest.

The six-time All-Star, who is considered by many as the consensus frontrunner to capture the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award, scored 13 of his game-high 44 points in the fourth quarter, and helped spearhead a major run to guide the Rockets to a 104-101 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

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"“We were struggling to make shots, struggling to really have any kind of rhythm and James put us on his back,” Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni told reporters after the game. “He’s been doing it for a while now.”"

Harden, who shot 15-for-26 from the field, also dished out a game-high eight dimes on the night, most of which went to center Clint Capela. Capela dominated Karl-Anthony Towns in a head-to-head battle inside, en route to posting 24 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.

Andrew Wiggins led the way for Minnesota with 18 points, while Derrick Rose poured in a total of 16 points in a losing effort.

Here are the three major takeaways from Clutch City’s win in Game 1.