Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Jazz

Despite capturing a 32-point victory in their series opener against the Utah Jazz, the Houston Rockets continued to keep their foot on the gas pedal in Game 2. Here are the three takeaways from Clutch City’s latest postseason outing.

In a period where basketball lovers have witnessed a string of epic comebacks and thrilling games across several first-round series to kick off the postseason, Houston Rockets star James Harden has continued to play a vital factor in helping his team cruise along steadily through the first two games of the 2019 NBA Playoffs.

All the while proving that no defense is capable of containing him in the process.

Harden — who posted a 25-point, 7-assist, and 7-rebound line in the first half of game two — exploded for a game-high 32 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to guide the Rockets to a wire-to-wire victory against the Utah Jazz in Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals. (118-98)

"“He just reads what they give him,” Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni told reporters following Harden’s triple-double performance. “He’s a machine. He just scores.”"

Houston — who captured their second-largest postseason win in franchise history in Game 1 — led by as many as 28 points on the night, and controlled the game from start with the assistance of their leading teammate, who almost managed to post more points and assists than the entire Jazz team in the opening quarter of play alone.

P.J. Tucker and Eric Gordon contributed to the Rockets cause with 16 points apiece, while Ricky Rubio led the way for Utah with a team-high 17 points and 9 assists in a losing effort.

Here are the three major takeaways from Clutch City’s win in Game 2.