NBA playoffs: Rockets soar higher than Timberwolves

World
Europe

02:08

The Houston Rockets overpowered the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-100 with the second-highest scoring quarter ever in NBA playoff history in Game 4 on Monday. The magnificent victory has helped the Rockets establish a 3-1 overall lead in the first round playoffs series.

After overcoming a lackluster first half, Houston clawed their way back into the game and scored an emphatic 50 points in the third quarter. Superstars James Harden scored 22 points while Chris Paul pulled 15 points in that eventful quarter. The Rockets led 100-69 after the quarter and never looked back.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs. /VCG Photo

The all-time record for the highest scoring quarter in the NBA playoff history was the Los Angeles Lakers’ 51 points in the fourth quarter of a playoff after losing to the Detroit Pistons on March 31, 1962. Harden notched up 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting in the quarter, which set a franchise record for points in a quarter, surpassing Hakeem Olajuwon’s record of 18 set against the Utah Jazz on May 5, 1995.

The overall match-haul for Harden is 36 points overall while Paul added 25 and center Clint Capela had 14 points and 17 rebounds for Houston. Interestingly, Eric Gordon came off the bench to pocket 18 points.

Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins (22) attempts a shot in the second half against Houston Rockets at the Target Center in Minneapolis. /VCG Photo

For the Timberwolves, it was Center Karl-Anthony Towns who bagged 22 points while All-Star guard Jimmy Butler claimed to have clinched 19 points for Timberwolves.

Game five is scheduled to be played in Houston on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)