Sometimes, a game is just a game. Sometimes, a game is a microcosm of a season.
The Rockets' 111-107 loss to the Thunder on Tuesday was the latter.
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James Harden put up big numbers (24 points, 16 assists and seven rebounds) but also had a game-deciding turnover as Houston fell below .500.
Down 109-107 with less than 11 seconds remaining, Harden saw a streaking Dwight Howard heading toward the basket, but his pass was a second too late and Dion Waiters was able to steal the ball away as Howard bobbled it. It was the second steal of the game for Waiters, who finished with 17 points.
Two Russell Westbrook free throws later, the Rockets were headed home with a loss. Westbrook finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists for his 15th triple-double of the season.
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That was just the latest in what has been a season of disappointments for the Rockets. One year after making the Western Conference finals, Houston is struggling to get into the playoffs with a 34-36 record.
Even if they make the playoffs, the Rockets are facing the possibility of playing the Warriors in the first round, one year after battling them for the right to go to the NBA Finals. It's probably too late to right the ship, but at this point they are just looking to keep the water out of the boat.
Highlight of the Night
Kemba Walker only had 14 points, but the Hornets still managed to beat the Nets 105-100 in Brooklyn for their 11th win in their last 13 games.
Stud of the Night
Hassan Whiteside continues to be a force off the bench for the Heat. Whiteside scored 24 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked three shots as Miami beat New Orleans 113-99.
Dud of the Night
Pelicans guard Toney Douglas scored 14 points on 4-of-16 shooting in the loss to the Heat.
Looking ahead
Clippers (43-26) at Warriors (63-7), 10:30 p.m. ET: The Warriors are chasing history while the Clippers are just trying to right the ship after losing four of their last five.