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00:00Up next,
00:28the Rockets taking on the Spurs.
00:31For the Houston Rockets,
00:33the goal is to get better each and every time they take the floor,
00:36continuing to build their chemistry and connection,
00:40the unspoken bond that yields victory.
00:43Spurs,
00:44Rockets,
00:45coming right up.
00:55It's the 2K Sports Pre Game Show.
00:58Tonight, we'll be watching the Houston Rockets
01:02playing against the San Antonio Spurs.
01:05Checking out the Spurs,
01:07this is going to be a great test of their ability
01:09to match up against any style of opponent.
01:12The front office had that in mind
01:14when this roster was constructed.
01:16We'll see how it actually plays out tonight.
01:18Love to watch this guy, Russell Westbrook.
01:24Is there anybody who looks to score the ball with more intensity, Shaq?
01:29Well, Kenny, he's not a guard.
01:31I know it says guard on the paper.
01:33I don't know what that is.
01:34He's strong, explosive, and the guy never gets tired.
01:37He's coming at you.
01:38You know what he is?
01:39What?
01:39He's a guard.
01:40Kenny?
01:40Well, he's got a big motor, too, Ernie.
01:42This guy is unique
01:44and a unique once-in-a-lifetime talent.
01:47His incredible endurance
01:49is probably what separates him from most players.
01:51If he's not a guard, what is he?
01:53Unguardable.
01:54Oh.
01:57Brilliant.
01:58Here's Kevin Harlan.
01:59Back up.
02:22I'm in the 7th, I'm gonna act up.
02:24I'ma need you to back up.
02:26I'ma need you to back up.
02:27I'ma need you to back up.
02:29Still in the T, you still in the cup.
02:31I'ma need you to back up.
02:33I'ma need you to back up.
02:34I'm in the 7th, I'm in the 7th, I'm in the 7th.
02:40Hello, everyone.
02:41Welcome to the NBA on 2K Sports,
02:44and thanks for joining us on this fine Thursday afternoon.
02:47I'm Kevin Harlan, alongside Greg Anthony, Steve Smith,
02:51and David Aldridge is joining us from the sideline.
02:54Hey, Dave.
02:54Well, guys, we know Russell Westbrook is fearless on the court
02:59and with his sense of fashion.
03:01Growing up around Los Angeles, he said,
03:03I felt like every day was the first day of school.
03:06That's how it was the minute I woke up.
03:09And guys, he's starting to release his own lines of clothing and accessories.
03:12I have a couple in my closet.
03:14Back to you.
03:16Influential with his taste for sure, David.
03:19And a look at the starters for San Antonio.
03:22It's Aldridge at the power forward with Pirtle at center.
03:26DeJounte Murray is out there with Derek White.
03:28And it's DeRozan in at the 3 spot.
03:31And for the Rockets.
03:32Westbrook and Harden, the dynamite pair.
03:35They're the backcourt.
03:36Tucker and Capella are up front.
03:38And it's Gordon in at the 3 spot.
03:40Smitty, we have a good rivalry game tonight with two conference foes.
03:43This should be a beauty.
03:44Yes, indeed.
03:45I think the fans feel it.
03:47The coaches feel it.
03:48Us as announcers, we feel it.
03:50The atmosphere is going to be great.
03:52It is indeed.
03:56And the Spurs start out with the ball.
03:58Now DeRozan.
04:03Murray outside.
04:07Beyond the arc.
04:09That one's not going to go.
04:11And the Rockets take it the other way.
04:18Gordon the pass to Tucker.
04:19And it's sent back by Aldridge.
04:22I mean, showing great anticipation.
04:24Aldridge was all over that shot.
04:26Oh, in the gym by DeRozan.
04:29Any chance you get, you want to put yourself in a position to succeed.
04:34And that's what he did there.
04:36Great job of reading the floor.
04:37Got to the rim and made a play.
04:40And it's blocked.
04:44Outside, White.
04:48Here's Murray.
04:50Got it.
04:50Good job in the low post.
04:52And it's Houston's ball.
04:57Four-point game.
04:58Some tough offensive sets.
04:59They want to turn it around.
05:01Yeah, right now you just need a bucket to get some momentum.
05:04And it's put back up and in by Capella.
05:06Challenging the defense at the rim.
05:08Something he does very well.
05:10Excellent tip-in.
05:12Here's Murray after Clint Capella's bucket.
05:15Inside.
05:16Aldridge down low.
05:21He's covered by Westbrook.
05:25Murray against Westbrook.
05:28Murray, no good.
05:30Rockets have gone just one or four to get this game started.
05:34And it's Gordon missing.
05:35Really just struggling here in the first few minutes.
05:38Five attempts with only one falling.
05:41Jordan against DeRozan.
05:50Murray outside.
05:54And contact on the shot.
05:56So he'll be shooting free throws.
06:00And making his return from the ACL tear.
06:04DeJounte Murray, long, athletic, and young.
06:08He still has a very bright future.
06:10So San Antonio shooting their first free throws of the game on this trip to the line.
06:15And take a look back at last season.
06:17And what a season it was for them from the free throw line.
06:2082% as a group.
06:222-3-2-3-4-3-4...
06:36We throw good Murray.
06:38And Murray winning second team all defense in 2018.
06:42And, Greg, at that time he was only 21.
06:44And that's been his strong suit.
06:46if he can hit perimeter shots consistently
06:49he can be a star
06:51and good on the second
07:00so he makes them both
07:01I can't wait to see Murray reach his full potential
07:05reason why?
07:07because he has a lot of it
07:08back to Westbrook
07:09kicks it out to Harden
07:16shot clock at six
07:21off target from the wing
07:23can't fault the play call
07:25even though he couldn't convert
07:27that's a good shot
07:28DeRozan passes to Murray
07:31a floater
07:36rebounded by Capella
07:38shut down
07:39this is the way you play defense
07:41this is how you protect the rim
07:44love the attitude of Westbrook
07:46continues to improve at running the offense
07:49and finding ways to create opportunities for his teammates
07:53now here's Murray
07:55White the pass to Purtle
07:58nice ball movement by San Antonio
08:00San Antonio
08:01Aldridge kicks to White
08:04over Harden
08:05offensive rebound
08:07Aldridge
08:08good
08:09LaMarcus does this well
08:11getting into the mix
08:12and creating buckets
08:14off the offensive rebounds
08:15Westbrook scanning the floor
08:21off with the layup
08:25even though he missed it
08:26this is the exact play your offense is designed to produce
08:29and that one is good
08:31right in the teeth of that defense
08:33DeRozan
08:34explosive through contact
08:36and you look at all the under the radar prospects
08:39that have found success with the Spurs
08:42how do they keep hitting
08:43on all these players
08:44other teams
08:46have missed
08:47they do a great job with their player development
08:49they also do a great job
08:51identifying players with great character
08:53they have guys who work extremely hard
08:56they have great coaching
08:57and they teach
08:58but more importantly
08:59what they do GA
09:00they give you confidence
09:02and that's why I think the Spurs
09:04separate from other organizations
09:05whether he's attacking the basket
09:08or squaring up from long range
09:11Westbrook is always dangerous
09:13and San Antonio calls
09:15the first time out of the game
09:17and a boon
09:19it was for the Rockets
09:21to be able to keep Clint Capella
09:23a great fit with the team
09:25and gives them exactly what they need
09:27on the interior
09:28We'll see you next time
09:30We'll see you next time
09:35We'll see you next time
10:36Shoots over Capella.
10:38Shots good by Lyles.
10:40And Greg Capella, who was taken near the end of the first round back in 2014 in the draft,
10:46has developed well during his time with Houston.
10:49And Capella's game has really taken off in the last few seasons.
10:53He looks to be a double-double machine for this team for the next handful of years,
10:58and that is exactly what they need.
11:01Here's Mills.
11:02James Harden picking up that last basket.
11:04Basket counts.
11:05And there's a pattern starting to take shape here.
11:08They're working it inside and getting good shots from close range.
11:13Gordon deciding where to go with it.
11:2259 seconds left in the first quarter.
11:25And that one clearly a foul.
11:27Gets the whistle and two shots coming up.
11:29Now, when he came into the league, Eric Gordon was tagged as a shooter.
11:32Now, he's been shooting more than ever.
11:34And Gordon, the last few seasons, has been shooting, how about this, over eight threes a game.
11:40His success rate with them has gone up and down over the years.
11:43But one thing is for sure, he always has the green light.
11:52Take a break.
11:53Take a break.
11:54Two shots.
11:59And he's on.
12:04And he knocks down the first one.
12:09Houston making a switch.
12:10Green's checked in.
12:31So, he gets them both.
12:3455 seconds left to play in the first quarter.
12:40And Mills kicks to Lyles.
12:45Game with it.
12:47Nothing yet on the scoreboard for him.
12:52And here is Green.
12:54The pass to Rivers.
12:57Here's the three.
12:59And Green with the basket on the assist by Rivers.
13:02And it's a tie ballgame.
13:03I mean, wonderful court vision.
13:05Sometimes Rivers gets locked in to finding his own shot.
13:09This time, finds the open man.
13:12And it's blocked by Gordon.
13:17Here's Green.
13:19Now the dish to Gordon.
13:20It's Rivers on the wing.
13:33And another three for Houston.
13:36Not a pure shooter in the classic sense.
13:38But Rivers is a threat out there if you give him any room.
13:42A nice first quarter of play.
13:44We've seen plenty of offense so far.
13:46Houston on top.
13:48As they end the first quarter with a 13-4 run.
13:51And the second quarter will get underway just after this short break.
13:55Russell Westbrook has surly disposition on the court, but he talks about the power of positivity with his teammates.
14:23For years, I've been trying to find ways to be a better leader.
14:29Leadership was a huge thing.
14:30And I felt the way I reacted to certain plays and my facial expressions and my demeanor can change a lot for a teammate.
14:39You can't win it alone.
14:41And for superstar players like Westbrook, individual greatness isn't enough.
14:46It's about elevating the team around them.
14:52And close game underway so far.
14:54We'll see if either of these teams can jump out in the second quarter.
14:57And when you consider how the Rockets are doing, guys, what are your thoughts?
15:02I know it's early, but all those three-pointers, boy, do they add up.
15:06And that's their strategy.
15:07Try to overwhelm you.
15:09Try to put you in a hole you have to dig yourself out of.
15:14We've got Gerald Green.
15:15He's out there with Rivers.
15:17Gordon is out there with Clint Capella and his house in a power forward.
15:21That's the group starting the second quarter for the Rockets.
15:25Here's Carroll.
15:27Rebound by House.
15:29Houston leading by three.
15:30outside green.
15:39You know, Smitty, NBA referees officials now have a presence on social media
15:44aiming at educating fans on calls and why they're made.
15:50Yes, and I love it, Kevin, if you have these demos and talk about plays and games
15:55and situations that you're educating fans.
15:57It's just that fans look at it when these referees, who are human, miss calls
16:03and then they want to re-show these plays that they've missed.
16:06We've still got to understand they're human and they're going to miss some calls.
16:10Well said, Steve.
16:11He has a chance now to catch up with the fourth member of our crew,
16:14Hall of Famer David Aldridge.
16:17Well, Kevin, my cousin LaMarcus Aldridge is not the flashiest player,
16:21but he is respected.
16:23His former teammate in Portland, C.J. McCollum, said he hasn't changed his game
16:28to try and fit the new NBA.
16:30He shoots mid-range, scores under the basket, strong as heck.
16:34He knows who he is.
16:36Kevin, LaMarcus isn't really my cousin, but his game never goes out of style.
16:41You're right, D.A., and he is still getting it done.
16:45And the Spurs with possession.
16:48The Rockets making the shot.
16:51Stolen.
16:53Oh, and here comes House.
16:54All alone.
16:56Now that's how to finish the break.
16:58Throwdown with Coach.
16:59And unfortunately, we've seen a few too many of those.
17:02A lack of concentration, a turnover, and an easy bucket in transition.
17:07San Antonio calls timeout.
17:10Let's see if Coach can get them back on the right track.
17:13Because right now, it feels like the pace is being dictated to them.
17:18They need to go back to playing their brand of basketball.
17:23Go back to world.
17:23Oh, and here's the funny guy.
17:24I was in a car.
17:27June threw that one year.
17:28ieli RCs, 2014, 2014, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2014, 2017, 2016.
17:36Long timeout.
17:37What's up of me, so allegedly expected for this sisters to win.
17:48Wah!
17:49Wah!
17:50Wah!
17:50Wah!
17:51Wah!
17:51Wah!
17:52For the Rockets, P.J. Tucker, he's checked in for Clint Capella.
18:11And Russell Westbrook is subbed in for Gordon.
18:14So San Antonio going with an almost entirely new group here.
18:18Jakub Pirtles checked in for Trey Lyles.
18:20Aldridge comes in for Rudy Gay.
18:23DeMar DeRozan, he's checked in for Damari Carroll.
18:26And it's Ajante Murray in for Brent Forbes.
18:29Oh, and a fast break for the Rockets.
18:32Westbrook leading the charge.
18:36And he gets the whistle.
18:37Two free throws coming up.
18:40That's on LaMarcus Aldridge.
18:42And really the defense fouling there to prevent the layup.
18:45But that's exactly what you need to do.
18:47The Rockets have been perfect at the line so far.
18:49Albeit just two for two.
18:51Yeah, and 79% from the line as a team a season ago.
18:55Pretty reliable in that regard.
18:59Take a break.
19:00Take a break.
19:01Two shots.
19:02The first one full.
19:14James Harden, he's checked in for Green.
19:16And San Antonio with a change here too.
19:18White, he's checked in for Bellinelli.
19:20And that's good as he hits both of his shots.
19:36Here's Murray.
19:37We're just over two and a half minutes into the second quarter.
19:42Pass to Aldridge.
19:44Looking to end the run.
19:45And that's two points on the layup.
19:48Aldridge has got his second bucket of the game to go.
19:51I mean, that's a nice find by Murray.
19:52He has the height to see the floor.
19:55And his awareness continues to grow.
19:58Count it.
19:58His second make in four attempts.
20:01A much better quarter for them shooting the ball.
20:03Well, you knew after the Paul George trade that the Thunder would look to sell on Westbrook as well.
20:10Just part of the rebuild at this point.
20:13His agent did well to get him to a team looking to compete.
20:16A great fit for a player in this stage of Russell's career.
20:20DeRozan against Harden.
20:32Unloads from 13.
20:33It'll go.
20:34The rocket lead is cut back down to 11.
20:36Some big points there from DeMar DeRozan.
20:38One of the best mid-range shooters in the NBA.
20:42DeMar DeRozan makes 11 from this spot.
20:45Westbrook.
20:46That one's all good.
20:47Now he's three for five from the field.
20:48And the lead should be safe if they can keep shooting the basketball like this.
20:56Murray, the pass to DeRozan.
21:04The Rockets pull it in.
21:06A slight rebound advantage for them.
21:08One more column in their favor.
21:11And it's all adding up.
21:12And it's good for two.
21:14Every time they get scored on during this run,
21:17it's come from inside the paint.
21:20Here's Murray following the basket by Russell Westbrook.
21:25A floater.
21:26Basket is good.
21:27He'll get a chance for one more at the line.
21:30Wiry strong.
21:31If you're going to get physical with Murray,
21:33you better go the rest of the way to prevent the and-walk.
21:36Steve, we've seen a few guys score close to 70 points in a game recently.
21:41Devin Booker of Phoenix certainly has gotten to that mark.
21:43Who might be the next guy to get to 70?
21:46I think James Harden, because the way he shoots the three ball and gets to the free throw line,
21:49he's won.
21:50Steph Curry for sure.
21:52Kevin Durant.
21:53And I think Giannis in a few years.
21:55If he can start knocking down those threes,
21:57because I'm sure he can get about 40 points in the paint,
22:0010 at the line,
22:01but he needs to knock down a few threes.
22:04And it's Westbrook with the ball.
22:06He brings it up for Houston.
22:11And there's a minute 45 left to play here in the half.
22:14That's in.
22:15That's his fifth field goal.
22:16He's shooting a hot 71 percent.
22:19Five for seven.
22:20Now, here's Mills.
22:25Pass to Purdy.
22:26Now Aldridge.
22:27Guarded by Harden.
22:32Aldridge inside.
22:33Rebound by House.
22:35And the pressure he put on that shot forced the miscue.
22:39The rim protection at its finest.
22:41The result is the same whether you block the shot or simply change it.
22:46Of the two offenses here tonight,
22:48you can tell theirs is just a bit more in sync.
22:52They've had better patience,
22:54better shot selection so far,
22:56but we still have a long way to go.
22:59Now here's Pirtle.
23:01Still getting warmed up offensively.
23:03No scoring yet from him.
23:06Pass to Rivers.
23:09And the call on the shot that sends him to the line.
23:13And what a journey it's been for Austin Rivers
23:18since being drafted 10th overall back in 2012.
23:22Looked like he might not have what it takes to be an NBA player early,
23:26but he persevered and is now an integral part of this group.
23:36Take a break.
23:37Take a break.
23:38Two shots.
23:39And the first one drops.
23:52Austin Rivers,
23:53the son of a fan player and basketball coach,
23:56Doc,
23:56making an impact in his league with his overall play.
23:59Clint Capella,
24:00he's checked in for the Rockets.
24:02Spurs also with the sub.
24:04Rudy Gay's checked in for Jakob Birtle.
24:06Both shots good from the strike.
24:17As we've gotten closer to halftime,
24:18their style has become more and more physical.
24:23Murray kicks to Aldridge.
24:27Rivers against Murray.
24:3013 feet away.
24:31Jump shot is good.
24:33Murray's got his third basket of the night.
24:36Oh,
24:36he's heating up here now in the second quarter.
24:38Watch out.
24:40Here's Westbrook.
24:41Banked in off the glass.
24:43I like how confident Westbrook is close to the rim.
24:47Gets high off the ground and releases his shot quickly.
24:50Five-second differential between the shot clock and the game clock.
24:56Okay.
24:58He's been patient so far.
24:59Nothing on the scoreboard yet.
25:01And he could not get that one to go.
25:04A lot of contact.
25:05And he'll go to the line for two.
25:07It's going to be on James Harden.
25:09Increasing his versatility every year.
25:12DeRozan calls and defenders fits.
25:15Good example right there.
25:16And he's got his first free throw of the game.
25:18And last season's numbers show him at about an 83% clip,
25:23which is far better than most.
25:25First free throw is good.
25:40DeRozan,
25:40a raw athlete entering this league.
25:43He's worked on his skill to the point where he's now a perennial all-star candidate.
25:47Both free throws good from DeRozan.
26:05To the middle.
26:14Here's Capella.
26:15And that comes off the assist by Russell Westbrook.
26:18And it's six points for Clint Capella.
26:21I mean,
26:21the number of points they've scored in the paint already here is eye-opening.
26:25And through one half,
26:26it hasn't even been close.
26:28Rockets lead by 18.
26:30And now we'll send it over to David Aldridge,
26:32who is standing by courtside.
26:34David.
26:34Thanks,
26:37Kevin.
26:38Russell,
26:38how confident are you that there's nobody that can stay in front of you?
26:43Very confident.
26:44I have a lot of confidence in myself.
26:47I put a lot of work in in the summertime,
26:49but I'm very confident.
26:51That is never a problem for you,
26:53Russ.
26:53Thanks very much.
26:54Back to you,
26:54Kevin.
26:55All right,
26:56David,
26:56thank you.
26:57And stay with us,
26:57folks.
26:58We'll be back just after halftime to get the third quarter started.
27:01It's the 2K Sports Halftime Show.
27:06Hello again,
27:09folks.
27:09Ernie Johnson here with Kenny the Jet Smith and Shaquille O'Neal.
27:13It's the NBA on 2K Sports,
27:14and let's talk the first half.
27:16There was no stopping Russell Westbrook in the first half.
27:22He had 13 points,
27:23two assists,
27:24and one rebound.
27:26His last game out,
27:26he was just not himself.
27:28But tonight,
27:29he has rounded right back into form with a very solid first half.
27:34Kenny,
27:34what do you think about the Rockets?
27:36Well,
27:36you look at the explosiveness of Russell Westbrook,
27:39even when defenders have position on him,
27:41he can accelerate past them and rise above the rim.
27:44He's a terrific athlete who plays with a sharp edge.
27:48Shaq,
27:48what did you see from San Antonio?
27:51Well,
27:52they're obviously facing a hot shooting team tonight.
27:54That combined with a lackluster effort,
27:56a recipe of disaster.
27:59Without major improvements to the recipe,
28:01this game is O-D-A over.
28:08And that's going to do it for us here.
28:10The second half of action is coming your way.
28:26And with the second half upon us,
28:28we'll find out if this game becomes the route
28:30that it's threatening to be.
28:32Well,
28:32you look at Russell Westbrook in this game.
28:34He has been everywhere.
28:37Well,
28:37we'll find out if they were able to find an answer
28:40for him over the break.
28:41He was scoring with ease in that first half.
28:44I think both sides probably adjusted a few things.
28:47The key for him is to bring the same level of energy
28:50over these last two quarters.
28:52And after a very lopsided first half,
28:58we'll see if things play out a little more evenly
29:00here in the second.
29:01Third quarter action getting rolling right now.
29:03Brought to you by Gatorade.
29:04All fueled up and ready to go.
29:06Here's who's on the floor.
29:08On the court right now for the Spurs.
29:10It's Aldridge at the power forward
29:12with Pirtle at Senate.
29:14Derek White is out there with Murray.
29:16And it's DeRozan in at the three,
29:18the small forward.
29:18Lock it two.
29:20And it's Gordon missing.
29:22Spurs trail by 18.
29:24White with it.
29:26And it's Harden picking him up.
29:30The pass to Murray.
29:33He kicks to Pirtle.
29:43And the dunk by Pirtle.
29:45Pirtle showing a little speed
29:47and some handles on that drive.
29:50Houston leading by 16.
29:53And in a league that's obsessed
29:55with threes and layups,
29:57the Marcus Aldridge defying the trend,
30:00really feasting on a steady diet
30:02of mid-range jumpers.
30:05And Harden with the basket
30:07on the assist by Gordon.
30:08Harden's got six.
30:10The assist totals, Kevin,
30:11just continue to grow.
30:13They're way ahead in that category.
30:15Ball movement has been flawless.
30:19Now here's White.
30:20Still looking for his first bucket
30:21in this one.
30:25Nice ball movement by San Antonio.
30:27Here's Aldridge.
30:29The Spurs need to get a shot off here.
30:31Just two to shoot.
30:33And it's White missing.
30:36And that turnaround jumper of Aldridge's.
30:38Break just impossible to defend.
30:40Long arms, that high release point.
30:44When it's falling,
30:45well, we saw him give OKC 56.
30:49This man can take over.
30:50Oh, and the jam by Westbrook.
30:52And you know Westbrook has an outstanding vertical.
30:56Once he gets to the launching pad,
30:58rim beware.
31:00Well, Steve, it's expected
31:02that we'll eventually allow 18-year-olds
31:05to enter the NBA draft.
31:06You're a proud Michigan State alum.
31:08Are you concerned players may miss something
31:10by choosing to skip the college experience?
31:13You know, Kevin, in this situation,
31:14for sure, there are some players
31:16that I would say is going to make some mistakes
31:18and maybe come out too early
31:20and not be ready.
31:21But I think we have to allow them
31:23to have these decisions
31:25and not have these decisions
31:26taken away from them.
31:27I love college,
31:29but there are some guys
31:30that are just ready
31:31to go play in the NBA,
31:33just like other areas of life.
31:35When you're ready, you're ready.
31:40On the free throw, no good.
31:43No, he's standing 6'11
31:45with a 7'5 wingspan.
31:47LaMarcus Argers prefers playing power forward,
31:50but make no mistake,
31:51he has the size to hang
31:53with the big dogs at center.
31:56Now here's Carroll.
31:58No points in the game yet for him.
32:01Dishes it to Aldridge.
32:03Shoots over Capella.
32:04The shot, no good.
32:06The Rockets go the other way with it.
32:08They have been board dominant in this game.
32:10That's definitely been a factor
32:12in cracking this huge loop.
32:14He pulls off the Houdini
32:15to make that catch
32:16and slam it through.
32:18Stipendous alley-oop.
32:19And with his height and reach,
32:22not many that can block
32:23Aldridge's turnaround jumper.
32:25His release on his jump shot
32:26is so high.
32:28The rainbow arc,
32:29it's a beautiful thing to watch.
32:31Shaky start to the half.
32:33Going one for four.
32:35Still trying to find that groove.
32:37The clock keeps going.
32:43Three minutes into the second half now.
32:46Bellinelli passes to Lyles.
32:51White looking around.
32:56Lays it up and banks it in.
32:58White's got his first basket of the night.
33:00Oh, nice drive there
33:01to get to the bucket
33:02using some of that terrific agility
33:05that he possesses.
33:07Harden's shot is good.
33:09Yeah, just constantly attacking the paint.
33:12Harden does not settle.
33:17And here's White.
33:18He'll bring it up for San Antonio.
33:21Pass to Lyles.
33:26And the layup falls.
33:28Lyles got his second basket of the night.
33:31Houston leading by 20.
33:36Westbrook with it.
33:38He's got 15.
33:39And Derek White picks up the foul.
33:42That's his first foul.
33:43Houston making a switch.
33:45Houses checked in.
33:46San Antonio also making some changes.
33:49Rudy Gaze checked in for Aldridge.
33:51And it's Bryn Forbes in for White.
33:57And here's Westbrook.
34:00Offensive rebound.
34:01Capella.
34:02Good for the fifth time in five shots.
34:04He remains perfect.
34:06Plus eight in the rebound differential.
34:08One more reason why they're in control.
34:14Here is Forbes.
34:15He's still scoreless so far in this one.
34:18Good on the triple.
34:19Shooting over 43% from distance
34:22during his college career.
34:23This is Forbes specialty.
34:27Here's Harden.
34:28Gaze with the block.
34:331.30 left to play in the third.
34:39Here is Forbes.
34:41He's covered by Westbrook.
34:44It's Carroll on the wing.
34:46Lock it six.
34:48Act of Bellinelli.
34:49The three.
34:50And the rebound goes to the Rockets.
34:5422 is their biggest lead.
34:56Westbrook drives in.
34:58And foul on the shot.
35:00He'll shoot two at the free throw line.
35:03And you know what?
35:04Very close to a three-point play right there.
35:07And this will be his second and third shots at the line here.
35:11You know, this is not an area where they expect him to contribute.
35:14You know, he's a guy that shot below 70% last season.
35:18The first free throw is good.
35:32Rivers, he's checked in for James Harden.
35:34DeMar DeRozan, he's checked in for San Antonio.
35:38Mills comes in for Marco Bellinelli.
35:40He hits one and misses one, each at the line.
35:55Some players never recover from a torn Achilles.
35:58Rudy Gay has come back, and as good as ever.
36:01Still one of the most productive small forwards we have in the league.
36:05You know he's pulling his weight, but they still find themselves behind.
36:11The shot by House is no good.
36:13Spurs trail by 18.
36:18Passes it to Gay.
36:23There's 38 seconds left to play in the third.
36:29Here is Forbes.
36:31He's guarded by Rivers.
36:32No good from Gay.
36:35Houston leading by 18.
36:39Rivers gets a wide open look.
36:41Here's Westbrook.
36:43And there's two corners.
36:45Working on the glass, paying off that time.
36:47Westbrook's got 18 points in the game.
36:53Now here's DeRozan.
36:55He's got 10.
36:56Pass to Mills.
37:02Launches it.
37:04That shot misses.
37:05And so it's the Houston Rockets.
37:07Controlling the game and finishing the quarter with a 20-point lead.
37:11The scoring has been tremendous, and they are shooting lights out with very high accuracy.
37:16And we'll be right back after this.
37:18And now let's go back to a play from earlier as we show you our State Farm assist of the game.
37:46And he sliced the D wide open with this feed.
37:50They had no chance to prevent that basket.
37:53Creating plays for others.
37:55It's an art form, but it's also a discipline.
37:58Fantastic job.
37:59And with the fourth quarter upon us, time is running out for this game to become competitive.
38:10Tucker and Capella are up front.
38:12Russell Westbrook out there with Austin Rivers.
38:14And it's Gordon in at the small forward position.
38:17That's the five for Houston right now.
38:20On the wing, DeRozan.
38:22Nice form on the 20-footer.
38:24Why not?
38:25When you have a scorer like DeRozan, keep going to the whale.
38:32And Rudy Gay picks up the foul.
38:35That is his first foul of the game.
38:37And the Spurs making a change here.
38:39Murray's checked in.
38:40Now Gordon.
38:55Over DeRozan.
38:57San Antonio with the rebound.
39:00Gay's got his fourth rebound with that last one here tonight.
39:03So frustrating when you can't get anything to go down
39:06as you're trying to help your team finish the job.
39:10And there's the foul on the shot.
39:11He'll go to the line for two.
39:13Good example of the new breed of point guards.
39:16Murray creates for himself as well as he creates for others.
39:30Shooting two.
39:31Two.
39:31Two.
39:40He's off on the first.
40:04And the second free throw.
40:06Good.
40:06Good.
40:06River's with it.
40:16He dishes it to Gordon.
40:21It's stolen by DeRozan.
40:22In transition.
40:24Here comes San Antonio.
40:25And finished off by DeRozan.
40:27Veteran move by DeRozan.
40:29Anticipates.
40:30Causes the turnover.
40:31Then sends him off to the races.
40:37And here's Gordon.
40:41The pass to Tucker.
40:43Back to Gordon.
40:46Six to shoot.
40:48Double team on Westbrook.
40:50Here's Rivers.
40:52Off the mark there with a three-point shot.
40:54And you can tell he thought he had a little more space.
40:58But the defender was right there.
41:00The ability to close out on perimeter shooters is so important in today's game.
41:05And guys, there are some you can give that shot to.
41:09But let's be clear.
41:10He's not one of them.
41:11Terrible job there by the D.
41:13Now a timeout called by Houston.
41:16And last season, DeMar DeRozan averaging the lowest rate of three-point attempts of his career.
41:21Kevin, the Raptors had wanted him to shoot more triples.
41:25The Spurs were content to put the ball in his hands and let others provide the spacing.
41:31The Spurs Lettingday
41:32The Spurs
41:34The Spurs
41:34The Spurs
41:35The Spurs
41:36Ooh
41:36Ooh
41:37Look at that 120
41:50The Spurs
41:52The Spurs
41:53I بد
41:55The Spurs
41:56lookout
41:58And
41:58I
41:59I
42:00A different look now for San Antonio.
42:19LaMarcus Aldridge has checked in for game.
42:22And it's wide in for Bryn Forbes.
42:24And let's catch up with our sideline reporter, David Aldridge.
42:27Well, during that break, Mike D'Antoni talked to his team.
42:31He's encouraged where they are at this point in the game.
42:33But he told his guys, things can turn in a blink.
42:37What we need to do is execute the rest of the way.
42:40So we'll see if they can finish this one off, Kevin.
42:43Thank you, David.
42:44Two free throws coming up and they call the shooting foul.
42:47Injuries pressing Derek White into a much bigger role in year two.
42:52But you know what, Smitty? He rose to the occasion.
42:54You know, I love him.
42:55He has great size, a 6'4 for a point guard.
42:58Good instincts. He can shoot.
43:00He can create.
43:01I love his versatility.
43:08Shooting two.
43:09And the first one at the line is good.
43:24A 29th pick in 2017 by the Spurs.
43:27Their injuries last year created an opportunity for Derek White to show Greg what he can do with steady minutes.
43:34And White at 6'4, capable of manning either guard spot.
43:39A shooter, a playmaker, and an all-defensive team in college.
43:43He is definitely a keeper.
43:45And both free throws.
43:49Good for White.
43:53Rockets leading by 10.
43:58Here's Rivers.
44:03Here's Capella.
44:04No good again that time.
44:08Great defensive effort.
44:09Just saved a basket.
44:11You know what?
44:12This is why you never give up on a play.
44:15You don't know what's going to happen.
44:17And it's Harden with the ball for Houston.
44:20Looking to get on the board here in the fourth still.
44:22Well, he wants to shoot his way out of this cold spell.
44:26But the struggles continue.
44:28You know, to me, this is when you want to focus on creating for others.
44:33Give someone else a chance.
44:35It's called a teammate.
44:36Now here's Murray.
44:38After Eric Gordon's miss.
44:40Got a piece of it.
44:44And Murray.
44:45Here we go.
44:46And there's a whistle.
44:47That's going to go on James Harden.
44:49That'll be his second foul of the game.
44:52We're in the final quarter of play here.
45:03Three minutes in.
45:07Six on the shot clock to Rosen.
45:10He gets it to fall.
45:11That makes it just a single-digit lead.
45:13And you've got to love the energy right now.
45:16They got hot when they absolutely had to.
45:20They're so close now.
45:21But they've got to keep their foot on the gas pedal.
45:25Now it was Harden.
45:26Capella finds Tucker.
45:28Over Aldridge.
45:29A nice shot by Tucker.
45:31And the Rockets lead by 10.
45:34And with that basket right there, it brings an end to that 12-0 run by San Antonio.
45:40Knocked away.
45:42Here's Aldridge.
45:43And he'll shoot free throws here.
45:45Clearly fouled on that shot that time.
45:47And the whistle blowing.
45:48And there's the foul against Houston.
45:50And this is what you sign up for when trying to defend Aldridge.
45:53The pump fake.
45:54Just one of many tools in his arsenal.
46:06Shooting two.
46:06First one falls for him.
46:22He's a big man you do not want to send to the line.
46:25Lamarcus is over 80% for his career.
46:28Also Westbrook in for Houston.
46:30He's perfect from the line this time.
46:46Money from the stripe.
46:48He does a great job.
46:49Night in and night out.
46:54Now, here is Harden.
46:56You know, it tells you something about Harden that he's led the league in free throw attempts
47:04so many times.
47:06This man is always in attack mode.
47:09At the one for two.
47:22Two shots.
47:24The last on the first.
47:26They throw good.
47:36James Harden.
47:51And he's on.
47:53And he's on.
47:56Harden hits them both.
48:05Now Murray.
48:10Down low.
48:11Here's Aldridge.
48:12Stolen by Westbrook.
48:14And here we go.
48:16Gordon with it.
48:17Now guarded by DeRozan.
48:19You have to be very careful when you're guarding Gordon.
48:22He's adept at putting pressure on the defense.
48:28Shooting for Houston.
48:31Eric Gordon.
48:33Two shots.
48:34And he makes the first.
48:46And he makes the first.
49:00And he makes the first.
49:00Gordon hits both of them.
49:22And he makes the first.
49:25Spurs trail by 12.
49:27Murray dishes to Aldridge.
49:34Kicks two to Rosen.
49:35Outside white.
49:41Five to shoot.
49:4418 feet out.
49:46That misses off the back.
49:48And there have been some terrible shot choices here, Kev.
49:51That's not a good look at all.
49:55Here's Westbrook.
49:58Flash contact on the shot.
49:59And now a three-point play chance as he'll head to the line.
50:03Another good play.
50:04This is how they built the lead.
50:06Calling on the right guys at the right time.
50:09The reason why?
50:10They stayed aggressive.
50:11And they have not let up this entire night.
50:14And at this point, I wouldn't expect them to.
50:16Here's Murray.
50:41And tonight's battle is going to end with a very clear winner.
50:45Leaving nothing to chance.
50:47Impressive win for Houston.
50:49Two great rebounding teams.
50:51And these guys worked just a little bit harder tonight.
50:55And that was the edge they needed.
50:57And what a tremendous standout performance it was for Russell Westbrook.
51:01Shoulder in the low for them all night offensively.
51:04He came in focused, ready to go.
51:07And he delivered.
51:08Now, here's Westbrook.
51:1454 seconds left in the fourth quarter of this one.
51:20Aldridge against Harden.
51:23Down to five on the shot clock.
51:26That one, no good.
51:28And Murray's got the ball here for San Antonio.
51:31San Antonio.
51:3129 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
51:45Wide up top.
51:46Guarded by Tucker.
51:49To halt the run.
51:51And that one hits back iron.
51:56Westbrook with it.
51:57So we see the Rockets taking the win here.
52:11Even early on in this one, it seemed like they were happy to be playing at home tonight.
52:16And it makes a big difference.
52:17Once they started to really play in rhythm, you never felt like they had any doubts as to whether or not they were going to win.
52:24And now let's catch up with David Aldridge, who's standing by from the sideline.
52:29All right, Dave.
52:32Thanks very much.
52:33James, congrats on the win.
52:34Great crowd tonight.
52:35But what made the difference down the stretch?
52:39We're just trying to play solid defense.
52:40Talk to each other, help each other out.
52:42That was amazing tonight.
52:43You know, it was unbelievable.
52:44Like I said, I'm happy for our guys.
52:46And, you know, we've got a good victory at home.
52:49Big, big win, James.
52:50Thanks for your time.
52:50Back to you, Kevin.
52:52David, thank you as always.
52:53And that's going to do it tonight, folks, for our broadcast.
52:56Now for Greg Anthony, Steve Smith, and David Aldridge.
53:00This is Kevin Harlan.
53:02Thanks for watching the NBA here on 2K Sports.
53:05See you next time.
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