The Houston Rockets secured a Game 2 win over rivals the Dallas Mavericks as the first-round playoff series shows signs of only going one way.
Dwight Howard led the way for the Rockets with 28 points as he and Josh Smith linked up perfectly for several lob passes and dunks with the latter putting up 15 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in the win.
James Harden added 24 points, but he wasn’t necessarily the biggest talking point this time round as Howard continued his improvement since returning from injury.
As for the Mavericks, it is becoming a case of how long they can extend the series as they continue to have their troubles with point guard Rajon Rondo receiving significant criticism.
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards are also in a strong position after winning both road games against the Toronto Raptors with John Wall and Bradley Beal stepping up in Game 2.
Wall had 26 points and 17 assists in the win while Beal added 28 points as the visitors had an answer every time Toronto made a run to close the gap and come within striking distance.
Dwane Casey’s men are certainly up against it now as they head to Washington for Game 3.
Elsewhere in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers are also 2-0 up after defeating the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night behind 30 points from LeBron James.
The Celtics wouldn’t go away in another competitive game, but James made the difference down the stretch as he scored 15 in the fourth quarter while Kyrie Irving added 26 points as the Cavs continue to march towards a series sweep.
NBA Results
Boston Celtics 91-99 Cleveland Cavaliers
Washington Wizards 117-106 Toronto Raptors
Dallas Mavericks 99-111 Houston Rockets
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