The first half of Monday night’s Rockets-Timberwolves Game 4 was a very even battle at the Target Center. Houston took a one-point, 50-49 lead into halftime.
And then the third quarter happened.
The Rockets outscored the Timberwolves 50-20 in the third quarter, to lead 100-69 entering the fourth quarter. Yes, FIFTY points. It’s a Houston franchise playoff record, and is the second-highest point total for a playoff quarter in NBA history.
The Rockets' 50 3rd-quarter points are the 2nd-most in a quarter in NBA postseason history, behind the Lakers' 51 in 1962 against the Detroit Pistons.
In the 3rd quarter, Houston shot 61% overall and 69% on 3-pointers. pic.twitter.com/uefyyzJOwg
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 24, 2018
The #Rockets won the third quarter, 50-20. They are on a 69-30 run since trailing by 8 with 7:00 to go until halftime.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 24, 2018
James Harden scored 22 of his 36 points in the third quarter.
The Beard #Rockets his way to 22 in the 3rd as HOU scores 50!#NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/HXPhPv6Oh2
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2018
And Eric Gordon hit a buzzer-beating three to give the Rockets the 50-point quarter and 100 points in the game:
The Rockets (obviously) went on to win the game, 119-100. With a 3-1 lead and two games if necessary still in Houston, the Rockets basically locked up the series with the Game 4 victory.
Related: The TNT broadcast of the game had some bizarre moments.
