BEARD OVER BRON

Rockets sweep homestand as Harden, Rockets beat LeBron, Cavs

"This was as close to a playoff atmosphere that I've played in since the playoffs," said Trevor Ariza. The game had that kind of feel as the blistering Cleveland Cavaliers, winners of 18 of their last 21 games, took on the Houston Rockets with MVP candidates LeBron James and James Harden going head-to-head. Harden got it done. The Beard scored 33 points as the Rockets edged out the Cavs 105-103 in overtime in a game that was just awesome to witness. Harden and LeBron (37 points on 35 shots) dueled in the third quarter and beyond as they took turns going right at each other. It got heated, with bizarre calls, trash talking and a kick to the groin (by Harden to LeBron) highlighting the matchup. Ariza was terrific defensively, sticking with LeBron (15-35 shooting) most of the night. Terrence Jones again came up large, scoring 19 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. The Rockets were fortunate to pull it out considering how badly they were destroyed on the glass, getting beat 53-36 (Tristan Thompson grabbed 19 boards -- 11 offensive). Donatas Motiejunas scored 16 points, but grabbed just two rebounds in 31 minutes of play.