If only Rajon Rondo had been banished from this playoff series before it started. Playing short-handed at guard seemed to energize the Dallas Mavericks, but it didn't prevent them from falling into a 3-0 hole after a 130-128 loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 3.
The Mavs were incredibly efficient in racing to a 72-65 halftime lead. It was by far the best half they've played in this series. But a 6-0 run late in that first half gave the Rockets some momentum that carried into the third quarter. James Harden, who'd been relatively quiet on offense by his standards in the first two games, hit 15-of-24 shots to finish with 42 points and nine assists. The Mavs chose not to help on Harden in this game, and he made them pay dearly.
"This game there were no traps or anything like that, they were just giving me lanes," Harden said. "They were letting me be aggressive. I shot it and read the plays and try to make the best decisions."
The Mavs had pulled to within 127-126 after Dirk Nowitzki drew a foul while attempting a 3-pointer and hit three free throws. With the crowd roaring, Harden launched a step-back jumper that rimmed out and then fell back through the hoop with 12 seconds left. It punctuated his remarkable evening. Rockets coach Kevin McHale compared Harden to an elite NFL quarterback who has learned how to prepare for every blitz.
It also helped the Rockets that Josh Smith and Corey Brewer continue to make huge contributions off the bench. The two combined for 33 points and six rebounds. The Mavs did a better job of defending the lobs that killed them in Game 2, but Dwight Howard did his damage with a staggering 26 rebounds.
Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said a play at the start of the fourth quarter where Devin Harris appeared to be shoved into the sideline by Howard while trying to grab a loose ball was stuck in his mind. Howard whipped a pass to Trevor Ariza who nailed a 3-pointer to give the Rockets a 104-99 lead.
"It turns into essentially a 5-6 point swing," Carlisle said. "That stuff's got to stop. The officials have to get that stuff under control, because there's too much physical stuff going on. Howard is theowing people all over the place. And that can't happen in Game 4."
Maybe Carlisle's words will make an impression on the officials for Game 4. But this series feels like it's over. The Mavs got a combined 68 points from Monta Ellis and Dirk Nowitzki...and couldn't scratch out the win. Maybe there's a reason the Rockets were the second seed. This team seems poised to stick around awhile in the playoffs.
The Mavs were a better team without Rondo on the court. They played at a much faster pace and put more pressure on the Rockets.
It was definitely addition by subtraction, but it's too late to save them this season. The annual hunt for a starting point guard will begin soon.
The Rockets will likely hasten that search when they discard the Mavs Sunday night. And Houston seems like a team that won't be satisfied with winning one series.
This suddenly looks like one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference. Or maybe it's just the Mavs' defense.
Either way, the end is near for Rick Carlisle's team. There will be no happy ending to this series.
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