Rockets annihilate Cavaliers, win 120-88

The Rockets handed the Cavaliers one of their worst losses of the season as the Rockets went into Cleveland and beat the Cavs 120-88 Saturday night.

Cleveland looked like the team was a step behind Houston all night and the team took advantage from the get go and never took their foot off the gas.

The Rockets led by 26 at halftime and led by as many as 35 in the second half. It was safe to say the Cavs looked more like the Cleveland Browns tonight than themselves.

The Rockets’ strong efforts were paired with the Cavs’ weak showing as the team shot a dismal 38.4 percent from the floor. Houston countered by shooting 47.8 percent and sinking 19 threes compared to Cleveland’s eight makes from beyond the arc.

From an individual standpoint, the Rockets were led by Chris Paul, who scored 22 points, dished out 11 dimes, and grabbed eight rebounds. Paul had a team-high +47, which is absolutely incredible. Ryan Anderson also had a very good night, making five threes en route to 21 points for the big man.

All five starters ended the game in double figures and Gerald Green also achieved the feat off the bench with 17 points. Green also had three blocks in the first half, which was a sign of the defense’s strength. The team held the Cavs to just 38.4 percent shooting from the floor overall.

The Cavs had a poor offensive showing from every player. Isaiah Thomas and J.R. Smith led all Cleveland scorers with 12 points, and LeBron James only had 11. The team got down early and their play reflected a defeated attitude. For majority of the game, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson discussed how poorly the Cavs were playing.

Coach Van Gundy did throw some love the Rockets way and had a lot of great things to say about Markel Brown when he entered the game during garbage time. Brown made his Rockets debut tonight and scored two points.

The Rockets have now won their fourth straight and are 2-0 on their current road trip. Their 38-13 record is tied for the greatest record in franchise history through 51 games. A win on Tuesday would give them the greatest start in franchise history. The team now heads to Brooklyn to face the Nets Tuesday night. Tipoff is at 6:30 CT.