Harden's 49 lifts Rockets, Bucks opens their restart with W

Robert Covington doing some heroic deeds for Rockets | Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

By: Gil Mar Moriones 

MANILA, Philippines - Big blowout committed by the Dallas Mavericks as James Harden contributed 49 points as the almost depleted Houston Rockets made an impressive win in the bubble, Saturday (Manila time). 

Russel Westbrook came out of nowhere as he cleaned up the missed cue from deep trey by Harden to cut their sufferings within four, 133-129 with 1:46 remaining in the 4th quarter Luka Doncic answered back with driving layup and one to grow their lead, 135-129. 

Doncic again located Maxi Kleber, no guarding him from corner to freely throw his shot and it sank to advance their digits into eight, 138-131 with 45.5 seconds left. 

But Harden blew his reply as he step back three bomb to cut their deficit into four, 134-138, 39.9 seconds remained. 

A big blow on the part of Mavericks, as Seth Curry only made one of two clutch freethrows to make it one possession game for Rockets. After Houston called timeout, Harden got the ball from the inbound and he was fouled from downtown with 3.9 seconds left. 

The Beard only made one throw from the line and Robert Covington tipped it in to make it even at 139 and they successfully forced an overtime. 

Doncic recorded triple double stats with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists while Kripstaps Porzingis with impressive double double tally with 39 points and 16 rebounds. 

Alongside with Harden, Westbrook ended with 31 points and 11 rebounds. 

Giannis Antetokoumpo and the Milwaukee Bucks started their restart with their impressive win against the contender champs of East, Boston Celtics. 

Jaylen Brown made it equal to 105 with his fade shot with 3:07 left in 4th quarter 

Antetokoumpo just abandoned Jayson Tatum who in attempt to swipe the ball and he went drive to the hoop and one to grow their margin plus a bonus, 113-110 and he ended the deal with hook and a foul. 

Giannis listed 36 points and 15 rebounds while Brown contributed to 22 points and four rebounds.