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Despite Terrible Defense, Rockets Take Second In A Row In Cleveland

Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) – Kevin Martin and Chase Budinger scored 30 points apiece, and Houston downed Cleveland, 124-119, at Quicken Loans Arena.

Courtney Lee and Luis Scola each chipped in 16 points for Houston, which was coming off Tuesday’s 108-100 win in Detroit.

Antawn Jamison paced the Cavaliers with 26 points, while Ramon Sessions totaled 20 points and 12 assists in defeat.

The Cavs, who entered the All-Star break winning two of their final three games, including a surprising decision over the two-time defending champion Lakers, were done in by allowing 27 second-chance points to their 14.

Manny Harris contributed 21 points for the hosts and hit a three-pointer to open the fourth-quarter scoring, tying the game, 91-91.

The Rockets scored the next seven points, though, and Martin and Budinger took over down the stretch to keep Houston in front.

Budinger, on his way to a career-high point total, made a layup to put the Rockets up 111-107 with two minutes to go, and Martin followed with back-to- back buckets, the second a dunk coming off a Kyle Lowry steal.

Jamison tried keeping the Cavs close by hitting a layup with 51.8 seconds left, but Martin and Budinger made a combined 9-of-10 from the foul line the rest of the way to secure the win.

Houston led 28-27 after the first, and both teams went on lengthy runs to offset one another in the second frame, which ended with Cleveland on top, 65-61.

Game Notes

Cavs guard Mo Williams did not play due to a sprained right ankle…Chuck Hayes pulled down 17 rebounds to go with 12 points for the Rockets, who won the battle on the glass, 57-37…Anthony Parker scored 19 points for Cleveland.

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Images by eflon used in background images under a Creative Commons license. Thank you.