Jazz vs. Rockets Game 1 updates & highlights
Rockets 34, Jazz 21: END 1Q
Burks hits both free throws after a Nene shooting foul, and then assists on a Crowder layup as the Jazz try and close the gap. Paul hits another jumper, then Favors gets the Jazz within ten. With less than a second to go in the first quarter, the Rockets get a three from Luc Mbah a Moute, and carry a solid lead into the second.
Rockets 26, Jazz 16: 2:34 1Q
Harden put up the first points of the game for the Rockets with a driving layup, and then hit three consecutive free throws after a Mitchell shooting foul. Over aminute of misses for both teams, then Paul hits a 13-footer for Houston. Harden hits another layup, a jumper, and he’s just taking over this game to start! As expected, of course.
The Beard is up to 12 already! #Rockets | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/653NRee9Ja
— NBA (@NBA) April 29, 2018
Before the game
The Houston Rockets had the best record in the NBA and tied for the best home record, and they will enjoy their earned home court advantage by hosting the Utah Jazz beginning Sunday with Game 1 of their second-round NBA playoff series at the Toyota Center in Houston.
The Rockets were 34-7 at home this season, and have won 23 of their last 24 in Houston, including winning three times at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
The Utah Jazz are here after dispatching the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games, led by rookie extraordinaire Donovan Mitchell, who averaged 28.5 points and 7.2 boards in his first-ever playoff series.
Houston won all four regular season meetings against Utah this season by an average margin of 17.5 points. Their closest games were a pair of 11-point Rockets wins, both in Utah.
This is the eighth playoff series between the Rockets and Jazz, but the first since the 2008 first round. Utah has won five of their previous seven postseason series, but the two Houston wins came in their championship seasons in 1994 and 1995.
Rockets vs. Jazz Game 1 info
Location: Toyota Center, Houston
Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
Announcers: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
Online streaming: Watch ESPN