Rockets get by Wolves in 3rd OT
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The Houston Rockets seemed headed to an easy victory over the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, cruising to a 17-point lead in the first quarter.
They ended up enduring a half-court buzzer beater, three overtimes and a record-setting performance by Al Jefferson.
Aaron Brooks scored a career-high 43 points, Chuck Hayes grabbed a career-best 17 rebounds and the Rockets beat Minnesota 120-114 in triple overtime.
"This was one heck of a game," Hayes said. "I'm just happy that after three hours, we were able to come out on top."
Jefferson pulled down a franchise-record 26 rebounds and scored 26 points for the Timberwolves, playing the team's first ever three-overtime game.
"We kept fighting and got back into the game," Jefferson said. "I'm really crushed. It took a lot out of us."
The Rockets led most of the way but Corey Brewer swished a half-court shot as the buzzer sounded in regulation to tie it at 89 and force an unexpected overtime period.
Make that three.
Trevor Ariza scored 19 points and Shane Battier added 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Rockets, who beat the Timberwolves for the 10th straight time but never struggled like this.
"This game would've been a shame to lose," Battier said. "If we would've lost, this really would've hurt."
Ryan Gomes scored 18 points, Wayne Ellington added 17 and Brewer scored 14 for Minnesota.
The Rockets led by five early the first extra period but the Timberwolves rallied and went ahead 98-96 on Ellington's 3-pointer. Brooks hit two free throws with 1:25 left to tie it again and both teams missed potential winning shots in the last minute.
Jefferson hit a pair of free throws and a hook shot to give Minnesota a 102-98 lead early in the second overtime. Ariza hit a jumper from the wing, then converted a three-point play.
Ellington lost the ball at midcourt with 16.9 seconds left, Brooks' free throws put Houston up 105-102 but Ellington tied it again with a 3-pointer with 8.4 seconds left.
"I am very proud of the way we fought back," Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis said. "This is a great example of what happens when you keep playing the game."
Brooks swished a 3-pointer in the first minute of the third extra period but Hayes fouled out when he bumped Jefferson on a layup. Carl Landry's turnaround gave the Rockets a 110-107 lead before Jefferson answered again.
Ariza sank two free throws, Gomes was called for an offensive foul and Battier sank a 3-pointer from the corner with 1:55 left to give the Rockets a 115-109 lead. Houston hit enough free throws at the end to escape with their eighth straight home victory.
"When you get into overtime like that, sometimes the way the ball bounces could determine the game," Brooks said. "The ball bounced our way this time."
