The Houston Rockets crosses the Lone Star State to visit the Dallas Mavericks. James Harden and H-Town had already defeated Big D three times this season, and another victory would complete their first four-game sweep of the hosts since the 1997-98 campaign.
The Mavs traded for Dirk Nowitzki at the very next draft, and would win nearly 60 percent of the clashes in this series over the next 18 years. But it has been a different story in 2016.
NBA: Harden's 34 points & 11 assists help Rockets go 4-0 vs. Mavs
A typically raucous reception for the German in Dallas. He tries to help the Mavs dig out of an early hole, but scores just 7 points in 15 minutes.
Deron Williams would contribute to the fightback, but half of his six points come on that three. Nowitzki cheering the effort, as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon.
With Houston's lead down to one, Eric Gordon finds Montrezl Harrell for the reverse. Seven off the bench for the second-year center.
Later in the second quarter, Tyler Ennis finds Ryan Anderson for three of his 22. The Rockets on an 11-0 run.
Harden soon makes it 16 unanswered, as the Beard fires away from behind the Nene screen. He would drill four treys before sitting down.
Harden also in a giving mood in the final minute of the opening half, dishing to Gordon for three of his 13.
After the break, Trevor Ariza gets into the swing of things, pulling up for the trifecta on his way to 9 points and 7 rebounds for Houston.
Rick Carlisle's timeout won't help the hosts. That's because Harden stops and pops from the land beyond, to finish with 34 points and 11 assists. The Rockets go on to win by 16.
Bradley scores 23 while Thomas adds 21 for triumphant Celtics
In Boston, Isaiah Thomas looks to lead the Celtics over Memphis.
The hosts in control as they work the ball to Avery Bradley for a running deuce late in the first quarter. Some nice teamwork putting the C's up by seven.
Tony Allen tries to bring the Grizzlies back, as he cuts the rack for the hoop and the harm, on his way to 17 against his old team.
But the Green and White are relentless. Thomas misses a triple, but Gerald Green grabs the rebound, takes the rock outside, and does what his teammate could not. Gerald with 19 off the pine.
After recess, Andrew Harrison dishes to Marc Gasol for the mid-range jumper. The Spaniard would finish with 26 points and 9 assists, as the visitors stay close.
The Grizz trim the gap to a pair, but Marcus Smart connects with Bradley for the hoop and the harm. Bradley leading Boston with 23 points.
Thomas would chip in with 21, but can't get the trey to fall as the shot clock expires. Green tracks down the rebound and drives in for the kiss off the glass. The Celtics push their cushion to six, and end up winning by 10.
In other action, Russell Westbrook's 15th triple-double of the season -- 29 points, 17 rebounds, and 11 assists -- paced OKC over Miami. And Joe Ingles hit a three with just over 20 seconds left to push Utah past the Lakers. Gordon Hayward led the Jazz with 31, while Julius Randle had 25 for L.A.
