James Harden has admitted that the Houston Rockets struggled to handle the tactics adopted by the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.
The Rockets were defeated 99-98 in a tense game at the Toyota Center and Harden claims that the persistent fouling on teammate Dwight Howard by the Lakers was a big reason behind the loss.
"I was in a rhythm, and then they started fouling Dwight," Harden, who scored 35 points, told journalists after the game.
"It kind of slows us down. It slows our pace down and what we like to do. Good coaching."
Despite the regular opportunities, Howard missed seven late free throws against his former side.