NBA Tuesday: Pacers remain unbeaten

Nope. Nope nope nope.

Then, Bargnani happened.

Dwight Howard had 29 points on 13 shots and grabbed 13 rebounds, and James Harden went for 33 on 18 shots as the Rockets controlled the second half on the road.

And they made it look pretty easy, too.

Houston shot better than 54 percent from the floor and dominated the Blazers on the glass by a 47-30 margin. Portland managed to shoot only 41 percent, and despite committing six fewer turnovers, they were kept at arm’s length for most of the second half.

• The Hook: Chris Paul is finally unleashed

George isn’t sneaking up on anyone this year after his breakout season in 2013-14, but what’s most impressive is the precision pass from Hibbert. It’s also further proof that the NBA is full of incredible athletes, lest we forget.

• The Hook: Chris Paul is finally unleashed

Beverley confirmed that he’s suit up and be on the floor during pregame and will surpass his original timetable as a result of the development.

The injury to his midsection was originally expected to keep him out 10-14 days, but he has been able to warm up and convince the team medical staff that he’s ready to suit up on Tuesday to face a young Blazers squad capable of scoring in bunches.

Other than a straight airball or an uncalled bank, there’s not a more embarrassing shot you can take than the off-the-side-of-the-backboard clunker. Sure, sometimes you just happen to be in the wrong spot on the court, but, in that case, why are you shooting it anyway?

But when Tim Hardaway, Jr. messed that one up tonight against the Bobcats, the surprisingly useful rookie answered with aplomb: by chasing the board, picking it up, and drilling another shot.

He appeared on the sidelines shortly afterward with a bag of ice on the ailing limb, but headed to the locker room not long after that, presumably for further evaluation. He left under his own power, but was walking with a noticeable limp.

Chandler was 1-for-1 with two points and two rebounds in seven minutes of play before exiting, and his return status is unknown.

#LePutBack.

• The Hook: Chris Paul is finally unleashed

AND RAY ALLEN DID THIS:

Reading material: SLC Dunk: Podcast, Nets Daily: game preview