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Chris Paul Scores 27, James Harden 24 as Rockets take 3-1 lead over Jazz

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Sunday, May 6, 2018, in Salt Lake City. (Rick Bowmer / Associated Press)
Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY – Chris Paul had 27 points and 12 rebounds while James Harden scored 24 points to power the Houston Rockets to a 100-87 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday night, taking a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series.

Paul, playing the sidekick to Harden for most of his first season in Houston, took center stage, controlling the tempo and getting to his favorite spots as the Rockets led from start to finish.

Donovan Mitchell scored 25 before fouling out and Joe Ingles had 15 for the Jazz.

Mitchell started finding lanes to the basket late and got the Jazz within 85-80 after he fueled a 10-2 run. But Paul, who matched his scoring high for this playoff run, hit a pull-up jumper and found Trevor Ariza for a 3-pointer to put the Rockets back up by double digits and they never looked back.