NBA: Harden leads Rockets past Wizards

Houston, Feb 13 (IANS) James Harden led the Houston Rockets past the Washington Wizards 113-112 at Toyota center, their seventh straight win entering the All-Star break.

Houston had a good start in the first quarter Wednesday night, taking an early 12-point lead. But in the second quarter, Washington made a few runs and even overtook the host team midway through. The Rockets responded with an 11-4 run in the final two minutes before the halftime break, leading 63-54, reports Xinhua.

Houston continued their momentum in the third quarter, leading by as many as 19 points, before Trevor Ariza made 7-of-7 three-pointers for Washington, reducing the deficit to three points.

The Wizards had their chance to win the game when John Wall gave them the lead 112-110 with a pair of free throws with four seconds left. But Ariza’s foul against Harden gave Houston one free throw and a possession.

Harden hit the free throw and had a lay-up to snatch away the win from Wizards.

Harden had 35 points, six rebounds and six assists, Dwight Howard added 24 points with 16 rebounds and Jeremy Lin scored 16 points and had five assists.

Ariza had a season-high 32 points with a career-high ten three-pointers for the Wizards.