Behind James Harden’s 26 points, Dwight Howard’s high-flying theatrics and a well-rounded effort from Houston’s supporting cast, the Rockets escaped New York with a 116-111 overtime win against the Knicks on Sunday.
Trevor Ariza’s tiebreaking three-pointer and Marcus Thornton’s two free throws late in the extra session concluded matters.
The 7-10 Rockets have now won two in a row.
Per the AP:
James Harden led Houston with 26 points. Thornton and Clint Capela each had 18 and Ariza finished with 16. […] Arron Afflalo had 31 points for the Knicks, who played without leading scorer Carmelo Anthony because of an illness. Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points and 13 rebounds./em>
The Rockets, after scoring the first four points of the game, didn’t lead again until overtime. […] “It was a lesson in perseverance,” said interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “We got down, but we didn’t give in. It is a credit to our guys’ mental toughness and fortitude.”
“We fought. It wasn’t an easy game,” Harden said. “Guys had confidence in their shots and knocked them down.”