Rockets’ winning streak reaches 17

James Harden scored 26 points, Eric Gordon had 18 points and two momentum-swinging three-point baskets in the third quarter, and the Houston Rockets beat the host Milwaukee Bucks 110-99 on Wednesday night for their 17th consecutive victory.

The Rockets passed the Boston Celtics for the longest winning streak in the NBA this season. Houston hasn’t lost since Jan. 26 at New Orleans.

Trailing by about 10 points for most of the fourth quarter, Milwaukee got within 104-99 with 1 minute 6 seconds to play on Sterling Brown’s layup.

Chris Paul, who had 16 points and 11 assists, answered with a short floater in the lane with 45 seconds left after driving on Jason Terry to silence Bucks fans who were pleading “Defense! Defense!”

Houston obliged after forcing the Bucks to waste 15 seconds on the ensuing inbounds pass and settle for an off-balance three-point shot that missed. The Rockets led comfortably from there.

The Bucks got 30 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Cleveland LeBron James 113, scored at Denver 39 points, 108: including had 10 assists nine down for the the Cavaliers, stretch, who and squandered a 16-point lead. James made one off-balanced shot after another in the waning minutes. The Nuggets didn’t take their first lead until 8:35 remaining

Toronto 121, at Detroit 119 (OT):

Fred VanVleet scored the winning basket from the left corner with 1.1 seconds remaining in overtime and the Raptors became the first team to clinch a playoff berth. DeMar DeRozan scored 42 points to help the Raptors rally from a 17-point deficit in the second quarter.

Utah 104, at Indiana 84: Rudy Gobert had 23 points and 14 rebounds, Donovan Mitchell scored 20 points and the Jazz ended the Pacers’ winning streak at four games. The Jazz are 15-2 in their last 17 games.

at Chicago 119, Memphis 110: Lauri Markkanen scored 22 points, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn each had 21 and the Bulls hung on to hand the Grizzlies their 15th consecutive loss. Chicago had a 21-point lead whittled to one point.

New Orleans 114, at Sacramento

101: Anthony Davis scored 17 points before rolling his left ankle and leaving in the third quarter, and the Pelicans matched a franchise record with their 10th victory in a row. The five-time All-Star remained in the game briefly before being taken to the locker room. X-rays were negative.

at Lakers 108, Orlando 107