ROCKETS WIN 15TH STRAIGHT AFTER DROPPING CELTICS

HOUSTON» Eric Gordon scored 29 points off the bench, James Harden had 26 points and 10 assists, and the Rockets outlasted the Celtics 123-120 on Saturday night to extend their winning streak to a season-high 15 games.

Houston trailed by six before using a 10-2 run, with the last five points coming from Trevor Ariza, to take a 117-115 lead with 1:16 remaining. Ariza made a 3-pointer before stealing the ball from Kyrie Irving and finishing with a basket on the other end to cap the run.

Al Horford missed shots on Boston’s next two possessions before Chris Paul made two free throws with 15 seconds left to push the lead to four.

Houston’s winning streak ties the second-longest in franchise history.

SATURDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS

Evan Fournier broke a tie on a long 3-pointer with 22.5 seconds left, and Orlando rookie Jonathan Isaac helped preserve the

Magic’s lead with his third block of the game in a 107-100 win that stretched the Grizzlies’ losing streak to 13 games. … Kelly Olynyk and Josh Richardson each scored 17 points, and the

Heat enhanced its playoff hopes with a 105-96 victory over the

Pistons. James Johnson scored 14 points, Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow each had 13 and Dwyane Wade added 11 for Miami. Hassan Whiteside grabbed 19 rebounds for the Heat.