Harden helps Rockets top slumping Nuggets

James Harden scored 19 of his 22 points in the second half and the Houston Rockets pulled away to beat Denver 109-99 on Tuesday night, sending the Nuggets to a fourth straight loss.

Harden also had 11 assists, with several going to Clint Capela, who led the Rockets with 24 points, including a series of dunks. Chris Paul added 21 points for Houston, playing for a third straight game without Carmelo Anthony because of what the team said was an illness. CAVALIERS 113, HORNETS 89 >> Jordan Clarkson scored 24 points, Tristan Thompson had 21 rebounds and 11 points, and the injury-riddled Cavaliers won for the second time this season.

Kemba Walker, the league’s third-leading scorer, was held to a season-low seven points and was 2 for 16 from the field. The Hornets star guard was averaging 27.9 points going into the game.

Forwards Kyle Korver (sore right foot) and Cedi Osman (back spasms) didn’t play for the Cavs, joining All-Star forward Kevin Love (foot surgery), starting point guard George Hill (hamstring) and forward Sam Dekker (ankle).

LEVERT AVOIDS SERIOUS INJURY >> The Brooklyn Nets said leading scorer Caris LeVert suffered a dislocation of his right foot and no fractures, and he could return this season. That’s far better than what was feared when LeVert’s leg appeared to bend in a gruesome manner after he leaped to block a shot during Monday’s game in Minnesota.