Cavs top Rockets for back-to-back victories

Collin Sexton scored a season-high 29 points and the Cavaliers overcame 40 points by Houston’s James Harden to win consecutive games for the first time this season, beating the Rockets, 117-108.

Rookie Collin Sexton scored a season-high 29 points and the Cavaliers overcame 40 points by Houston’s James Harden to win consecutive games for the first time this season, beating the Rockets, 117-108, on Nov. 24.

Sexton, taken with the eighth pick in the draft, was 14 for 21 from the floor and hit several key baskets in the second half as the Cavaliers held off multiple runs from the Rockets.

Cleveland (4-14) won 121112 in Philadelphia on Nov. 23 and rode that momentum against the Rockets, who played without star point guard Chris Paul.

Harden, playing the entire second half, was 14 for 30 from the floor with 13 assists. The reigning MVP scored 24 points in the first half, including 15 for the second straight night in the first quarter. Harden has scored at least 30 points in four consecutive games.

Harden made two free throws in the third quarter, but both were waved off because of his own foul line violations.

Paul, who is second on the team in scoring and leads Houston in assists, was rested after the Rockets lost in overtime to Detroit on Friday. Eric Gordon started at point guard and scored 28 points.

Tristan Thompson had 16 points and 20 rebounds for Cleveland.

TONY DEJAK — ASSOCIATED PRESS The Cavaliers’ Tristan Thompson drives to the basket against the Rockets’ Eric Gordon during the first half Nov. 24 at Quicken Loans Arena.