Hardened Nets down Rockets

JAMES Harden has returned to Houston for the first time since his tumultuous departure from the Rockets, posting a triple-double to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 132-114 victory over his former NBA team.

Harden, greeted by a first-quarter video tribute, cheers and a smattering of boos, delivered 29 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists to fuel Brooklyn, where he finally landed in January after demanding a trade.

“A lot of mixed emotions,” Harden said of returning to the Rockets’ home court.