Rockets, Down 13, Rally To Beat LA
Wizards Fend Off Heat Down Stretch
HOUSTON — Toney Douglas had a season-high 22 points and Greg Smith added a career-best 21 to help the Houston Rockets overcome a tough outing by James Harden to rally for a 107-105 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.
The Lakers had a 13-point lead with less than 10 minutes to go. But Houston used two big runs, including a 9-2 spurt capped by a 3-pointer from Douglas to take its first lead of the game — 100-99 — with about 2½ minutes left.
Dwight Howard made three free throws after that, but a bucket by Smith and four free throws by Houston put the Rockets back on top 106-102. Kobe Bryant hit a 3-pointer with 13.3 seconds left to cut the lead to one.
Bryant fouled Douglas and he made one of two free throws with 8.8 seconds left. The Lakers had a last chance, but Bryant missed a 3-point attempt.
WIZARDS 105, HEAT 101: In Washington, the Wizards can’t beat many teams, but they beat the best: LeBron James and the Miami Heat to double their victory total, despite James’ 26 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.
Jordan Crawford led Washington with 22 points, including three free throws in the final 11 seconds.
James missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer with 3.9 to go.
While the reigning NBA champion Heat’s six-game winning streak ended, and it fell to 12-4, the Wizards improved to 2-13. They started the season 0-12, but have won two of their last three games.
TIMBERWOLVES 105, 76ERS 88: In Philadelphia, Josh Howard had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead Minnesota past Philadelphia.
Alexey Shved hit four 3-pointers and scored 17 for the Timberwolves, who raced to a 23-point lead in the first half.
THUNDER 117, NETS 111: In New York, Kevin Durant scored 32 points, and Russell Westbrook had 25 points and nine assists as Oklahoma City beat Brooklyn for its sixth straight victory.
Deron Williams scored a season-high 34 points for the Nets, whose six-game home winning streak was snapped.
PACERS 80, BULLS 76: In Chicago, Paul George scored 34 points to lead Indiana to a win over Chicago.
George shot 14-for-25 and pulled down nine rebounds for the Pacers, who closed a 3-1 road swing.
Reserve Nate Robinson scored 19 points to lead the Bulls.
GRIZZLIES 108, SUNS 98 (OT): In Memphis, Tenn., Zach Randolph had 38 points and 22 rebounds, setting season highs in both categories, to carry Memphis down the stretch and in overtime for a victory over Phoenix.
Randolph was 15-of-22 from the field and he dominated in the latter stages of the fourth quarter and early minutes of overtime. He also recorded three blocks, two in overtime, as Memphis outscored the Suns 14-4 in the extra period, with all the Suns’ points coming at the foul line.