Harden’s 57-point effort soothes Rockets
HOUSTON — James Harden scored a season-high 57 points to carry the shorthanded Houston Rockets to a 112-94 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.
The reigning MVP extended his streak of 30point games to 17 by halftime, pouring in 36 points over the first two quarters to put Houston on top. It is the longest such streak since Wilt Chamberlain had 20 consecutive games of at least 30 points in 1964.
It is the franchise-record 14th time Harden has scored 40 this season and the eighth time in his last 11 games. It also is the third time he has topped 50 points this season and the 12th time in his career. He surpassed his previous season best of 54 against Washington and fell just shy of the career-high and club-record 60 points he scored last January against Orlando. After his huge first half, Memphis double-teamed Harden on almost every possession in the first few minutes of the third quarter, and he didn’t score again until there were about five minutes left in the period. That basket was the start of an 11-0 run capped by a 3-pointer from Harden that pushed the Rockets’ lead to 76-60 with about 3½ minutes remaining in the third.
A 3-pointer by JaMychal Green got the Grizzlies within 12 later in the third before Harden scored five quick points to make it 8770.
Garrett Temple and Mike Conley scored 14 each for the Grizzlies, who lost for the eighth time in nine games.
Harden’s big game came on a night when the Rockets were without three starters as center Clint Capela joined Chris Paul and Eric Gordon on the injured list after he hurt his right thumb Sunday night.
Harden also made 15 of 17 free throws and had nine rebounds, two assists and two steals.
NETS 109, CELTICS 102
D’Angelo Russell scored 18 of his 34 points in the third quarter as Brooklyn ended a 10-game losing streak to Boston with a 109102 victory at New York.
With Kyrie Irving nursing a bruised right quadriceps, the Nets blew open the game with a 15-0 run in the third quarter and outscored the Celtics 44-21 in the period.
Jarrett Allen added 19 points and 12 rebounds for Brooklyn, which has won nine of its last 10 home games.
Jayson Tatum scored 34 points for Boston, which dropped games at Miami and Orlando to start its trip. Jaylen Brown added 22 points.
JAZZ 100, PISTONS 94
Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points, and Rudy Gobert tied a career high with 25 rebounds to propel Utah past visiting Detroit.
Kyle Korver had 19 points, including five 3pointers, to help the Jazz win for the sixth time in seven games. Gobert finished with 18 points and two blocks.
Blake Griffin scored 19 pointsfor the Pistons, who have lost five of six.
PELICANS 121, CLIPPERS 117
Anthony Davis had 46 points and 16 rebounds to lead New Orleans to a victory at Los Angeles.
Julius Randle added 27 points, and Jrue Holiday contributed 19 for the Pelicans.
Montrezl Harrell and Danilo Gallinari scored 26 and 25 points, respectively, for the Clippers.
KINGS 115, BLAZERS 107
De'Aaron Fox scored 16 points, had nine assists and made a key 3-pointer with 1:30 remaining as Sacramento beat visiting Portland.
Buddy Hield scored 19 pointsfor the Kings, who have won three in a row.
Damian Lillard had 35 points to become the fastest player in Trail Blazers history to reach 12,000 for his career.