By Adrian Stewart Co
James Harden posted a triple-double as he powered Brooklyn Nets to a 132-114 triumph over former team Houston Rockets in the 2020-2021 NBA Season on Wednesday night (Thursday in the Philippines).
Playing at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas for the first time since being traded to the Nets, Harden received jeers from the Rockets fans present but it did not affect his game.
Harden finished with 29 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds as the Nets remained at second place in the East with 24-13, just behind 24-12 Philadelphia 76ers, which defeated West top team Utah Jazz (27-9), 131-123.
Kyrie Irving added 24 markers, Joe Harris, Bruce Brown and Nicholas Claxton contributed 19, 17 and 16 markers, respectively, for the Nets, which were without injured Kevin Durant and Jeff Green.
The Nets has been dominant since the start as they led 67-54 at the half that later widened to 80-59 but the Rockets went on a huge rally to trim the deficit to 80-90.
The Rockets were still hanging around at 95-105 in the fourth but Harden ignited the offense for Brooklyn with eight consecutive points for a 129-109 advantage with over a minute left.
John Wall top-scored with 36 points, Victor Oladipo added 33 markers, while Ja’Sean Tate contributed 12 markers as the Rockets slumped to 11-23 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. fired 19 points each, Josh Richardson added 16 as the Luka Doncic-less Dallas Mavericks prevailed over Oklahoma City Thunder, 87-78.
Trae Young fired 32 points and eight assists, while Danilo Gallinari added 23 markers as the Atlanta Hawks cruised to a 115-112 victory over Orlando Magic.
In other results, Detroit Pistons routed Toronto Raptors, 129-105; Indiana Pacers trampled Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-111; Charlotte Hornets edged Minnesota Timberwolves, 135-102; and Chicago Bulls beat New Orleans Pelicans, 128-124.
BOX SCORE:
BROOKLYN 132 – Harden 29, Irving 24, Harris 19, Brown 17, Claxton 16, Shamet 11, Jordan 10, Johnson 6, Roberson 0, Chiozza 0, Cook 0.
HOUSTON 114 – Wall 36, Oladipo 33, Tate 12, McLemore 10, Patton 10, Brown 9, Jones 4, Tucker 0.
Quarterscores: 30-27, 67-54, 101-85, 132-114./ASC, WDJ