James Harden extends streak of consecutive 30-point games to 22 as Houston Rockets win
James Harden scores 35 for his 22nd straight 30-point game as Rockets hold off a late charge from Raptors
Saturday 26 January 2019 12:54, UK
James Harden extended his streak of consecutive 30-point games to 22 but had plenty of help as the Houston Rockets claimed a 121-119, wire-to-wire victory over the visiting Toronto Raptors.
Harden continued his recent struggles from behind the three-point line, missing 11 of 13 attempts. However, he relied on a variety of floaters and a 15-for-15 performance from the free throw line to produce a game-high 35 points.
The Rockets claimed back-to-back victories for the first time this month while the Raptors dropped back-to-back games for the first time since mid-December.
Live NBA: San Antonio @ New Orleans
Eric Gordon gave Houston a 119-108 lead with two free throws at the 1:19 mark, then Toronto closed with a dramatic 11-2 run.
After Kawhi Leonard (32 points, seven rebounds, five assists) misfired on a three-pointer at the buzzer the Rockets held on to win.
Kenneth Faried, making his home debut for the Rockets, posted an energetic double-double (21 points, 14 rebounds). Gordon added 24 points, PJ Tucker 18 and Austin Rivers 13 for Houston.
"The lift was great," Harden said. "Kenneth brought the energy that we've been waiting on."
Up next the Rockets hot Orlando on Sunday night, while the Raptors visit Dallas.
