Harden stars as Rockets soar, Clippers hold off Trail Blazers
The Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to seven NBA games thanks to the help of James Harden, while the Los Angeles Clippers recorded back-to-back victories.
Harden had a double-double as the streaking Rockets overcame the Brooklyn Nets 122-118 on Monday.
The Clipper used a 38-point opening quarter to edge the Portland Trail Blazers 121-120.
DeMar DeRozan starred as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 122-100.
HARDEN LEADS THE WAY… AGAIN!
If there is one thing guaranteed in the NBA, it is Harden being at the centre of attention for the Rockets.
On Monday, Harden posted 36 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds to guide the Rockets.
Eric Gordon put up 24 points for the Nets, while Brooklyn were led by Brook Lopez’s 26.
CLIPPERS WIN AGAIN
After back-to-back defeats, the Clippers now have consecutive wins.
Usual suspects Blake Griffin (26 points, 12 rebounds) Â and Chris Paul (21 points, 14 assists) came up big for the Clippers again, posting respective double-doubles.
DEROZAN LIFTS RAPTORS
Another night and another impressive performance from DeMar DeRozan.
This time, he scored 30 points on just 11 shot attempts in a win over the Bucks. Terrence Ross also stepped up by pouring in a season-high 25 points in just 21 minutes of playing time.
Giannis Antetokounmpo tried to lead a Bucks comeback by scoring 30 points with eight rebounds and five assists, but it was not enough to overpower Toronto’s rabid backcourt.
PAUL FROM DOWNTOWN
CP….3! We’re down to the wire on @NBATV. #NBARapidReplay https://t.co/m0jI4MFhBA
— NBA (@NBA) December 13, 2016
Trevor Ariza with the big time block on #NBA League Pass! pic.twitter.com/TpjPqALflO
— NBA (@NBA) December 13, 2016
HEAT DOWN WIZARDS Â
Miami Heat Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside did their best to turn things around in the 112-101 win over the Washington Wizards.
Dragic racked up 34Â points with five rebounds and five assists, and Whiteside scored 17Â points with 16 rebounds.
Elsewhere, the Indiana Pacers were too good for the Charlotte Hornets 110-94, the Dallas Mavericks trumped the Denver Nuggets 112-92, while the Los Angeles Lakers lost 116-92 to the Sacramento Kings.
CAVS, WARRIORS TAKE TO THE COURT
Reigning champions the Cleveland Cavaliers are in action against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. The Golden State Warriors meet the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Trail Blazers.
