Harden scores 44 in Rockets victory over Grizzlies

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after scoring a three-point basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. | AP Photo/Brandon Dill

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  — James Harden scored 44 points, and the Houston Rockets recovered from a poor performance a night earlier at Miami for a 107-100 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night (Tuesday morning, November 5, 2019, Philippine time).

Harden carried the load for the Rockets, who shot 38 percent from the field and were without Russell Westbrook, who took the night off for rest. The former MVP finished 12 of 28 from the field, including 7 of 16 from 3-point range. He added 10 rebounds and six assists.

Eric Gordon added 16 points, while Danuel House Jr. scored 15. Clint Capela had 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Rookie Ja Morant led Memphis with 23 points and six assists. Dillon Brooks scored 17 points. Jonas Valanciunas had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The game got testy with about two minutes left when Grizzlies forward Jae Crowder appeared to take a shot to the groin while guarding Harden. After the foul was called on Crowder, Harden and the Grizzlies exchanged words, leading to Crowder’s ejection. Harden was called for a flagrant-1 foul after a review by officials.

Memphis got within 102-95 with 1:54 left, but Harden’s 3-pointer on the next possession put the game out of reach.

The first half was much better for the Rockets than Sunday night at Miami, where they trailed by as many as 41 to the Heat before losing 129-100. Houston was competitive against Memphis and a late burst in the half gave the Rockets a 62-60 lead at intermission.

Harden had 25 points by halftime. Morant led Memphis at the break with 12.

There were 15 ties and seven lead changes, and the game was still close past the midway point of the third before Houston used an 11-0 run to build a cushion.