Harden's 44 lead Rockets over Blazers

James Harden scored a season-high 44 points to help his team the Houston Rockets blow past the Portland Trail Blazers 110-95 Monday night at Toyota Center to end their two-game skid.

After two straight home losses, the Rockets were desperate to make amends Monday. And they did it. Despite an early deficit in the first quarter, they dominated the game in every way.

The Blazers had a good start, leading 12-4 at the beginning. But Harden precipitated an all-out offensive with his teammates and quickly cut the deficit. The Rockets led 37-33 entering the second quarter.

Harden proved unstoppable then. He scored 31 points with five assists and five steals by halftime, his career-best. And the Rockets enlarged the gap to 20 points.

The Blazers struggled to narrow the gap in the third quarter but to little avail. With Harden's successive scoring, Houston maintained their 20 points' advantage entering the last period.

Houston did not make mistakes in the fourth quarter and were able to hold on their momentum. With ease and grace, the Rockets cruised to victory to snap their two-game skid.

Harden finished the game with 44 points, seven assists and five steals. Dwight Howard chipped in 16 points and 13 rebounds. Damian Lillard scored 18 points and C.J. McCollum added 17 for Portland.

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