Rockets blow past Hornets to end losing streak

James Harden scored 36 points -- including a career high eight 3-pointers on 11 attempts -- to lead the Houston Rockets blow past the Charlotte Hornets 102-83 Wednesday night at Toyota Center, snapping their two-game skid.

The Rockets struggled much part of their last game in 2014, especially in the first half. They trailed by 2 points at the end of the first quarter, erased the deficit in the second and led by 2 in their turn by halftime.

Then Harden and Patrick Beverley stood out. Beverley scored eight consecutive scores to help Houston consolidate their advantage. Harden alone contributed 15 points in the third quarter. The Rockets were leading 76-68 entering the final period.

Houston became unstoppable as Charlotte slackened their defense. A spurt of 8-0 by Harden quickly enlarged their lead to 20 points, and the Hornets had no way but to face their fourth straight loss.

Harden finished the game with 36 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Beverley chipped in 14 points while Dwight Howard had 11 points with eight boards.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Gerald Henderson scored 16 points apiece for the Hornets. Their leading scorer Al Jefferson was out with a left groin strain.

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