James Harden was in inspiring form as the Houston Rockets saw off the Dallas Mavericks 104-97 at American Airlines Center for their fourth straight NBA win on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old point guard finished the game with a top score of 25 points and 13 assists for the Western Conference second side, while Wesley Matthews claimed 29 for the Mavericks who sit second bottom.
Got the W in Dallas! @JHarden13 25pts/13ast/5reb@TrevorAriza 23pts@TheofficialEG10 17pts pic.twitter.com/aRsyXiHHrT
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 25, 2018
Eastern Conference leaders the Boston Celtics returned to winning ways with a 113-102 victory over the LA Clippers at Staples Center.
Kyrie Irving recorded 20 points and seven assists, while Blake Griffin top scored with 23 for the Clippers, who have now lost three on the bounce.
The Toronto Raptors sit three points further back as they also bounced back from a loss with a 108-93 win over the Atlanta Hawks thanks to 19 points from Fred VanVleet.
Kyrie Irving put up 20 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST to give the @celtics the road win over the @LAClippers!#Celtics pic.twitter.com/FFwGAtKcf4
— NBA (@NBA) January 25, 2018
The Detroit Pistons suffered their sixth consecutive defeat as they were edged 98-95 by the Utah Jazz despite 30 points from Andre Drummond.
The New Orleans Pelicans won their third successive match with a 101-96 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center, Anthony Davis contributing 19 points for the winners.
#DamianLillard (31 PTS) and CJ McCollum (28 PTS) put up big performances to lead the @trailblazers passed the @Timberwolves at home!#RipCity pic.twitter.com/zdI8M3rX5X
— NBA (@NBA) January 25, 2018
Elsewhere, the Indiana Pacers beat the Phoenix Suns 116-101, the Chicago Bulls suffered a 115-101 defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers, the San Antonio Spurs saw off the Memphis Grizzlies 108-85 and the Portland Trail Blazers posted a 123-114 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
