James Harden’s 40 points not enough as Rockets’ winning streak ends in Toronto

James Harden’s 40 points were not enough as the Houston Rockets’ 17-game winning streak fizzled out on Friday night.

The Rockets had not tasted defeat since a 115-113 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on January 26, but were quickly under the cosh against the Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors took a 19-point lead in the second quarter but the Rockets rallied with a Harden three-pointer tying things up 102-102 with two minutes to play before half-time.

But Harden missed a deep three as time ran out as the Raptors took a 108-105 win, Kyle Lowry scoring 30 and DeMar DeRozan adding 23 for the home side.

Another side who saw their winning streak come to an end was the Pelicans who were aiming for their 11th straight win but without the help of Anthony Davis who was ruled out injured.

The Washington Wizards outscored the Pelicans in all but the last quarter as they wrapped up a 116-97 victory.

The Utah Jazz beat the Memphis Grizzlies 95-78, while Victor Oladipo’s 17 points helped the Indiana Pacers beat the Atlanta Hawks 112-87.

Blake Griffin scored 25 points as the Detroit Pistons overcame the Chicago Bulls 99-83 while the Sacramento Kings beat the Orlando Magic 94-88.

The Portland Trail Blazers beat Golden State Warriors who were without Steph Curry 125-108, despite Kevin Durant scoring 40 points while the LA Clippers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-102.