Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) brings the ball up the court as he is defended by Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) in the second half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, in Houston. AP
HOUSTON, Texas—James Harden had 26 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds for his third triple-double of the season to help the Houston Rockets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 126-109 on Thursday night.
Harden completed the triple-double in the third quarter. The Rockets rebounded a night after scoring just three points in the final 6 minutes in a 105-103 loss in Oklahoma City.
Tied at 62 at the half, Houston took a 100-83 lead into the fourth quarter in its highest-scoring games of the season.
C.J. McCollum led Portland with 26 points, Maurice Harkless had 19, and Damian Lillard 18, his second-lowest output of the season.
Rockets starting point guard Patrick Beverley made his season debut after missing the first 11 games following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Limited to 25 minutes, Beverley had 11 points, three assists and three blocks.
Playing without backup center Nene, Houston frequently featured smaller lineups with Montrezl Harrell filling in with interior defense while starting center Clint Capela was on the bench. Capela had 15 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, while Harrell added nine points and eight rebounds off the bench.