James Harden keeps streak going, leads Rockets past Jazz

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz’s Jae Crowder, left, and Ricky Rubio (3) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

SALT LAKE CITY — James Harden had 43 points for his 26th straight game with at least 30 points in the Houston Rockets’ 125-98 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night.

Harden’s 30-point streak is the third-longest in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s runs of 65 and 31 games. Harden also had 12 rebounds, six steals, five assists and four blocks. He was 12 of 22 from the field, making 4 of 12 3-pointers, and made all 15 of his free throws.

Gerald Green added 25 points, and Kenneth Faried had 16 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out with 5:07 remaining. Houston snapped a two-game losing streak, holding the Jazz to 36 percent shooting and forcing 23 turnovers.

Donovan Mitchell had 26 points and nine assists for Utah. Rudy Gobert added 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Harden fueled the bulk of a 17-4 run that put Houston up 60-48 with 30.1 seconds left in the first half, making three baskets and four free throws. He punctuated it by scoring on three consecutive possessions.

TIP INS

Rockets: Chris Paul did not play to rest after scoring 20 points and adding six assists against Denver on Friday night. … Houston improved to 5-3 in the second game of back-to-backs.

Jazz: Mitchell is 14 of 42 from the field in his last two games. … Utah outscored Houston 19-0 in fast-break points.

UP NEXT

Rockets: At Phoenix on Monday night.

Jazz: Host Phoenix on Wednesday night.