James Harden, Russell Westbrook help Rockets rout Blazers

James Harden Rockets

Houston Rockets’ James Harden (13) goes up for a shot as Portland Trail Blazers’ Skal Labissiere, right, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

HOUSTON — James Harden scored 36 points, Russell Westbrook had 28 points and a triple-double, and the Houston Rockets coasted to their eighth straight win, 132-108 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.

Westbrook had 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his third triple-double of the season and the 141st of his career after sitting out to rest in Houston’s last game on Saturday night.

The Rockets led by double digits for most of this one on a night they got starters Clint Capela and Danuel House back after both players had missed time with injuries.

Capela added a season-high 22 points and had 20 rebounds to become the first Rocket to have at least 20 rebounds in four straight games since Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes in 1971. Hayes sat courtside with fellow Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon to witness Capela’s big game.

Read more...