Houston was up by 18 with about five minutes left when Harden made a 3-pointer to make it 120-99. Westbrook collected his 10th assist when Harden made a layup with about 3 1/2 minutes for Houston’s next points and the pair along with P.J. Tucker headed to the bench for good after that.
CJ McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 25 points in a game where Damian Lillard shot just 4 of 15 and had 13 points.
Harden, who has scored at least 30 points in eight straight games, had six rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Houston led by 23 points entering the fourth quarter after scoring 35 points in a big third quarter. The Trail Blazers cut it to 102-85 with about 9 minutes to go but Westbrook had the next three points to pad the lead.
The Trail Blazers cut the lead to 11 with a 3-pointer by McCollum with about 8 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter. The Rockets then used a 19-6 run to make it 94-70 with about 2 1/2 minutes left in the period. Harden had six points in that stretch and Tucker made a 3-pointer and added five points.
The Rockets were up by 14 at halftime after a 15-point second quarter from Harden.
TIP-INS
Trail Blazers: Coach Terry Stotts said Carmelo Anthony is expected to join the team on Tuesday. Anthony hasn’t played in the NBA since Nov. 8, 2018, when he was with the Rockets … Portland made 11 of 36 3-pointers.
Rockets: G Eric Gordon spoke to reporters on Monday for the first time since having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last week. Gordon said he is feeling good and hopes to return around Christmas. … House returned after missing the last three games with a back injury. … Capela was back in the lineup after sitting out two games with a concussion.
UP NEXT
Trail Blazers: Visit New Orleans on Tuesday night.
Rockets: Visit Denver on Wednesday night.