NBA roundup: Harden's triple-double lifts Rockets

[November 18, 2016]  The Sports Xchange

HOUSTON -- James Harden posted his third triple double in five games and the Houston Rockets turned offensive blitzed in the first and third quarters into a 126-109 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night at Toyota Center.

Harden totaled 26 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds to pace the Rockets (7-5) while they shot 48.4 from the floor including 14 of 32 on 3-pointers. All five Houston starters reached double figures in points including guard Patrick Beverley, who scored 11 in his first start of the season following preseason left knee surgery.

Forward Trevor Ariza scored 16 points while center Clint Capela added 15. Each chipped in seven boards. Guard Eric Gordon added 16 points off the Houston bench.

Timberwolves 110, 76ers 86

MINNEAPOLIS -- Andrew Wiggins scored 35 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and 10 rebounds in a matchup of star young centers as Minnesota cruised to a victory against Philadelphia.

Wiggins added 10 rebounds and four assists, while shooting 14 of 20 as two of the four youngest teams in the NBA met for a nationally televised game showcasing the young skill of players like Wiggins, Towns and Philadelphia rookie center Joel Embiid.

Gorgui Dieng had his fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds for Minnesota, which won for the third time in five games. Dieng also helped limit Embiid to 10 points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes of action. It's the second straight double-double for Embiid and his third of the season. But the 7-footer entered the game leading all rookies with 18 points per game.

Heat 96, Bucks 73

MIAMI -- Dion Waiters scored 23 points and Miami snapped a six-game losing streak with a win over Milwaukee at AmericanAirlines Arena.

The losing skid was the longest since 2008 for the Heat.

The Heat got some revenge against the Bucks, who had won their previous three meetings in Miami. Even with the win, the Heat is just 2-6 in their past eight games against the Bucks.

Point guard Goran Dragic, who had missed the past three games due to an injured left ankle, returned to the starting lineup and contributed 16 points and four assists.

Wizards 119, Knicks 112

WASHINGTON -- John Wall had 23 points and 11 assists as Washington snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over New York.

The Wizards returned home after a demoralizing 109-102 loss Wednesday to a one-win Philadelphia 76ers squad during which they trailed by as many as 24 points.

Washington reversed course dramatically by sinking 15 of 25 3-pointers and limiting New York's offense for most of the game.

Bulls 85, Jazz 77

SALT LAKE CITY -- Jimmy Butler scored 20 points and Dwyane Wade added 18 to lead Chicago to its fourth consecutive victory, a decision over Utah.

Robin Lopez added 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulls, who won their third consecutive road game. Chicago overcame shooting 36.7 percent (33 of 90) from the floor by holding Utah to 38.5 percent (30 off 78) from the field.

Rudy Gobert scored 16 points, collected 13 rebounds and blocked three shots to lead the Jazz. Dante Exum chipped in 14 points and Rodney Hood added 12 for Utah, which lost its second straight home game.

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