Howard has 21 points and 18 rebounds as Rockets beat 76ers 118-104
Dwight Howard had 21 points (18 in the paint) and 18 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets beat the Philadelphia 76ers 118-104.
The Rockets took control with a 29-12 run in the second quarter and led by as many as 16.
The 76ers got within 105-103 on Ish Smith’s floater with 4:04 to play, but Jason Terry answered with a corner 3-pointer, and the 76ers got no closer.
During clutch time, the Rockets outscored the 76ers 8-5. Terry scored 6 of the Rockets’ 8 on 2 for 2 shooting.
James Harden had 29 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists but shot 8 for 26.
For the 76ers, Smith scored 21 points.
The 76ers committed 19 turnovers to the Rockets’ 13. They gave up 17 offensive rebounds, about 6 more than usual for the shots the Rockets missed. The Rockets outscored the 76ers 26-14 on the fast break. The Rockets outscored the 76ers 14-4 in 5 minutes with Howard, Ariza, Harden, Beverley and McDaniels on the floor together.