Houston, Oct 25 (IANS): James Harden scored 25 points to lead the Houston Rockets past the San Antonio Spurs 96-87 in their last pre-season game at the Toyota Center here.
The Rockets Friday night played without centre Dwight Howard, who suffered a laceration in his right forearm that required stitches, reports Xinhua.
The host team, nonetheless, played great defence and enjoyed a big lead throughout the game.
Harden scored 20 points in the third quarter alone, despite a lax performance in the first half in which he only managed five. He rested during the final period.
Isaiah Canaan chipped in 18 points for the Rockets, while Terrence Jones and Trevor Ariza added 11 points apiece.
Marco Belinelli led the Spurs with 19 points, Danny Green scored 14 and Tim Duncan had 11 points.